Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War IV is bringing the Orks back to the tabletop’s most chaotic faction—and they’re arriving with a playstyle built on relentless aggression, tactical flexibility, and internal warfare.
The upcoming real-time strategy title, developed by KING Art Games, confirms that the Orks will not only be playable but central to the game’s narrative, with dedicated campaigns for each of the four factions. For the Orks, this means a deep dive into their culture of conquest, where territory is seized through sheer force, and every unit is designed to amplify the Waaagh!—a dynamic combat mechanic that rewards overwhelming numbers and sheer brutality.
How the Waaagh! Works
The Waaagh! mechanic functions as an energy meter that fills as Orks engage in combat. When fully charged, it triggers a berserker-like state across all units, enhancing their strength and ferocity. Timing this ability is critical—players must balance aggression with strategy, as the mechanic’s power hinges on both unit count and enemy casualties. This system mirrors the Orks’ real-world philosophy: war is their way of life, and they thrive in chaos.
Units Built for Overwhelming Force
Ork armies in Dawn of War IV* will feature a mix of fast-moving, heavily armed units designed to exploit the Waaagh! mechanic. Among the standout additions
- Flash Gitz: Elite ranged infantry armed with snazzguns, capable of punching through enemy defenses with concentrated fire.
- Squig Hog Riders: Mounted Beast Snagga Boyz that strike quickly with Stikka spears, disrupting enemy formations.
- Meganobz: Versatile units that can be upgraded with either long-range Kombi-Rokkits or short-range Kombi-Skorchas, allowing players to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Unlike other factions, Ork units gain Veterancy rapidly, unlocking new weapons and the ability to expand squad sizes early in the campaign. This rapid progression reinforces the Orks’ philosophy: the more you fight, the stronger you become.
A Rivalry of Old and New
Central to the Ork campaign is the rivalry between two commanding figures: the legendary Warboss Gorgutz, a veteran leader clad in Mega Armour, and the upstart Guzcutta, a Beast Snagga Boss with a dual identity. Gorgutz is slow but devastating in melee and ranged combat, while Guzcutta transitions from a tough foot soldier to a mounted commander on a Squigosaur, gaining both speed and a bone-crushing weapon.
Gorgutz’s signature ability, I’m Out of Here, allows him to teleport away from danger while leaving behind a trail of Gretchin bombs—a nod to his cunning as much as his brutality. Meanwhile, Guzcutta’s adaptability makes him a fresh challenge, embodying the Orks’ internal conflicts over leadership and dominance.
Why It Matters
For fans of Warhammer 40K, the Ork faction in Dawn of War IV delivers a playstyle that rewards aggression, adaptability, and sheer numbers. The inclusion of both Gorgutz and Guzcutta adds narrative depth, pitting experience against ambition in a campaign that feels as chaotic as the Orks themselves. With rapid unit upgrades and a combat system built around overwhelming force, the Orks are poised to be one of the most dynamic factions in the game.
While more details will emerge closer to launch, one thing is clear: the Orks of Dawn of War IV* are coming for everything—and they’re not backing down.
