Dawn of War 4's new trailer makes the Adeptus Mechanicus even cooler than they already were

The Adeptus Mechanicus’ obsession with the latest technology will be its downfall, I swear. Like an Apple obsessive buying every new iteration of the iPhone, the Ad Mech will bankrupt itself by stumbling upon the wrong tomb in search of its latest xenos weapon. That’s exactly what happens in the new Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 4 trailer, as Magos Dominus Nulpherus-1 accidentally awakens an ancient Necron burial site in the pursuit of new tech. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

I say this as a staunch Ad Mech Enjoyer. My tabletop army has taken a turn towards the heretical in recent years, but they’re two sides of the same, tech-addled coin. We’re all aiming for the same goal here: mechanical perfection. I’m just not afraid to embrace the dark gods in my pursuit of the Omnissiah’s grace.

Anyway, Dawn of War 4. The Mechanicus herein are completely loyal to the Emperor and the Blood Ravens, but may have inadvertently impeded the successor Chapter’s efforts to rid Kronus of the greenskin menace. By awakening the Necrons, the battles on the planet’s war-torn surface are that bit more difficult for the Space Marines to win, even with a seasoned RTS game veteran behind the keyboard.

However, that’s not to say the Mechanicus will leave the Blood Ravens to fight both forces alone. We already know that the Dark Angels will come to their aid (including the first digital appearance of a Primarch in the form of Lion el’Jonson), but the Ad Mech are no slouches, either.

The trailer shows Sicarian Ruststalkers coming to save the day. One of my favorite units in the game thanks to their gangly, mechanical limbs and swift attacks, they’ll prove to be a fearsome glass cannon in Dawn of War 4, much like they are on the tabletop.

However, the piece de resistance for the Mechanicus are the mighty Imperial Knights they bring to bear. I fought alongside one in the Dawn of War 4 demo, and cannot wait to pilot one myself when the full thing arrives later this year. Set your toasters to burn, because the carnage will be devastating.

Dawn of War 4 promises to take the iconic series back to its roots, and offers fans a reprieve after the disasterclass that was the series’ third instalment. As well as a branching campaign, choice of Ork Warbosses, and more, you’ll be able to play game modes like Last Stand and Skirmish, as well as customize your own Chapter for online matches.

As if I wasn’t already excited for Dawn of War 4, the Mechanicus faction focus sells me even more. We’re eating good these days, with Mechanicus 2 on the way and Eogunn Februs joining Rogue Trader in the upcoming DLC. All we need now is a decent 11th edition Codex and I’ll be happy.