The Great Rift & Its Impact

Dive into the lore and gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4. Learn about the Great Rift's impact, factions, and new features in this comprehensive guide.

Hey there! So, you're diving into Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, huh? Awesome choice! Let's talk about something pretty central to the whole grimdark universe: The Great Rift. While this specific guide page doesn't go into super deep lore about the Rift itself, it's the backbone of the setting you'll be playing in. Think of it as the galaxy-splitting event that changed everything, making travel a nightmare and throwing all the factions into even more desperate conflict. In Dawn of War IV, you'll see its effects firsthand as you fight across familiar and new battlefields.

This game is set on the planet Kronus, about 200 years after the events of the Dark Crusade expansion. The story is being penned by a Black Library author, John French, so you know it's going to be good. The Great Rift's existence means that the galaxy is a much more dangerous and fractured place, which directly impacts the gameplay and the struggles of the factions involved.

Speaking of factions, you'll get to command some of the most iconic forces in the 40k universe. We've got the ever-loyal Space Marines, including the Blood Ravens and the Dark Angels led by Primarch Lion El Johnson himself. Then there are the brutal Orks, the ancient and terrifying Necrons, and the technologically advanced Adeptus Mechanicus. Each of these factions will be dealing with the consequences of the Great Rift in their own unique ways, shaping their strategies and their place in the galaxy.

Gameplay-wise, Dawn of War IV is looking to bring back the classic feel of the first game with modern twists. Expect a modernized version of the synch-kill system called the "Combat Director." Plus, fan-favorite modes like campaign, skirmish, and the highly anticipated return of the Last Stand mode from Dawn of War II are all confirmed. The fact that a Primarch is playable for the first time ever is also a huge deal and likely tied to the massive upheaval caused by the Great Rift.

Keep an eye out for more details as they emerge, but know that the Great Rift is the cosmic backdrop to all the epic battles and strategic decisions you'll be making in Dawn of War IV!