Quick answer
The Adeptus Mechanicus is the first new faction to join the Dawn of War series in Dawn of War IV. These machine-worshipping Tech-Priests favour nimble long-ranged combat, with unique mechanics including the Noosphere Network, Void Shield, Auger Vision, and access to the colossal Knight Castellan. Two Commanders, Potentia Delta-9 and Skitarii Marshal Sek-Ix-23, provide distinct playstyles.
Lore and identity
The Adeptus Mechanicus is the manufacturing empire responsible for building the Imperium’s war machine. While Mars is their homeworld, they control a galaxy-spanning network of forge worlds. They replace parts of their bodies until some become more machine than human, all in the service of the Machine God, also known as the Omnissiah.
Combat style
The Adeptus Mechanicus are relatively quick, great at ranged combat, and armed with a tonne of combat tools that draw on their unique access to technology. Their melee units rely on exploiting powerful ranged synergies. For example, you can use Ruststalker units to lure the enemy into a trap, then order Skitarii Rangers to unleash a storm of firepower from a safe distance.
Key units
Knight Castellan
The Adeptus Mechanicus work together with the Imperium’s House Raven, giving them access to these colossal combat machines. Knights provide an impressive injection of firepower and blast into battle using Drop Keeps for a cinematic entrance.
Vehicles
- Ironstrider Ballistarius: Quick and nimble, capable of reaching far-off sections of the battlefield quickly.
- Onager Dunecrawler: A hulking, heavily weaponised war machine.
- Skorpius Disintegrator: Long-range firepower that synergises perfectly with the faction’s playstyle.
Void Shield
This enormous structure expands to take up almost the entirety of your screen, allowing you to shield a huge number of buildings and units behind it. Enemies can move into the shield and you can move out, but enemies cannot shoot through it. You can make creative use of the Void Shield to set up devastating chokepoints.
Noosphere Network
The more structures you add to the Noosphere Network, the higher its level becomes. As it grows in power, you gain access to new units, upgrades, and research options, and your units within the network become both stronger and cheaper to produce. For opponents, the objective is as much about dismantling and disconnecting this network as it is fighting the units within it.
Auger Vision
A powerful strategic ability that provides enhanced awareness of battlefield areas beneath the fog of war. Think of it as a heatmap that hints at enemy activity, helping you eliminate growing problems before they spiral out of control.
Commanders
Potentia Delta-9
A Technoarcheologist who can dispatch a scouting servo-skull to scope out remote areas. Her upgrade paths are extremely flexible, allowing her to grow into either a melee or ranged monster with clever combat tricks.
Skitarii Marshal Sek-Ix-23
Strong at buffing not only the units he’s attached to but all units within range. Play him in the thick of battle to provide maximum buffs. He’s the only Commander composed of multiple models, protected by bodyguards. Put him in charge of a 20-strong Skitarii unit for a massive, hard-to-neutralise target.
FAQ
Is the Adeptus Mechanicus new to the Dawn of War series?
Yes. The Adeptus Mechanicus is the first faction in Dawn of War IV that has never been playable in the series before.
What is the Noosphere Network?
The Noosphere Network links Adeptus Mechanicus buildings, static weapons, and units together. As it grows, it unlocks powerful units, upgrades, and research, while making units within the network stronger and cheaper to produce.
Which Commander is unique in Dawn of War IV?
Skitarii Marshal Sek-Ix-23 is the only Commander in Dawn of War IV composed of multiple models, protected by bodyguards.