Get ready to dive into the grim darkness of the far future, because the latest Dawn of War 4 story trailer just dropped a bombshell that’s got the Warhammer community buzzing. Yes, the Dark Angels are officially joining the fray as a playable sub-faction, and everyone’s favorite 10,000-year-old grandpa, Lion El’Johnson, is making a surprise appearance—helmet and all! But here’s where it gets controversial: could this be a hint at deeper lore connections, or is it just fan service? Let’s break it all down.
The trailer doesn’t just stop at revealing the Dark Angels; it also gives us a glimpse into why the four playable factions—Blood Ravens, Orks, Adeptus Mechanicus, and Necrons—are back on Kronus. Think epic clashes between Blood Ravens and Orks, and Adeptus Mechanicus delving into Necron tombs. And this is the part most people miss: among the new units showcased are a Chaplain on a bike, Necron Skorpekh Destroyers, and an Ork Beastboss, each adding fresh dynamics to the battlefield. Speaking of Lion El’Johnson, his helmet might’ve obscured his face at the trailer’s end, but his iconic shield leaves no doubt—he’s here, and it’s a big deal.
Here’s where things get even more intriguing: the Dawn of War 4 campaign is penned by none other than Black Library author John French, known for his deep dives into Warhammer lore. Bold claim alert: could this be the moment fans finally get answers about the Blood Ravens’ origins? There’s a long-standing theory that they’re successors to the Thousand Sons, a legion French has written extensively about. Will he drop subtle hints, or is this all just wishful thinking? Only time will tell.
The trailer also confirms that Warboss Gorgutz is still alive, which makes sense given the Orks’ canonical victory in Dawn of War: Soulstorm. Plus, the Necrons have received some much-needed fleshing out—ironic, considering they’re undead. During the campaign, players will have the freedom to choose between Dark Angels and Blood Ravens missions, offering a non-linear experience that lets you align with your favorite Space Marine faction. According to the official press release, these missions are designed to give players more agency than ever before.
Dawn of War 4 is slated for a 2026 release, but you can wishlist it now to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re itching for more, check out our preview (https://www.eurogamer.net/ive-played-warhammer-40k-dawn-of-war-4-and-it-feels-like-the-sequel-to-the-original-that-rts-fans-always-wanted), where writer Chris Tapsell calls it ‘the sequel RTS fans have always wanted.’ But here’s the real question: with all these lore hints and new factions, is Dawn of War 4 setting a new standard for Warhammer games, or is it playing it too safe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
