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Choose between the Blood Ravens and Dark Angels based on the chapter story and look you want to play: Dawn of War IV features both as part of its Space Marine offering, and the campaign includes missions commanded as each. The official information available does not establish that one chapter is stronger, easier, or mechanically better than the other.
Are the Blood Ravens and Dark Angels both playable?
Yes. The official Dawn of War IV website describes the Dark Angels as a playable Space Marine sub-faction and says the Space Marines campaign includes missions commanded as both the Blood Ravens and the Dark Angels. That makes the choice a chapter within the Space Marine offering, rather than a choice between two separate launch factions.
The game’s four launch factions are Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus. The official site describes them as mechanically distinct factions; it does not provide a corresponding, side-by-side mechanical breakdown of the two Space Marine chapters.
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Blood Ravens vs. Dark Angels: what is confirmed?
| What matters | Blood Ravens | Dark Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | Playable in Space Marine campaign missions. | Playable in Space Marine campaign missions. |
| Story connection | Captain Cyrus and his forces face danger from xenos forces on Kronus before the Dark Angels arrive, according to official story coverage. | Join Captain Cyrus and the Blood Ravens on Kronus, according to official story coverage. |
| Recognizable examples shown | No specific unit example is established in the official material covered here. | A bike-mounted Chaplain and Deathwing Terminators appear in 2026 Warhammer Community coverage; these examples do not establish the full playable roster. |
| Chapter-specific gameplay or online differences | Not stated in the official material available. | Not stated in the official material available. |
The Warhammer Community coverage confirms Dark Angels imagery, but seeing a unit in coverage is not proof of the full roster or a competitive edge. The official Dark Angels faction profile can help with chapter identity, but it is not evidence of Dawn of War IV balance or unit rules.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes 2 multipart plastic Space Marines Intercessor miniatures with distinct poses. Also includes a Starter paint brush
- Paints include – - 1 Abaddon Black (Base) – 1 Macragge Blue (Base) – 1 Mournfang Brown (Base) – 1 Leadbelcher (Base) – 1 Retributor Armour (Base) – 1 Corax White (Base)
- These miniatures are unpainted and need to be assembled. We recommend using Citadel Plastic Glue and Citadel Paints.
Which chapter should you choose?
Choose the Blood Ravens for their campaign story
If the returning Blood Ravens and their part in the Kronus story are what interest you most, start with them. Official story material places Captain Cyrus and his forces at the center of the danger that brings the Dark Angels into the conflict.
Choose the Dark Angels for their chapter identity and imagery
If the Dark Angels’ chapter identity, secretive reputation, or recognizable forces such as Deathwing Terminators appeal more, they are the natural preference. Treat the confirmed unit imagery as a reason to be interested, not a promise about roster size or battlefield performance.
Rank #2
- The ideal way to begin your Space Marines collection for Warhammer 40,000
- Includes 13 push-fit Space Marines miniatures, comprising a full Combat Patrol
- 11 paints, selected just for Space Marines, as well as a paint brush and texture spreader tool
- A comprehensive guidebook introduces you to the setting, and shows you how to build and paint your miniatures
- These push-fit miniatures require assembly and are supplied unpainted.
Don’t choose on unconfirmed balance claims
The available official material does not establish different chapter mechanics, separate multiplayer rosters, chapter-specific difficulty, or a fixed matchup advantage. If multiplayer is your deciding factor, wait for current official mode and roster details rather than relying on speculation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat Space Marine tactics does the official site recommend?
The official game page describes Space Marines as elite fighters that will usually win one-on-one encounters. That is publisher guidance, not independently measured balance data, and it is general Space Marine advice—not a stated difference between Blood Ravens and Dark Angels.
Rank #3
- Miniatures Box Set
- Harass early rather than waiting passively.
- Preserve units and reinforce them instead of treating losses as disposable.
- Use fortifications to secure points.
- Redeploy troops with Reserves and the Thunderhawk Relay.
When is Dawn of War IV available, and on what platform?
The current official game site and newer official Warhammer Community coverage give a December 3, 2026 release and identify PC via Steam. An older Plaion FAQ gives September 17, 2026, which conflicts with that newer information; check the current official listing for any release-date changes. The official site also lists Standard and Commander editions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000 - Space Marines: Infernus Squad
- 10 close-range fire support troops for your Space Marines
- Ideal for burning away hordes of enemies and flushing out dug-in opponents
- Pyreblasters unleash torrents of flame, scorching targets to a crisp with extreme prejudice
- These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly – we recommend using Citadel Plastic Glue and Citadel Colour paints.
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