Act I: The Aurelian Crusade

Your essential guide to Act I: The Aurelian Crusade in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4. Learn about the plot, factions, and gameplay features to conquer the galaxy.

Alright, let's dive into the first act of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4, titled 'The Aurelian Crusade.' This is where you'll get your first taste of the grim darkness of the far future in this installment. We'll cover the main plot points, introduce you to the factions you'll be dealing with, and touch on some of the core gameplay features that make this game tick.

The story picks up 200 years after the events of the Dark Crusade expansion, bringing us back to the familiar planet of Kronus. This time, the narrative is penned by the renowned Black Library author, John French, so expect a deep and engaging lore experience. You'll be playing as different factions, with confirmed playable groups including the Space Marines (specifically the Blood Ravens and Dark Angels, led by Primarch Lion El Johnson), the aggressive Orks, the ancient Necrons, and the technologically advanced Adeptus Mechanicus. It's awesome that they're bringing back a Primarch as a playable character for the first time!

Gameplay-wise, expect a return to the classic roots of the first Dawn of War, but with modern twists. The 'Combat Director' system is a new take on the synch-kill mechanics. You'll also be happy to know that beloved modes like the campaign and skirmish are back, and the fan-favorite 'Last Stand' mode from Dawn of War II is making a comeback. Get ready to jump into the fray!