Crusade Mode Returns to Dawn of War IV – Pre-Order Now and Prepare for Endless War
Sydney, Australia – 22 May 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 September 17, with Commander Edition players able to play from September 14.
See the war for Kronus unfold in the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV Release Date & Post-Launch Roadmap Reveal Trailer.
Standard and Commander Editions
Two war-packs have been sanctioned for deployment; now available for pre-order.
- The Standard Edition ($95.95) includes the base game, will release on September 17, and is available to pre-order with a 10% discount.
- The Commander Edition ($144.95) is also available at a 10% pre-order discount and includes a 3-Day Early Unlock, allowing players to begin their campaign on September 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-favourite 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.
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 September 17.
About Dawn of War IV
Dawn of War IV delivers an unforgettable sci-fi RTS experience set within a faithful recreation of the beloved Warhammer 40,000 universe. Take charge of four factions in an epic story that spans multiple non-linear campaigns, clash with other players in tense multiplayer combat, and enjoy fan-favourite modes including Last Stand, Skirmish and more!
Visit dawnofwar4.com for more details.
About KING Art Games
KING Art is an independent game developer, celebrating 25 years of experience in creating high-quality games for all major platforms. More than 100 employees across several teams are located at the offices in Bremen, Germany and work with about as many freelancers around the globe. Founded in 2000, KING Art has since released more than 50 titles in different genres, with a focus on narrative games, RPGs and strategy games. The company and its games have received multiple prestigious awards, including Best Strategy Game and Best Development Studio, multiple German “Games of the Year” and “Studio of the Year” awards.
KING Art is a licensed developer for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo platforms and member of Verband der deutschen Games-Branche (GAME).
About PLAION
PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe. Founded three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences. PLAION is an Embracer Group company.
About Deep Silver
Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com
About Games Workshop®
Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L), based in Nottingham, UK, produces the best fantasy miniatures in the world. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer® Age of Sigmar® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniatures, novels and model kits through more than 570 of its own stores (branded Games Workshop® or Warhammer®), the www.games-workshop.com web store and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. More information about Games Workshop and its other, related brands and product ranges (including our publishing division ‘Black Library’ and our special resin miniatures studio ‘Forge World’) can be found at www.warhammer.com.
