Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV has received a new multiplayer gameplay showcase ahead of its December 3, 2026 release, giving a closer look at how the upcoming real time strategy game handles faction balance, match customization, and competitive play.
The first battlefield report features a 15 minute 1v1 Annihilation match between the Necrons and Orks. The footage highlights the contrasting strengths of both factions while also showing several changes influenced by player feedback.
More multiplayer demonstrations are planned throughout September, including matches featuring all four playable factions.
Necrons and Orks show very different battlefield styles
The new footage focuses on a direct fight between Necrons and Orks.
Necron units are shown relying on durability and staying power, gradually absorbing pressure and surviving prolonged engagements. The Orks take a more aggressive approach, using larger numbers and constant attacks to try to overwhelm their opponent.
The match also gives a clearer look at unit readability, which the developers have been working to improve following feedback.
| Multiplayer detail | What was shown |
|---|---|
| Game mode | 1v1 Annihilation |
| Featured factions | Necrons and Orks |
| Match length | About 15 minutes |
| Unit changes | Improved battlefield readability |
| Match customization | Configurable rules and starting conditions |
| Next showcase | 2v2 Team Domination on September 16 |
| Release date | December 3, 2026 |
| Platform | PC through Steam |
The footage suggests that faction identity will remain an important part of multiplayer, with armies designed around clearly different strengths and tactical priorities.
Match settings can be heavily customized
One of the more notable additions shown in the deep dive is a configurable multiplayer settings menu.
Players can adjust several parameters before a match starts, making it possible to create easier, harder, faster, or more unusual battles.
Options shown include changes to unit health, damage, and defense values. Players can also modify the rate at which resources are generated and alter how quickly Control Points are captured.
Faction specific resources can be changed as well. Ork players can receive different starting amounts of WAAAGH resources, while Necron players can begin with adjusted Dominion resources.
The menu also includes an option to enable or remove a match time limit.
These controls appear intended to support both competitive matches and more experimental custom games, where players can agree on specific rules before the battle begins.
More multiplayer footage is coming in September
The 1v1 Annihilation demonstration is only the first in a planned series of battlefield reports.
The next showcase is scheduled for September 16 and will feature a 2v2 Team Domination match involving all four factions currently confirmed for the game: Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus.
Another 2v2 demonstration will follow later in the month. That match will use Team Skirmish and place the developers against computer controlled opponents running at a hard difficulty setting.
These videos should provide a broader look at team based gameplay, faction interactions, and enemy AI before launch.
Dawn of War IV arrives in December
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV was previously delayed and is now scheduled to launch on December 3, 2026.
The game will be released for PC through Steam and will include both single player campaigns and multiplayer modes.
The latest gameplay footage focuses on multiplayer structure rather than campaign content, but it gives a clearer picture of how customizable matches will work and how differently the game's factions are intended to perform on the battlefield.
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