Relic Entertainment and SEGA used Gamescom 2025 to announce Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, the first new entry in the legendary RTS series in over a decade. It’s targeting a 2026 release.
The RTS Giant Returns
Dawn of War is one of the most beloved RTS franchises in gaming history. The original 2004 game and its expansions (especially Soulstorm) are still played today. Dawn of War II took a more tactical squad-based approach, while III attempted to blend both styles with mixed results.
What We Know
No gameplay footage was shown — just a cinematic reveal trailer. But the announcement alone is enough to send RTS fans into a frenzy. The Warhammer 40K universe has never been more popular, thanks to the success of Space Marine 2 and the upcoming Space Marine 3.
The Stakes
The RTS genre has been in a strange place for years — loved by fans but largely abandoned by major publishers. Dawn of War IV has the potential to be the genre’s biggest comeback story, or its biggest disappointment. Everything depends on execution.