Quick answer
The Back to War In-Engine Trailer gave players a closer look at the real gameplay of Dawn of War IV. Running entirely in-engine, the trailer showcased base building, the Combat Director system, weapon upgrades, over 100 units and buildings, the battle-scarred biomes of Kronus, and a dedicated destruction system — all running in real-time.
Bringing back base-building
Base building comes back in a big way with Dawn of War IV. All four factions have many different buildings at their disposal, with fortification options such as the mighty Hammerfall Bunker.
The building system is very similar to that of the first game. As you construct buildings, perform research or upgrade buildings, you’ll unlock new units to deploy in battle. The stronger those units are, the more power and influence you’ll need to achieve in battle before you can field them.
Combat Director deep dive
The team has completely overhauled Dawn of War’s sync kill system to take full advantage of modern hardware. Rather than animating just a select few final combat moves, the new Combat Director applies the sync kill system to every unit, everywhere, at every stage of the battle.
The Combat Director is constantly asking questions of the battlefield and providing answers in the form of custom animations for each individual engagement.
Weapon upgrades and tactical flexibility
Many units can be equipped with different weapons or upgrades to suit the situation. For example, a Space Marine Intercessor’s Bolt Rifle can be replaced with an Auto or Stalker Bolt Rifle, or an auxiliary grenade launcher can be added.
Intercessor Sergeants can be equipped with a Power Sword and Hand Flamer to fight groups, while the Thunder Hammer and Plasma Pistol is more effective against heavier targets like vehicles.
Over 100 units and buildings
Dawn of War IV launches with a huge number of units — more than a hundred different units and buildings in total, with units coming in different variants and weapon configurations.
The battle-scarred biomes of Kronus
The story takes place across the planet Kronus, with many different biomes to explore. Whether fighting on a sun-scorched desert or up in the mountain highlands, each battlefield bears the scars of a world at endless war.
As you progress through the campaign, different missions pop up across the many territories of the world map. Some choices have consequences — if you decide to defend a Manufactorum Complex rather than the Hive City, one may survive at the expense of the other.
Destruction system
A dedicated destruction system brings each battlefield to life. Buildings collapse in style once sufficiently damaged, and scenic elements like structures and vehicle wrecks can be transformed into rubble by errant fire.
This system makes every battlefield feel uniquely dynamic, giving every landscape a real sense of having been scarred by the events of the latest skirmish.
FAQ
Is the Back to War trailer in-engine or pre-rendered?
Every bit of the trailer was running in-engine, with one eye on the scale and spectacle important to the Dawn of War series.
How many units and buildings are in Dawn of War IV?
There are more than a hundred different units and buildings in total, with units coming in different variants and weapon configurations.
Do campaign mission choices have consequences?
Yes. Some mission choices have consequences — for example, defending one territory may mean another falls to the enemy.