From Press Release:
Larkspur, Calif. (May 21, 2026) – In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war — and now, its next campaign has a date. During the Warhammer Skulls Showcase, Deep Silver and KING Art Games revealed that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV will launch on Sept. 17, with Commander Edition players able to play early from Sept. 14: https://store.steampowered.
com/app/2272360/Warhammer_ 40000_Dawn_of_War_IV See the war for Kronus unfold in the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV Release Date & Post-Launch Roadmap Reveal Trailer: https://youtu.be/DPonvhPTRpI
Standard and Commander Editions
Two war-packs have been sanctioned for deployment; now available for pre-order.
- The Standard Edition ($59.99) includes the base game, will release on Sept. 17, and is available to pre-order with a 10% discount.
- The Commander Edition ($89.99) is also available at a 10% pre-order discount and includes a 3-Day Early Unlock, allowing players to begin their campaign on Sept. 14.
In addition, the Commander Edition includes all Year One content and the official digital soundtrack – a full arsenal for those prepared to command the war for Kronus.
Year One Expansion Overview
One planet. Endless war. On Kronus, the war does not end with a single campaign. Over time, the conflict deepens. Following launch, a year of free content updates and paid DLC will expand the battlefield.
Free Deployments
Arriving in Fall 2026, the fan-favorite Crusade Mode returns. Every decision and victory shapes the course of war, bringing even greater strategic depth and replayability to the campaign. Build your army, lead legendary commanders, and fight to dominate the map.
A series of free updates will introduce new modes, map packs, and the Mission Editor — allowing players to create, play, and share their own battles with friends.
Additional Commanders will also join Last Stand mode, each featuring new abilities, loadouts, and playstyles. These Commanders will bring their own bespoke Crusades, complete with unique objectives and gameplay twists.
Paid Operations
Two major campaign expansions will deepen the conflict on Kronus in Year One.
- The Blood Ravens Story Prologue: Before war engulfs Kronus, a Blood Ravens strike force returns to their ancestral homeworld of Aurelia. Guided by a legendary commander, their mission sets in motion events that will shape the fate of the Chapter. Fight through pivotal battles ignited by ancient relics.
- The Aftermath Campaign Expansion: Players will command a powerful new faction as the war enters its next chapter. Aftermath continues the main campaign’s story in a narrative-driven expansion that explores the consequences of your victories — and the new threats set to reshape the battlefield.
- Adds a fifth faction to the game across all game modes
- New playable Commanders
- Expands the Crusade mode significantly
- Thought the war was over? It has only begun
Both expansions will be available separately. However, commanders who deploy with the Commander Edition will receive both paid operations as part of their war bundle.
The war for Kronus begins on Sept. 17.
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