Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Assault Pack is a turn-based 4X strategy expansion for the PC game Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War. It adds seven new offensive-focused units, one for each playable faction, emphasizing mobility and direct combat power on the contested surface of Gladius Prime.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploring the planet, claiming resources, building armies, and eliminating rival factions through turn-based actions on a hex grid. Each faction operates with distinct mechanics, research trees, and objectives tied to its Warhammer 40,000 lore. The Assault Pack introduces units built for aggressive pushes and rapid repositioning. Astra Militarum gains the Chimera, an amphibious transport that carries infantry while providing anti-personnel firepower from its weapons and passenger hatches. Tyranids receive the Scythed Hierodule, a large creature with heavy chitin armor and claws that can slice through vehicles. T'au field the Tidewall Gunrig, a mobile fortification equipped with railguns for anti-armor and anti-monster roles. Orks add Warbikers that close distances quickly while spraying dakka from their bikes. Necrons deploy Flayed Ones, close-combat infantry that bypass overwatch fire when materializing near enemies. Chaos Space Marines gain the Chaos Land Raider, a heavily armored transport with lascannons in sponsons. Space Marines receive the Razorback, a tank that moves infantry forward under covering fire. These additions shift tactics toward faster assaults and combined-arms strikes without altering the underlying resource and territory systems.
Game Modes
Matches take place in single-player scenarios that follow faction storylines or in multiplayer sessions supporting competitive play between human opponents. Players select factions at the start and compete to control map sectors through expansion, unit production, and decisive battles. The Assault Pack units integrate directly into these formats, allowing new aggressive compositions in both solo campaigns against AI and head-to-head encounters.
Factions and Unit Integration
Seven factions compete on Gladius Prime, each with unique strengths that the new units complement. Imperial Guard emphasizes massed infantry supported by versatile transports like the Chimera. Tyranids swarm with bioforms, now including the durable Hierodule for breaking lines. T'au rely on ranged firepower, augmented by the railgun-equipped Gunrig. Orks favor speed and volume of fire, enhanced by Warbiker mobs. Necrons use durable constructs that phase in for melee, with Flayed Ones adding surprise close-range threats. Chaos Space Marines field corrupted vehicles such as the Land Raider for breakthrough assaults. Space Marines advance with elite infantry transported by the Razorback. The pack keeps all factions balanced around their established playstyles while rewarding bold forward momentum.
Is It Worth Playing?
The base game maintains Very Positive reviews on its primary distribution platform, with over five thousand ratings reflecting steady player interest years after release. Recent updates continue to support the title, and the Assault Pack provides meaningful variety for players who enjoy faction asymmetry and tactical army composition. It suits those who prefer deliberate turn-based planning over real-time action and who appreciate the grimdark setting of Warhammer 40,000. The expansion integrates cleanly with existing content, making it a solid addition for anyone already engaged with the core systems or looking to expand their options in multiplayer matches.
