GET YOUR BEARINGS
About Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War drops players onto Gladius Prime, a planet where ancient artefacts have awakened a terrible horror. The game blends turn‑based 4X mechanics with the grimdark Warhammer setting, tasking you with building an empire while surviving hostile wildlife and rival factions.
Four iconic factions—Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons—each follow a unique storyline. Players explore a randomly generated map, secure relics, research technologies, and ultimately aim to be the sole victor in a world scarred by the warp.
01 / THE GUIDE
Faction Choice
At the start you select one of four Warhammer factions, each offering a distinct playstyle and technology tree. The Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons each progress through their own storyline on Gladius Prime.
Your chosen faction determines the units, hero abilities, and relics you can access, shaping how you expand cities, wage war, and respond to the planet’s threats.
- Consider the technology tree that best matches your preferred combat style before committing.
- Review each faction’s storyline to gauge narrative focus and potential replay value.
02 / THE GUIDE
Map Exploration
The game generates a random world filled with special features and wildlife that can affect troop morale. Exploration uncovers ancient artefacts that grant strategic advantages.
Terrains and wildlife are not merely cosmetic; they can directly influence the success of your expansion and combat operations.
- Scout early to locate relics before opponents.
- Avoid areas with aggressive wildlife until you have sufficient morale‑boosting units.

03 / THE GUIDE
City Management
Construct cities, buildings, and fortifications to expand your empire. These structures produce resources needed for unit recruitment and technology research.
City edicts allow you to influence production rates and military readiness, providing a layer of strategic depth beyond simple building placement.
- Balance resource generation with defensive fortifications to protect against raids.
- Use city edicts to accelerate research when you need a technological edge.
04 / THE GUIDE
Hero Units
Recruit hero units that possess distinct special abilities and can equip items such as advanced grenades or relics. Heroes gain ranks, increasing their power and impact on battles.
Equipping heroes with relics or grenades can turn them into champions that sway the outcome of engagements.
- Prioritize equipping heroes with relics that complement their abilities.
- Promote heroes early to unlock higher‑rank bonuses.
05 / THE GUIDE
Multiplayer Options
Gladius – Relics of War supports a range of multiplayer modes, including online and LAN PvP, co‑op, and shared/split‑screen play. Players can compete or cooperate across the globe.
Features such as Steam Achievements, Trading Cards, and Remote Play Together enhance the social experience.
- Test split‑screen co‑op locally before joining online matches.
- Use Steam Cloud to keep progress synchronized across devices.





COMMUNITY
Player discussion