I’ve been absolutely devouring every piece of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 news since its announcement. The developers consistently hit the right notes in interviews, promising a game that feels like a modern evolution of the original, and it honestly looks incredible. With stunning new battle animations and updated units, it’s already shaping up to be a visually spectacular entry. Yet, a recent interview with German media has unveiled some truly intriguing details, hinting at a file within the game that bears the name of a legendary Primarch.
The revealing footage aired on a German channel. While the spoken dialogue remains a mystery, the on-screen visuals speak volumes. A prominent feature was a Dark Angels Repulsor Executioner, adorned with its distinctive baroque style and signature green coloring.
It’s widely known that the Blood Ravens are at the heart of Dawn of War 4, just as they were in previous installments. Developers have confirmed this, and my own experiences with early previews involved playing as them, alongside the return of their familiar characters. However, this isn’t just a simple cosmetic change for multiplayer; the unique decorations and assets hint at the Dark Angels potentially making an appearance in the single-player campaign.
Could this be a cryptic clue about the Blood Ravens’ enigmatic past? Or perhaps the Dark Angels are simply on a fleeting mission to hunt the Fallen? Regardless, additional subtle hints about potential guest characters emerge from the closer views within the video footage.
During a segment showing a developer discussing the creation of the Repulsor Executioner, a computer screen briefly displayed a list of file names next to a graph. Four of these files contained the phrase ‘ulsorexec,’ likely a reference to the vehicle itself. However, three other files were distinctly named ‘TheLion.’ While we lack complete context or the full file paths, ‘The Lion’ is the well-known moniker for the Dark Angels Primarch, Lion El’Jonson.
But hold your horses, Dark Angels enthusiasts! While this might seem like a direct hint that the Emperor’s son could be gracing the battlefield, seasoned programmers suggest a more grounded explanation. It’s quite possible these file names simply refer to specific components of the Repulsor itself. Perhaps a lion sigil adorns the hull, or the formidable executioner cannon is deemed grand enough to carry such a distinguished title?
So, what’s your take? Will the legendary Lion El’Jonson truly make an appearance in Dawn of War 4? If so, it would mark a historic moment as the very first loyalist Primarch to feature in a Warhammer 40,000 video game. While we’ve seen various Chapter Masters and notable characters, the closest we’ve ever gotten to a Primarch was Gulliman’s grand barge in Battlefleet Gothic 2.
If the wait for Dawn of War 4 is simply unbearable, consider exploring other fantastic Warhammer games. Or, if you’re looking for a different challenge, many excellent strategy games are available to keep you occupied, even if your own Chapter decides to splinter!
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