The recent gameplay trailer for Dawn of War 4 hit the internet this past weekend, and while many are thrilled about the upcoming real-time strategy title, it has also sparked a flurry of lively discussions and complaints from dedicated members of the Warhammer 40,000 community.
First up is the voice acting, which some fans are describing as rather uninspired. These critiques often compare the new trailer’s audio to the iconic, revered voice work in Relic’s original 2004 Dawn of War. Many feel that the Space Marines’ dialogue in the new footage lacks the characteristic gravitas and the distinct metallic ‘vox’ filter typically associated with their helmeted speech.
It’s possible that King Art Games, the developers, deliberately altered the Space Marine voices to differentiate them from the Adeptus Mechanicus, one of Dawn of War 4‘s new factions. The Adeptus Mechanicus, fervent followers of the Machine God who embrace cybernetic enhancements, naturally possess metallic, robotic voices. This might have led the developers to adjust the Space Marines’ audio to ensure distinct auditory cues for players amidst the chaos of battle.
Here’s your official look into the next evolution of the iconic real-time strategy franchise with Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV!
First revealed during PC Gaming Show: Tokyo Direct, this new trailer has been captured entirely from in-engine gameplay.
— Dawn of War IV (@PlayDoW4) September 28, 2025
One Reddit user, known as KillerKanka, voiced their concerns: “The Space Marine voices aren’t good, especially when compared to Dawn of War 1 or 2. They’re missing that signature zeal, the mechanical filter, the powerful lines like ‘COME. SHOW ME WHAT PASSES FOR FURY AMONG YOUR MISBEGOTTEN KIND’ or ‘SPESS MEHRINESS ATTAAAAACK’ or ‘STRIKE FROM THE SKIES, BROTHERS.’ It’s likely an easy fix, but it’s noticeable.”
Another commenter, ImSorryOkGeez, echoed the sentiment: “The game looks promising, but please address the Space Marine voice acting. The current delivery doesn’t convey the ferocity needed to ‘burn heretics, kill mutants, or purge the unclean.’”
The Ork voices in Dawn of War 4 are also drawing criticism. Fans note that they lack the exaggerated Cockney accents and boisterous energy that are traditional for Warhammer 40,000 Orks, and which were so prevalent in the first Dawn of War game.
Beyond the audio, a significant controversy is brewing around the inclusion of Primaris Marines. For those unfamiliar with the intricate lore of Warhammer 40,000, this particular point of contention might seem a bit perplexing.
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The long-standing “Firstborn” Space Marines have largely been superseded in the Warhammer 40,000 universe by Primaris Marines. While these new iterations are superior in size, durability, strength, and speed, a segment of the fandom harbors a strong dislike for their updated, arguably “softer,” aesthetic.
At its core, the controversy surrounding Primaris Marines stems from a perception that Games Workshop has gradually diluted the Space Marines’ image. Many feel they now appear less like the fanatical warriors depicted in the lore and more like a sanitized version designed to broaden Warhammer 40,000’s appeal to new audiences.
The original Dawn of War, released over two decades ago, perfectly captured the essence of Warhammer 40,000 from its era. The Blood Ravens, the Space Marine chapter central to those games, epitomized that fanatical spirit. Based on the 4th Edition of Warhammer 40,000 (we’re now on the 10th), it featured factions like the Imperial Guard (now Astra Militarum), the Eldar (now Aeldari), and silent Necrons.
Dawn of War 4, slated for a 2026 release, was always destined to reflect the contemporary Warhammer 40,000 universe. This “grimdark” future is evident in Amazon animations, blockbuster video games like Space Marine 2, and the eagerly anticipated Henry Cavill-led Warhammer 40,000 Cinematic Universe. Given that Primaris Marines have been the standard Space Marine type for nearly a decade, their inclusion in Dawn of War 4 was inevitable.
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The criticisms regarding voice acting and the inclusion of Primaris Marines don’t come as a shock, as these are long-standing points of contention within the Warhammer 40,000 community, which deeply values tradition. However, the author expresses surprise at complaints about the game’s visuals, finding them quite detailed. King Art’s emphasis on brutal “sync kills,” a beloved feature from the original Dawn of War, is evident in the trailer and appears well-executed. While some argue the game looks overly colorful, the author believes the aesthetic is appropriate.
Some of the more extreme online reactions have unfavorably compared Dawn of War 4 to its predecessor, the critically and commercially disappointing Dawn of War 3. However, such comparisons are premature given the limited footage available. King Art has consistently stated their intention to draw inspiration from the original Dawn of War, prioritizing classic base building and large-scale army engagements.
It’s inevitable that with every new reveal, Warhammer 40,000 fans will continue to passionately debate Dawn of War 4‘s direction, a discussion that will surely extend through its launch and beyond. Given that “heresy” is practically ingrained in the Imperium’s ethos, King Art likely anticipated a significant amount of spirited feedback.
This article was written by Wesley Yin-Poole, Director of News at IGN.