Deep Silver and KING Art Games have released the third faction deep-dive trailer for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, showcasing the methodical expansion and ancient technology of the Necrons ahead of the real-time strategy game’s September 17, 2026 launch on PC. This latest preview, which includes both in-game CGI narrative sequences and gameplay footage, highlights the return of the Szerkhan Dynasty as they awaken from a 60-million-year slumber to reclaim the ancient tomb world of Kronus.
Szerkhan Dynasty
The deathless legions of the Szerkhan Dynasty are waking up. Following previous deep dives into the Orks and Adeptus Mechanicum, the upcoming real-time strategy sequel Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV turns its attention to the ancient cybernetic faction. According to the developers, the Necrons traded their mortal bodies for mechanical supremacy, paying with their souls in the process, and have now returned to purge the “lesser species” that have infested their sacred world.
Reclaiming Kronus and Rebuilding the Tomb Citadel
On the battlefield, the Necrons operate through a methodical playstyle, built around relentless expansion and overwhelming the battlefield over time. Rather than adapting to active combat conditions, the faction’s units rely on self-repairing capabilities, unyielding mechanical constructs, and ancient technologies that bend space and time to outlast their opponents. As Deep Silver and KING Art Games stated, the Necrons do not adapt to war; they outlast it.
Power Matrix
To acquire resources across the map, players must restore ancient structures and activate their Power Matrix, gradually altering the territory into a machine tomb. As the Necrons reclaim Kronus, they expand their domain to earn resources across the battlefield. At the heart of this expanding network sits the Tomb Citadel, which functions as both the anchor of the faction’s growing empire and the primary production engine for its armies.
Commanders and Godlike Units Leading the Charge
The faction roster features two distinct commanders equipped with specialized battlefield roles. Thothmek, a powerful Chronomancer, uses time-bending abilities to disrupt enemy units while accelerating Necron reanimation processes. The trailer depicts Thothmek observing the conflict on Kronus from orbit, lamenting how the Necron tombs were desecrated during his people’s long slumber. Alongside him stands Ahmnok, a former ruler of Kronus now driven entirely by the urge to annihilate all life.
Shard of the Void Dragon
The Necron roster is described as diverse and powerful, featuring a mix of ranged and melee weaponry, towering Triarch Stalkers, swarming Canoptek Scarabs, and imposing Lych Guards. Players can also deploy massive scarab machines that can rip enemies apart with their claws, or summon a Shard of the Void Dragon—an ancient, godlike being—whenever they want to truly decimate their enemies.
Launch Windows, Editions, and Post-Release Plans
The title is scheduled to arrive globally on September 17, 2026, with Australian players receiving it on September 18, 2026 AEST. Buyers of the Commander Edition gain entry starting September 14 through a three-day early unlock period. Both standard and commander versions are currently available for pre-order at a 10% discount.
Crusade Mode
According to Deep Silver and KING Art Games, Dawn of War IV is designed to deliver an unforgettable sci-fi RTS experience. Long-term support for the game includes Year One free updates—featuring the return of Crusade Mode, fresh maps, alternative modes, additional Commanders, and a Mission Editor—alongside two large-scale expansions that will deepen the conflict on Kronus and introduce a new playable faction to the battlefield. With only the Space Marines remaining for the fourth and final faction reveal, the stage is set for the final clash before the September release window.
