Proxy Studios and Slitherine shipped the first turn-based 4X game set in Warhammer 40,000 on 12 July 2018, and it strips the genre down to the part 40k actually supports. There is no diplomacy on Gladius Prime: you win by completing your faction's quest line or by killing everyone else. Four factions launched with the game, Space Marines, Astra Militarum, Orks and Necrons, and seven more arrived as DLC over the following five years: Tyranids in 2019, Chaos Space Marines in 2019, T'au in 2020, Craftworld Aeldari in 2020, Adeptus Mechanicus in 2021, Adepta Sororitas in 2022 and Drukhari in 2023. Each one runs a different economy, so switching faction changes far more than the unit art.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Marines | A | Balanced | Tactical Space Marines | Yes |
| Astra Militarum | A | Balanced | Leman Russ Battle Tank | Yes |
| Orks | A | Balanced | Necron Warriors | Yes |
| Necrons | A | Balanced | Ork Boyz | Yes |
| Tyranids | A | Balanced | Baneblade | Yes |
New player? Start with Astra Militarum. See our beginner's guide for why.
Space Marines
Space Marines is a strong option in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Tactical Space Marines |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Five resources with faction-specific economies |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Tactical Space Marines
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Wire weed to learn Space Marines-specific mechanics
- Focus on Five resources with faction-specific economies. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Tactical Space Marines as your first major upgrade
- See our full Space Marines build guide for the optimal gear progression
Astra Militarum
Astra Militarum is a strong option in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Leman Russ Battle Tank |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Cities that claim tiles with influence |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Leman Russ Battle Tank
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Wire weed to learn Astra Militarum-specific mechanics
- Focus on Cities that claim tiles with influence. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Leman Russ Battle Tank as your first major upgrade
- See our full Astra Militarum build guide for the optimal gear progression
Orks
Orks is a strong option in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Necron Warriors |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Faction quest lines as a victory route |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Necron Warriors
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Wire weed to learn Orks-specific mechanics
- Focus on Faction quest lines as a victory route. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Necron Warriors as your first major upgrade
- See our full Orks build guide for the optimal gear progression
Necrons
Necrons is a strong option in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Ork Boyz |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Wildlife and artefact guardians |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Ork Boyz
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Wire weed to learn Necrons-specific mechanics
- Focus on Wildlife and artefact guardians. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Ork Boyz as your first major upgrade
- See our full Necrons build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tyranids
Tyranids is a strong option in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Baneblade |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Terrain that decides the fight |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Baneblade
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Wire weed to learn Tyranids-specific mechanics
- Focus on Terrain that decides the fight. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Baneblade as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tyranids build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Astra Militarum is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Space Marines is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Tactical Space Marines for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Tyranids offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Necrons shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Guides
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Overview
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Best Builds
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Tier List
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Walkthrough
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Beginner's Guide
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Tips & Tricks
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Weapons Guide
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Combat Guide
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Boss Guide
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Maps & Locations
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War Crafting Guide
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