Before you start
- Use the platform and version named below; announcement details can change before release.
What each faction’s buildings do
These July descriptions establish broad faction differences. The September report notes further Power Matrix changes, so exact Matrix coverage and economy should not be copied as final values.
| Faction | Documented rule |
|---|---|
| Space Marines | Upgrade structures for units/research; orbital placement needs vision and takes longer farther from headquarters. |
| Orks | Most infantry can build their inexpensive armed structures. |
| Necrons | Structures extend the Power Matrix; Tomb Pylons receive teleported headquarters forces. |
| Adeptus Mechanicus | Connect structures to headquarters through the Noosphere Network to unlock stronger technology. |
Sources for this section
- Deep Silver: AMA Developer Blog – Multiplayer · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-07-24
- Deep Silver: Battlefield Report – 1v1 Annihilation Orks vs Necrons · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-09-09
Examples from the faction previews
This is a selection of named preview units, not the complete launch roster or a tested counter table.
| Unit or system | Announced role |
|---|---|
| Ruststalkers / Skitarii Rangers | Close-combat pressure supported by ranged fire. |
| Ironstrider Ballistarius | Fast-moving vehicle. |
| Onager Dunecrawler | Heavily armed vehicle. |
| Void Shield | Blocks enemy shots through it; enemies can move inside. |
| Flash Gitz | Ranged infantry. |
| Squighog Riders | Mobile mounted spear attacks. |
| Meganobz | Kombi-Rokkits for range or Kombi-Skorchas for nearby area damage. |
| Waaagh! | Builds with fielded Orks and kills; activation strengthens fighting units. |
Sources for this section
- Deep Silver: Introducing Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV’s Adeptus Mechanicus · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2026-05-07
- Deep Silver: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV - Faction Deep Dive - Orks · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2026-01-28
Record the comparison conditions
| Field | Record |
|---|---|
| Objective | Annihilation, Domination or Maelstrom. |
| Faction and commander | Your selected combination. |
| Opening | Buildings and units in order, with actual costs. |
| Result | What happened at the first contested objective. |
Sources for this section
- Deep Silver: AMA Developer Blog – Multiplayer · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-07-24
- Deep Silver: Dawn of War IV Battlefield Report – 2v2 Team Skirmish Maelstrom PvE · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-09-23
A role is not yet a counter
A sniper or melee role suggests a test, not a guaranteed winning matchup. Record opposing units, upgrades and positioning before declaring a counter. Leave unmeasured cost efficiency and timing claims out of the note.
Sources for this section
- Deep Silver: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV - Faction Deep Dive - Necrons · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-07-29
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Sources and how this guide was made
This guide uses the linked sources and any attributed demonstrations. Kingy has not independently play-tested these steps. Platform differences and limitations are noted with the advice they affect.
Coverage: Prelaunch edition · official information checked 28 September 2026 · gameplay not tested. Research checked 2026-09-28. Updated 2026-09-28
Sources and coverage →