If you’ve been hunting for a free Warhammer fix, now’s your shot: Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is free to claim on GOG.com through June 18, 2025. Normally a $40 title, this 4X strategy game pits four iconic factions against each other for galactic dominance.
🧠 What You’re Getting
- 4X turn-based warfare on Gladius Prime—with Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons duking it out over relics and territory.
- Single-player campaign as well as hotseat, co-op, and competitive multiplayer options.
- DRM-free gameplay, thanks to GOG’s gamer-friendly model.
- Platform compatibility with both Windows and Linux.
And let’s be real: even if you’re not a hardcore 4X gamer, free is free. Worst case, you delete it. Best case, you end up losing 60 hours conquering Necron tombs like a tactical god.
📄 Context: What’s the Deal with Gladius?
Released on July 12, 2018, by Proxy Studios and Slitherine Ltd., Gladius was a big deal as it was the first true 4X Warhammer game. That means:
- Explore: Uncover the fog-of-war-covered Gladius Prime.
- Expand: Build up your cities and resource chains.
- Exploit: Gather relics and tech to beef up your faction.
- Exterminate: Let’s be honest, this is where most of the game’s fun is.
Unlike other 4X titles that lean into diplomacy (looking at you, Civilization), Gladius throws you into pure, relentless WAR. It’s basically like playing Civ on an Ork’s dose of steroids and caffeine.
Critics gave the game a lukewarm reception on launch, noting it was a bit light on variety at first. But over time, expansions added new factions and mechanics, evolving it into a genuinely respectable entry in the Warhammer digital pantheon.
🏋️️ DLC Discounts You Shouldn’t Miss
Alongside the free base game, GOG is also slashing prices on Gladius DLC packs—some by as much as 76%. Here’s a quick hit list of notable deals:
- Tyranids DLC — \$4.49 (down from \$11.99)
- Chaos Space Marines — \$3.74 (was \$14.99)
- Craftworld Aeldari — \$2.99 (down from \$9.99)
- Adeptus Mechanicus — \$3.24 (was \$12.99)
- Reinforcement Packs — Starting at \$1.67
Honestly, Gladius without extra factions is like a tabletop game with half the miniatures. You can totally enjoy the base experience, but if you get hooked, that Tyranid swarm is gonna start calling your name.
🤔 Should You Play It?
If you’re into:
- Tactical turn-based gameplay
- Games like Civilization, Endless Legend, or Total War
- Bleak, lore-drenched sci-fi universes where “hope” is a four-letter word
- Playing as Orks and yelling “WAAAGH!” at your screen
…then yeah, Gladius is absolutely worth checking out. It’s accessible to 4X newcomers but still has layers of depth for veterans.
Even if you’re just Warhammer-curious, the flavor is thick here. Each faction plays differently, feels unique, and nails the gritty, over-the-top vibe of the source material.
🚑 Performance & Platform Notes
- Runs smooth on modern PCs, even on mid-tier rigs.
- Multiplayer is active, especially now with the freebie influx.
- Linux players, rejoice: this one actually respects you.
Just be warned: if you’re expecting next-gen graphics, you might be disappointed. Visually, it’s more functional than flashy—but hey, who needs particle effects when you’re glassing a city with orbital bombardments?
🗣️ What Gamers Are Saying
From r/pcgaming:
“I think I’ve lost track how many times this game has been given away for free.” – u/ActualMonolith
“The game may be free but the 16 DLCs are not. That’s how they get you.” – u/Gul_Akaron
While the base game being free is a gift, remember: Warhammer games are notorious for turning into DLC buffet tables. That said, GOG’s current discounts take a lot of the sting out.
🔍 How to Claim It
- Head to GOG’s Gladius promo page before June 18 at 15:59 EEST.
- Click the “Get It Free” banner.
- Log in or create a GOG account.
- Boom. It’s yours forever.
(And no, you won’t need to install another launcher. GOG Galaxy is optional.)
🚀 Final Verdict: Worth Your Bandwidth
Warhammer 40K: Gladius – Relics of War may not reinvent the 4X wheel, but it’s a solid, combat-heavy take on the genre—and being totally free makes it a no-brainer.
It’s grimdark, it’s strategic, and it’s got enough bolters and plasma guns to keep your tactical side busy. Grab it, try it, and if you get hooked, those discounted DLCs are waiting.
Which faction are you rolling with first—Necron menace or Ork madness? Drop your picks in the comments, and may the Emperor protect (or not).
