Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Onslaught Pack adds eight new units to the turn-based 4X strategy game on Gladius Prime. Commanders gain fresh offensive tools across multiple factions, shifting how battles unfold and how resources are contested on the planet's surface.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on expanding territory, researching technology tiers, constructing bases, and fielding armies tailored to each faction's strengths. Players manage production queues, position units on hex grids, and resolve conflicts through tactical combat that emphasizes positioning and unit synergies. The Onslaught Pack introduces support and skirmish options that reward careful army composition. For instance, the Canoptek Reanimator restores health to nearby Necron forces during engagements, allowing sustained pressure without immediate retreats. Mandrakes from the Drukhari faction teleport through terrain to strike vulnerable targets and apply fear effects that disrupt enemy cohesion. Vypers provide Aeldari players with rapid reconnaissance and missile strikes from mobile platforms. Attilan Rough Riders deliver Astra Militarum cavalry charges that excel in close quarters, switching between frag and melta lance variants. Sicarian Ruststalkers serve as Adeptus Mechanicus assassins in prolonged fights, while Rubric Marines offer Chaos Space Marines durable infantry animated by sealed spirits. Squighog Boyz give Orks heavy cavalry capable of targeting large threats, and the Norn Emissary functions as a Tyranid synapse creature built for eliminating key enemy leaders.
These additions layer new decision points onto existing mechanics such as terrain interaction, hero deployment, and quest completion for faction-specific objectives. Commanders must balance the new units' maintenance costs against their battlefield impact, often adjusting research priorities to unlock supporting upgrades.
Game Modes
Single-player sessions pit commanders against AI opponents on procedurally generated maps, with victory conditions tied to total domination or completion of faction quests. Multiplayer supports competitive matches where players vie for control of Gladius Prime resources, as well as cooperative scenarios against shared AI threats. Options include online and LAN connections for both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment formats, along with split-screen support for local groups. The structure encourages repeated playthroughs as different factions, with the Onslaught Pack units altering viable strategies in each format.
Factions and Strategic Depth
Eight factions now populate the game, each with distinct base-building rules, unit rosters, and research paths. The new units integrate directly into these systems, expanding offensive reach for Necrons, Drukhari, Aeldari, Astra Militarum, Adeptus Mechanicus, Chaos Space Marines, Orks, and Tyranids. Commanders experiment with mixed armies that combine legacy forces with the fresh additions, creating varied approaches to map control and enemy elimination. Terrain features and line-of-sight rules continue to influence outcomes, while the added units introduce teleportation, regeneration, and heavy cavalry elements that reward adaptive tactics.
Is It Worth Playing?
The base game maintains active development with multiple DLC releases through 2025, including this pack that broadens unit variety without altering core rules. Players who enjoy faction asymmetry and combat-focused 4X gameplay find consistent value in the expanded roster. Reception highlights strong appeal for Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts seeking alternatives to diplomacy-heavy titles, with feedback noting challenging AI and replayability through different faction combinations. Those preferring deep tactical layers over broad empire management will likely appreciate the focused design and ongoing content additions.
