Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War similar games & best alternatives

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2018

Should you play it?

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.

What works
  • Deep and challenging tactical combat
  • Unique and well-balanced factions
  • Immersive warhammer 40k atmosphere
  • Strong multiplayer and mod support
  • Engaging progression and strategy
Things to keep in mind
  • High dlc cost and fragmented content
  • Lack of diplomacy and campaign mode
  • Some ui and graphical simplicity
  • Neutral wildlife ai can be frustrating
  • Long game sessions require sustained focus

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection

  • Imperium Galactica II

  • Age of Wonders 4

  • Interstellar Space: Genesis

  • Heroes® of Might & Magic® III - HD Edition

  • Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® - Dark Crusade

  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition

  • Total War: WARHAMMER III

  • Medieval II: Total War™ Kingdoms
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Conquest of Elysium 4

  • Voxel Turf

  • Worbital
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War: Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Status, Cooperation. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Value, Intimacy.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

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    "Players have freedom to choose different units, tactics, formations, and strategies; game rewards improvisation and tactical decision-making."

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    "Players have freedom to choose factions, strategies, unit compositions, and tactical maneuvers; game rewards adaptation and experimentation."

  • Competence

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    "Game challenges players with complex tactical combat, resource management, and strategic positioning; AI is punishing and requires skillful play."

  • Competition

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    "Multiplayer includes skill-based matches without perks or leveling, with some active servers and clan competitions, encouraging player comparison."

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    "Supports multiplayer with team setups and competitive matches; players compare skill through tactical battles and map control."

  • Continuation

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    "Players report long sessions and deep engagement, though some mention eventual repetitiveness and desire for more content."

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  • Cooperation

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    "Game supports multiplayer co-op and cooperative activities, but many players also enjoy solo play."

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  • Creativity

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    "Players customize cities, upgrade units, and manage supply routes; mod support adds creative possibilities."

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    "Players customize city layouts, unit builds, and tactical approaches; mod support adds further creative options."

  • Domination

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    "The game emphasizes military conquest and domination over other civilizations, with players often exerting control over opponents."

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    "Game focuses on total war and conquest; players seek superiority through battlefield control and elimination of enemies."

  • Escapism

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    "Players use the game to immerse in the grimdark 40k universe and escape real life through brutal combat."

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  • Expectation

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    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no pressure or obligation reported."

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  • Experimenting

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    "Players explore different tactics, unit combinations, and battle setups; the game encourages trying new strategies and learning."

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  • Exploration

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    "Map has various biomes and Easter eggs; some exploration but mostly familiar environments due to single map."

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    "Map is randomly generated with neutral creatures and relics to discover; exploration is part of gameplay but limited to one planet."

  • Expression

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    "Players customize cities and choose building placements, but limited avatar or cosmetic customization is noted."

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  • Fantasy

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    "Strongly rooted in the imaginative Warhammer 40k universe with fictional factions, lore, and settings."

    Capsule for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative Warhammer 40K fiction with unique factions, heroes, and lore."

  • Fellowship

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    "Community and multiplayer provide social connection and shared interests, though many players focus on solo play."

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    "Community and multiplayer provide social connection; some players enjoy cooperative and competitive play with friends."

  • Growth

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    "Players develop skills in strategy, unit management, and faction mastery over time."

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    "Players develop skills in strategy, tactics, and faction mastery over many hours of play."

  • Health

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    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with long sessions and focus on screen time."

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  • Idle

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    "Requires focused attention and tactical decision-making; not suited for casual or background play."

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  • Intimacy

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    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level multiplayer matches; no deep relationship-building or emotional sharing."

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  • Leadership

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    "Players lead armies and make strategic decisions; multiplayer may include team leadership roles."

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  • Progression

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    "Players accumulate tech, units, and upgrades, advancing through a tech tree and building armies."

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  • Relaxation

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    "Game has moments of tension and challenge but overall pacing allows for some flow and relaxation."

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  • Sensation

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    "Visuals, sound, and combat animations provide sensory engagement and excitement."

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  • Status

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    "Multiplayer recognition and leaderboards provide social status, though single player is more individual-focused."

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    "Multiplayer and community recognition provide some social status; singleplayer is more individual."

  • Story

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    "The game has thematic narrative elements and faction lore enhancing immersion."

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  • Strategy

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    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic and tactical decision-making, unit positioning, and resource management."

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  • Thrill

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    "Combat provides suspense and excitement with risk and reward."

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  • Value

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    "Players often feel the base game is good value but DLCs are expensive and sometimes overpriced."

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  • Violence

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    "Heavy emphasis on combat, destruction, and violent action consistent with Warhammer 40k setting."

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  • Survival

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    "Players must manage resources, avoid defeat, and overcome threats in tactical battles."

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    "Players must manage resources and avoid defeat; survival through tactical skill is key."

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Last update: 01/06/2026