This is a 2020 expansion for the turn-based strategy game, *Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War*, requiring the base game. It introduces the Craftworld Aeldari as a new, fully playable faction, adding 19 unique units to the strategic sandbox. Gameplay focuses on adapting to the Aeldari's distinct mechanics, which emphasize speed and advanced technology within the existing planetary conquest framework. This content significantly enhances replayability by offering a new strategic path.
This content represents a significant expansion for the turn-based strategy game, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War. Released in November 2020 for PC and Linux platforms, this addition introduces the ancient and highly advanced Craftworld Aeldari faction to the ongoing conflict on the planet Gladius Prime. As an expansion, it requires the base game to access this new content, integrating the Aeldari directly into the existing strategic framework of planetary conquest and resource management.
The Craftworld Aeldari Arrive on Gladius
This expansion focuses entirely on adding a new playable race to the existing strategic sandbox of
Gladius - Relics of War. It does not introduce a new standalone campaign or storyline separate from the core game's premise of warring factions vying for dominance on the hostile world. Instead, it enhances replayability by offering a completely new strategic path within the established game modes.
What New Content Does This Expansion Offer?
The primary addition is the introduction of the Craftworld Aeldari as a fully realized, playable faction. This includes a roster of
19 new, unique units designed to reflect the Aeldari's reliance on speed, psychic power, and advanced technology. These units replace the standard unit pool with faction-specific alternatives, drastically altering tactical engagements on the hex-based battlefield.
Unique Aeldari Gameplay Mechanics
The appeal of this expansion lies in the distinct strategic mechanics the Aeldari bring to the table, setting them apart from the other factions available in the base game.
New Strategic Focus
The Aeldari gameplay is built around unique systems that emphasize precision and mobility over brute force. Players utilizing this faction will engage with mechanics that reflect their ethereal nature and mastery of the psychic arts. This necessitates a shift in standard 4X strategy, requiring players to adapt their expansion and combat doctrines to suit the Aeldari's specialized strengths.
How Does This Expansion Change the Core Strategy Game?
By introducing a new faction with unique units and mechanics, this content substantially alters the strategic landscape of
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War. The 19 new units are not simple reskins; they possess distinct abilities and roles that force players to rethink unit composition, technology paths, and engagement ranges. For existing players of the base game, this offers a substantial injection of variety, as facing or playing as the Aeldari requires learning entirely new build orders and tactical responses to maintain dominance on Gladius.
Scope and Integration
This content is a substantial faction addition, comparable in scope to the initial factions released with the core game, focusing on deep mechanical integration rather than a large volume of new maps or story missions. It is fully integrated into the existing game structure, meaning the Aeldari can be selected in standard skirmish and multiplayer matches against any other faction present in the game ecosystem.
What is the scope of this faction addition?
This content is a focused addition centered on providing a complete, distinct faction experience within the existing turn-based strategy framework. It requires the base game to operate and enhances the overall strategic depth available for planetary conquest scenarios.