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Discover the RTS mechanics being reintroduced in Dawn of War 4 from previous installments and the innovation being made by KING Art Games.
Dawn of War 4 (DoW 4) took the 40K fanbase by surprise with its unexpected announcement at Gamescom. The game is slated for a 2026 release, nine years after the critically divisive launch of DoW 3. With KING Art Games at the helm, the fourth installment promises a return to the series’ roots by adopting RTS elements from the first two titles, which enjoyed the most popularity with players. So far, the developers have showcased old and new RTS mechanics for the game, painting a promising picture of their vision.
DoW 4 Gameplay Features Breakdown
Sync Kills
One of the most exciting features of DoW is sync kill. This is a finishing move that individual soldiers or some vehicles execute on enemies when they are at low health. DoW 4 takes this to a new level with contextual Sync Kills. Individual models will react to the enemies around them while attacking and executing finishing moves, making combat incredibly cinematic and fluid.
Also Read: Dawn of War 4: All Units Revealed So Far
Base Building
A staple of classic RTS games, including the first DoW, base building will be making a return in DoW 4. The system seems very similar to the first game, with building construction required to unlock higher tech units, research upgrades, and generate resources.
Builder units will also return to create and repair bases. Another reflection of the first game’s influence is seen in the Ork faction’s base buildings, all of which have guns mounted on them.
Veterancy and Retreat
A new unit veterancy system will be introduced with DoW 4. It is similar to Total War games, with ranks increasing through bronze, silver, and gold chevrons. Units will gain veterancy one chevron at a time based on their kills, damage dealt, and abilities used. Higher levels of veterancy will likely affect units based on their type, increasing damage, accuracy, armor rating, and vision.
This system makes keeping units alive more important than in previous games. Therefore, the developers have also introduced a retreat button, which will make infantry units fall back to base with haste, potentially avoiding a squad wipe. This feature is similar to the one found in the Company of Heroes series.
Requisition, Power, and Strategic Points
In another return to form, the game’s economy will revolve around Requisition, Power, with a population cap limiting the maximum army size. Capturing and holding strategic points will yield Requisition, which can be used to produce Power by building generators. Similar to DoW Dark Crusade, Necrons do not need Requisition and will instead expand their economy with buildings.
Faction Abilities
Each faction has a unique playstyle translated from lore elements. Space Marines possess a smaller number of troops, but each soldier is an elite. Orks overwhelm foes with numbers and chaotic tactics, while Necrons slowly build up to an unstoppable force.
Faction abilities help create this distinct feel with powers that accentuate their fighting force’s character. Space Marines have deep-striking capabilities with drop pods and stratagems such as orbital bombardments. Orks build up to their “WAAAGH!”, which increases their strength and numbers.
Swappable Equipment Upgrades
Warhammer 40K tabletop is known for its granular kit upgrades for each unit, providing a dizzying variety of equipment options for infantry and vehicles alike. DoW 4 will feature several possible equipment upgrade options for most units. Additionally, you can switch between unlocked gear outside of combat. Space Marine Eradicators can switch from Stalker bolt rifles in the early game to Meltas in the late game when expecting to encounter heavily armored foes.
Commander Attachments
Like the original 2004 release, DoW 4 will allow commander units to attach to squads, providing buffs and mutually increasing survivability. For example, Captain Cyrus can attach to a squad of Intercessors and activate his Phobos armor to enter stealth. They can then reposition before opening fire from an advantageous position.
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