Released in July 2018 by Proxy Studios, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is a turn-based strategy game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K. The game thrusts players into a brutal battle for survival on the hostile planet of Gladius Prime, embracing the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) genre with its own unique, war-driven twist.
Introduction to Gladius Prime
Gladius Prime, once a thriving Imperial world, is now a war-torn battlefield. Ancient relics of immense power have surfaced, drawing four unique factions into a ferocious conflict. The planet itself is unforgiving, filled with dangerous wildlife, hostile terrain, and hidden dangers that challenge even the most seasoned warriors. The narrative backdrop sets the tone for a game where survival hinges on strategic mastery and relentless aggression.
Factions: Distinctive Forces of War
Astra Militarum
The Astra Militarum, or Imperial Guard, represents humanity’s bulwark against the horrors of the galaxy. With an emphasis on overwhelming firepower and numbers, they are the embodiment of the Imperium’s doctrine of total war. The faction boasts a wide array of units, from the versatile Guardsmen to the heavily armored Leman Russ tanks. Basilisks and Baneblades provide artillery and super-heavy support, creating a formidable defensive line capable of withstanding prolonged sieges and delivering devastating counterattacks.
Space Marines
The Space Marines, or Adeptus Astartes, are genetically engineered super-soldiers. They are the Emperor’s chosen, elite warriors with unparalleled combat prowess. Space Marines rely on fewer but more powerful units, such as Tactical Marines, Devastators, and the iconic Land Raider tanks. Their tactical flexibility allows them to adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions, executing surgical strikes to cripple enemy infrastructure and morale. The faction’s access to powerful hero units like Chapter Masters further amplifies their battlefield effectiveness.
Orks
The Orks are a race driven by a primal urge for violence and conquest. Their gameplay is characterized by sheer numbers and raw aggression. Ork units range from basic Boyz to formidable Warbosses, with an array of vehicles such as Deff Dreads and Battlewagons supporting their relentless advance. The Orks’ unique mechanic of WAAAGH! boosts their combat effectiveness, turning their often chaotic assaults into devastating offensives. Their gameplay revolves around maintaining momentum and overwhelming enemies with brute force.
Necrons
The Necrons are an ancient race of undying machines, awakening from millennia of slumber to reclaim their former glory. Their units, from Necron Warriors to Monoliths, are resilient and often possess self-repair capabilities. Necrons rely on their superior technology and durability to outlast opponents, employing teleportation and other advanced tactics to control the battlefield. The faction’s heroes, such as Overlords and Crypteks, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their forces, making them a formidable foe in prolonged engagements.
Gameplay: The Essence of 4X in Gladius
Explore
Exploration in Gladius: Relics of War is a perilous endeavour. The planet’s surface is shrouded in a thick fog of war, hiding both valuable resources and deadly threats. Each faction must scout the terrain, revealing ancient ruins, resource nodes, and strategic locations. The process of exploration is integral to securing early advantages, as discovering relics can provide powerful bonuses, and uncovering enemy positions allows for preemptive strikes. However, the hostile environment, filled with neutral creatures and environmental hazards, ensures that exploration is fraught with danger.
Expand
Expansion in Gladius is a race against time and opponents. Each faction needs to establish and develop new cities to increase their production capabilities and territorial control. The process involves careful placement of cities to maximize resource extraction and defensive potential. Growth is limited by the available resources, which necessitates strategic planning and sometimes aggressive actions to secure additional territory. The balance between expanding too quickly and leaving yourself vulnerable, or expanding too slowly and falling behind, is a critical strategic consideration.
Exploit
Exploitation of resources is a central theme in Gladius. Each faction must gather various resources like food, ore, energy, and influence to sustain their war efforts. The management of these resources requires a delicate balance, as neglecting any one of them can cripple a faction’s ability to produce units, research technologies, or maintain morale. Buildings and units that enhance resource production or provide unique benefits are vital to a faction’s success. The competition for these resources often leads to conflicts, driving the game’s dynamic and aggressive nature.
Exterminate
Extermination is where Gladius diverges from traditional 4X games. Combat is the primary focus, with each faction driven by the need to annihilate their enemies. The game’s mechanics emphasize tactical positioning, unit synergy, and effective use of heroes. Victory often hinges on the ability to anticipate enemy movements, exploit weaknesses, and maintain a relentless offensive. The AI is challenging, ensuring that players must remain vigilant and adaptive. The grimdark theme is woven into the very fabric of the gameplay, with no room for diplomacy or alliances – only the complete destruction of foes guarantees survival and victory.
Strategic Depth and Replayability
Gladius: Relics of War offers significant strategic depth and replayability. Each faction’s unique abilities and units necessitate different approaches and strategies, ensuring that no two games are the same. The randomization of the map and the unpredictable nature of exploration add layers of complexity and challenge. Players must constantly adapt to new situations, leveraging their faction’s strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. The game’s AI, coupled with the hostile environment of Gladius Prime, provides a consistently challenging experience that keeps players engaged.
The Final Word
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is a unique and engaging entry in the 4X genre. Its focus on combat and the relentless pursuit of extermination aligns perfectly with the grimdark setting of Warhammer 40K. The four distinct factions offer diverse gameplay experiences, each requiring different strategic approaches. The game’s emphasis on exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination is executed with a brutal elegance that captures the essence of survival in the Warhammer universe. For fans of the franchise and the 4X genre, Gladius: Relics of War is a compelling and challenging experience that delivers both strategic depth and relentless action.
