The Ork and Adeptus Mechanicus campaigns in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV have been available for about two weeks of preview play, including two missions and a prologue starring the Astra Militarum. The full game features four campaigns, and the current content demonstrates a convincing foundation for single-player campaigns through faction differences, mission variety, and tactical systems, alleviating concerns among previewers about the game repeating the issues of Dawn of War III.
Ork units and buildings are cheaper, allowing for rapid army assembly, but blind charges still result in heavy losses. Players need to scout ahead and adjust weapons and equipment based on enemy types. Some missions feature race-style objectives; one map requires two Ork armies to compete along different routes to destroy an Adeptus Mechanicus base first, featuring a MOBA-like lane structure where both sides can harass each other.
Key decision points in the Ork campaign allow players to choose between local factions and outsider forces, leading to different commanders, unique missions, and story segments, with some choices impacting later tasks. The Adeptus Mechanicus focuses on long-range firepower and intricate management, using the Noosphere to connect buildings, turrets, and force field generators. The larger the network, the greater the benefits, but also the more relay nodes that need defending.
The cover system also returns in this title. Map barricades protect ranged units, but melee attacks, flanking maneuvers, and grenades can bypass cover, while the Adeptus Mechanicus can deploy force fields offering omnidirectional protection. The demo occasionally suffered from desynchronized animations and missed attacks, but the current campaign content primarily showcases distinct faction mechanics and mission variety.