There are few things that get Warhammer fans fired up quite like the words Dawn of War.
For many hobbyists, the original Dawn of War games were their first proper step into the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Before they owned a Combat Patrol, rolled a single dice, or accidentally glued their finger to a Space Marine, they were commanding squads of warriors across brutal battlefields on PC.
Now, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is on the way, and it looks set to throw a very large, very angry power fist into the autumn gaming calendar.
The new game is currently due to release on 17 September 2026 for PC, with players who pick up the Commander Edition able to begin three days earlier from 14 September 2026. For Warhammer fans old and new, that means September could be a huge month for the hobby.
And yes, if you suddenly feel the urge to build an army after watching the trailer, that is completely normal....decide for yourself below
What Is Dawn of War IV?
Dawn of War IV is the next entry in the legendary Warhammer 40,000 real-time strategy series. The game returns to Kronus, the war-torn planet made famous by Dawn of War: Dark Crusade, and brings several iconic factions back into the fight.
Confirmed forces include:
- Blood Ravens
- Dark Angels
- Adeptus Mechanicus
- Necrons
- Orks
The game is expected to feature a full campaign, skirmish battles, multiplayer, the return of Last Stand, and a roadmap of free updates and paid DLC after launch.
In other words: plenty of reasons for the internet to start shouting “For the Emperor!” again.
Why Dawn of War IV Matters for the Tabletop Hobby
Video games are often one of the easiest ways into Warhammer 40,000. They give you the atmosphere first: the towering Space Marines, the endless Ork hordes, the silent Necron legions, the weird mechanical mystery of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Then the dangerous thought appears:
“I could build an army like that.”
That’s where the tabletop hobby begins.
Warhammer 40,000 is much more than a game on a screen. It’s collecting, building, painting, customising and battling with miniatures you have made your own. Dawn of War IV might let you command an army, but the tabletop lets you actually create one.
And if the new game gets you excited about a specific faction, that is usually the best place to start.
Which Dawn of War IV Faction Should You Collect?
Space Marines: The Classic Starting Point
If the Blood Ravens or Dark Angels catch your eye, Space Marines are a brilliant way into Warhammer 40,000. They are iconic, flexible, beginner-friendly and packed with different styles of play.
The Dark Angels are especially tempting if you like gothic knightly imagery, plasma weapons, robes, secrets, and looking like you definitely know something everyone else doesn’t. Read our Dark Angels army analysis for the full picture.
For new players, a Space Marine Combat Patrol, paints and basic hobby tools make a strong starting point.
Adeptus Mechanicus: For the Machine-Spirit Enthusiast
The Adeptus Mechanicus are strange, stylish and wonderfully unsettling. Think cybernetic priests, walking battle engines, arcane technology and an alarming amount of red robes.
They are not always the simplest army to paint, but they are one of the most distinctive. If Dawn of War IV makes you want to praise the Omnissiah, this is your sign — our Adeptus Mechanicus army analysis covers how they play.
Necrons: Ancient, Silent and Very Hard to Keep Dead
Necrons are a fantastic faction for new painters because they can look impressive with relatively simple techniques. Metallic paints, glowing green energy, ancient tomb-world vibes — job done.
They are also a great choice if you like the idea of an army that feels cold, relentless and incredibly difficult to stop. See our Necrons army analysis for the full breakdown.
Orks: Maximum Noise, Maximum Fun
Orks are pure hobby chaos in the best way. They are loud, ramshackle, brutal and hilarious. If your ideal army looks like it was built in a shed by someone with no safety training and too much enthusiasm, Orks are probably for you.
They also offer loads of modelling freedom, which makes them great for players who enjoy kitbashing and making every unit feel unique. Our Orks army analysis has everything you need to start your Waaagh!
New to Warhammer 40,000? Start Small
If Dawn of War IV has pulled you into Warhammer 40,000, you do not need to buy a 2,000-point army on day one.
Tempting? Yes. Sensible? Absolutely not. Your wallet will file a grievance.
A better starting route is:
- Pick the faction you actually like.
- Start with a Combat Patrol or small unit box.
- Grab the basic paints and tools you need.
- Build and paint a few models before expanding.
- Add units gradually once you know what you enjoy.
The best army is not always the most powerful one. Rules change. Points change. Balance changes. But if you love the look and theme of your army, you’ll enjoy the hobby far more. Not sure which faction speaks to you? Our Warhammer 40k factions guide compares them all — and you don't even have to wait until September, because Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition launches this month with the Armageddon box. Space Marines vs Orks, fittingly.
Turn Dawn of War Excitement Into a Tabletop Army
At Loaded Dice, we stock a wide range of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, paints, tools and hobby supplies to help you get started or expand your existing force.
Whether Dawn of War IV has made you want to command the noble Dark Angels, awaken a Necron dynasty, unleash an Ork Waaagh!, or march to war in the name of the Machine God, we can help you build the tabletop version of that army.
Explore our Warhammer 40,000 range here:
Shop Warhammer 40,000 at Loaded Dice
Or, if you are not sure where to begin, start with:
Warhammer 40,000 Combat Patrols
Citadel / Warhammer Colour Paints
Hobby Tools & Supplies
The Grim Darkness of September Awaits
Dawn of War IV looks like it could be one of the biggest Warhammer gaming moments of the year. More importantly, it could be the spark that gets a whole new wave of players interested in Warhammer 40,000.
So, whether you are a returning Dawn of War veteran or someone discovering the 41st Millennium for the first time, this autumn could be the perfect time to start building your own army.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dawn of War IV released?
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is currently due for release on 17 September 2026 on PC, with Commander Edition players able to start three days early from 14 September 2026.
What is Dawn of War IV?
It's the next entry in the long-running Warhammer 40,000 real-time strategy series. It returns to the planet Kronus, made famous by Dawn of War: Dark Crusade, and is expected to feature a campaign, skirmish, multiplayer and the return of Last Stand.
Which factions are in Dawn of War IV?
Confirmed forces so far are the Blood Ravens, Dark Angels, Adeptus Mechanicus, Necrons and Orks — a strong mix of Imperium and Xenos armies.
I loved the game — how do I start the tabletop army?
Pick the faction you genuinely like the look of, start with a Combat Patrol or small unit box, grab some basic paints and tools, then build and paint a few models before expanding gradually. There's no need to buy a full army on day one.
Which Dawn of War IV faction is best for a beginner?
Space Marines (including the Dark Angels) are the classic beginner-friendly choice, while Necrons are excellent for new painters thanks to simple metallic-and-glow techniques. Orks are ideal if you love kitbashing and characterful, chaotic armies.
