Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Main Game
RELEASED
7.2
Jul 12, 2018
LinuxPC (Microsoft Windows)byProxy Studios•Slitherine Ltd.
Overview:|
As a 4X turn-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, you lead one of four unique factions—Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, or Necrons—in a brutal fight for control of the planet Gladius Prime. The core loop involves exploration, expansion, resource exploitation, and military extermination, with each faction possessing distinct tech trees and units. Unlike typical 4X titles, this game removes diplomacy, focusing solely on tactical combat and total domination. Released in 2018, the game has since received numerous expansions adding more factions and content, offering deep strategic replayability on PC and Linux.
This title is a 4X turn-based strategy game set in the grim, violent universe of Warhammer 40,000. Released in 2018 for PC (Microsoft Windows) and Linux, the core experience plunges players onto the forgotten world of Gladius Prime. Once a site of archaeological interest, the planet has become a brutal battleground where ancient secrets have awakened, forcing disparate forces into a desperate war for planetary control and survival. The game focuses heavily on exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, characteristic of the 4X genre, but filtered through the lens of the Imperium’s endless conflict.
The Setting and Premise
The narrative centers on Gladius Prime, a world whose archaeological discoveries inadvertently triggered a catastrophic conflict. Players step into this environment of terror and violence, commanding one of four distinct factions vying for dominance over the planet’s vital resources. The atmosphere is one of constant warfare, where every decision regarding resource management and military deployment carries significant weight.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
As a turn-based strategy title, the gameplay loop involves managing cities, researching technology, building armies, and engaging in tactical combat against rival forces. Each of the four initial factions—the disciplined Astra Militarum, the zealous Space Marines, the savage Orks, and the ancient Necrons—offers a unique strategic experience. This uniqueness extends to their specific technological trees, specialized units, and powerful hero units.
Combat unfolds on a hex-based map, emphasizing tactical positioning and unit synergy. Beyond direct conflict, players must secure resource nodes scattered across the map to fuel their war machine and technological advancement.
What makes this game unique in the 4X genre?
The primary distinction lies in its complete dedication to military conflict and the absence of traditional diplomatic mechanics often found in other 4X games. There is no negotiation or alliance-building; the objective is singular: total domination through military might. Furthermore, the game features a challenging Artificial Intelligence designed to provide a robust single-player experience, alongside options to compete or cooperate with other players online.
Available Content and Expansions
Since its initial launch, the game has received substantial additional content. While the base game features the four core factions, there are currently 11 downloadable content (DLC) packs and 6 major expansions available, which introduce new factions, units, and gameplay elements to the conflict on Gladius Prime, significantly increasing the variety of strategic choices available to returning players.
Platforms and Availability
This strategy title is available on PC (Microsoft Windows) and Linux platforms.
Game Details
Primary Name: Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Alternative Names:
autorun.exe (Windows Executable)
Type: Main Game
Series: Warhammer 40,000
Developer: Proxy Studios
Publisher: Slitherine Ltd.
Release Information
Release Date: Jul 12, 2018
Genres & Themes
Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Themes: 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate), Fantasy, Science fiction
Platforms
LinuxPC (Microsoft Windows)
Game Modes
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
Age Ratings
GRAC:12+
Soren