Quick answer
The Dawn of War IV Story Trailer, revealed at the PC Gamer Most Wanted showcase, introduces new characters and factions including the Dark Angels as a second playable Space Marine Chapter, the Beastboss Guzcutta, and the first playable Warhammer 40,000 Primarch in any video game: Lion El’Jonson.
The story unfolds
The Story Trailer opens with the Blood Ravens, under Captain Cyrus and Chief Librarian Jonah Orion, arriving in orbit over Kronus to recruit new aspirants. Instead, they find themselves ambushed by Warboss Gorgutz and his ferocious Orks.
After an intense orbital fight, both factions find themselves planetside. The Beastboss Guzcutta — the second Ork Commander — is already hunting human forces on the surface. Elsewhere on Kronus, the Adeptus Mechanicus are diving deep into the planet’s secrets, while the Necrons slowly awaken to this unwelcome intrusion.
Dark Angels join the fight
With the Space Marines and Astra Militarum forces beset on all sides, the Dark Angels make a critical intervention. For the first time in Dawn of War history, players can control not just one but two Space Marine Chapters in the campaign.
The Dark Angels bring formidable reinforcements, including Elite units like the Deathwing and the Ravenwing. The Deathwing provides a slow but punishing tactical advantage with power fists, while the Ravenwing enables devastating hit-and-run tactics on bikes.
Commanders make the difference
Under the command of Company Master Astoran in sacred Terminator Armour, the legendary Deathwing provides a formidable frontline bulwark. Chaplain Ezrael alongside the Ravenwing uses bikes to deliver devastating lightning strikes across the battlefield.
Lion El’Jonson — First playable Primarch
The trailer gave an early glimpse of Lion El’Jonson, who represents the very first playable Warhammer 40,000 Primarch to appear in any video game. The Lion will have a small but pivotal role in the battle for Kronus, rather than being playable in every mission.
Storytelling approach
The team uses multiple storytelling methods:
- CGI cutscenes: Each faction campaign opens with a high-quality cinematic CGI cutscene
- In-engine cutscenes: Supporting the CGI intros with high-quality in-engine scenes
- World map dialogues: Significant story figures talk to each other when choosing between missions
- In-mission dialogue: Units and Commanders talk to one another as events unfold
FAQ
Can you play as two Space Marine Chapters in the campaign?
Yes. For the first time in Dawn of War history, you can play as both the Blood Ravens and the Dark Angels in the campaign.
Who is the first playable Primarch in a video game?
Lion El’Jonson is the first playable Warhammer 40,000 Primarch to appear in any video game. He will have a small but pivotal role in the battle for Kronus.
What Elite units do the Dark Angels have?
The Dark Angels have access to the Deathwing (Terminator armour, power fists, frontline bulwark) and the Ravenwing (bikes, hit-and-run tactics).