Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War turns the Warhammer universe into a turn-based 4X strategy game set on Gladius Prime. Once a planet of peace and archaeological interest, it becomes a battlefield after an ancient horror awakens. The premise gives exploration a threatening backdrop: the factions are fighting for survival as well as control of a world marked by its buried past.
Players choose among the Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks and Necrons, each with its own playstyle and technology tree. A randomly generated world brings special features and dangerous wildlife, while ancient artefacts offer advantages over rival factions. Building cities, structures and fortifications supports expansion and army production; resource gathering and research develop the machinery of war. Hero units add another layer, with distinct abilities, equipment and growing strength as they gain ranks. Faction-specific storylines give each choice its own account of Gladius Prime’s fate.
The game supports solo play against challenging AI, as well as cooperative and competitive play with other people. Each faction’s different tools and storyline also make the choice of side part of the game’s identity.
