Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Eradication pack expands the turn-based strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War with eight new units drawn from eight different factions. Released in May 2026, the pack focuses on offensive capabilities and gives commanders additional options for engaging enemy forces on the planet Gladius Prime.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on expanding territory, researching technology, and commanding armies in turn-based battles against AI opponents or other players. Each faction follows its own technology tree and resource rules, which shape how units are produced and deployed. Combat emphasizes positioning and unit abilities rather than large-scale base building, with every engagement requiring careful management of health, armor, and special weapons.
Exploration reveals resources and neutral threats that must be cleared before they interfere with expansion plans. Faction-specific mechanics, such as the Necrons' tomb world restrictions or the Orks' aggressive production style, force players to adapt strategies each match. The Eradication pack adds units that slot directly into these existing systems, providing new ways to counter specific enemy types without altering the fundamental pace of research and movement.
Game Modes
Matches take place in skirmish format on randomly generated maps. Players select a faction, set map size and difficulty, then compete to eliminate all opposing forces. Single-player sessions pit one commander against multiple AI factions, while multiplayer supports online and LAN matches where participants can cooperate or compete directly.
Victory comes from destroying enemy headquarters and surviving units. No campaign structure exists, so every session stands alone and emphasizes replay through different faction combinations and map layouts. The new units from the Eradication pack integrate into these skirmishes immediately, allowing commanders to test fresh tactical combinations against both AI and human opponents.
New Units in the Eradication Pack
The pack supplies one specialized unit per faction. Adepta Sororitas receive Celestian Insidiants, anti-psyker melee infantry equipped with condemnor bolt pistols and null-field maces. Orks gain the Wazbom Blastajet, an experimental aircraft that carries improvised weaponry and operates in tight formations.
Space Marines obtain the Thunderhawk Gunship, a versatile super-heavy transport capable of atmospheric bombing runs and boarding actions. Tyranids add the Harpy, a flying bioform that drops explosive spore mines while attacking from above. Craftworld Aeldari field Warp Spiders, jet-pack infantry built for rapid hit-and-run strikes that exploit warp travel.
Necrons deploy the Seraptek Heavy Construct, a super-heavy walker that dominates nearby constructs and disintegrates targets at range. Astra Militarum receive the Armoured Sentinel, a fire-support walker fitted with plasma cannons for tank-hunting roles. Chaos Space Marines gain Noise Marines, ranged infantry that unleash psychosonic attacks to overwhelm enemy senses.
Is It Worth Playing?
The base game maintains a very positive reception among players who enjoy focused 4X combat without diplomacy layers. The Eradication pack appeals most to those already familiar with the factions and seeking additional offensive tools for skirmish matches. Its units emphasize direct confrontation and counter-play, fitting the game's emphasis on tactical unit management over long-term empire simulation.
Commanders who prefer aggressive playstyles across multiple factions will find immediate value in the new options. Those seeking deeper narrative campaigns or complex economic systems may find the experience limited to repeated skirmishes. The recent release means ongoing support continues through the existing community and future content updates.
