14 DAY TRIAL // The Sisters of Battle have colonized the southeastern side of this map and are proving difficult to dislodge. My Drukhari forces, including the very mobile Helions and Raiders, are taking down their outposts. But I haven’t yet mobilized the heavy hardware required to actually assault a city and accompanying forces.
Most of my troops, including my anti-vehicle Scourges, are battling the Eldari to the north, alongside the Archon and Succubus. They are putting pressure on my line, and I might need to execute a light tactical retreat to absorb their advance. It might be time to also move a secondary force, which has been exploring and battling neutral units.
The Drukhari really need outposts, so trading space for time is not a great idea. I use my faction powers to gain more food and energy and order my cities to produce more units. I hope that the Space Marines, who are also in this fight, don’t show up with a big force and instead choose to strike at one of the already engaged enemy factions.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Drukhari is developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd, the same as for the core game. This is a major downloadable content pack that introduces a new faction to the game, the Drukhari, webway pirates formerly known as the Dark Eldar.
Their backstory is complex, featuring Chaos gods, a general openness towards over-the-top violence, and a dark city that’s hidden from other factions. They are extreme in their approach to warfare even by Warhammer 40,000 standards. And now they arrive on Gladius, ready to join the factions already fighting to take possession of the planet.
Their strategic approach reflects their philosophy: strike by taking advantage of surprise, concentrate strength, and generate terror if possible. Their roster includes a wide range of units, from classic Kabalite warriors and Wytches to Ravagers and the Voidraven bomber.
Most have access to unique battle drugs to enhance their performance but can still have trouble in a direct fight with the likes of the Space Marines. But faction powers allow the Drukhari to create and control webways, meaning they can move quickly across the map, both to flee a bad situation and to rapidly reinforce at a key moment.
Cities grow slower but that can be compensated by getting to outposts quickly and by emphasizing influence generation, also used to power unit abilities. The faction also has a bonus to armor penetration in melee combat, which can be deadly when combined with their fast movement options (all transports are well-armed).
During the early game, it can be easy to lose units, even to neutral forces, but the Drukhari become more powerful as they get outposts and as their units gain veterancy. Make sure to play on a map that also features the Aeldari for some very cool engagements. And only engage a Space Marine force after extensive preparation.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Drukhari adds a variety of unit models for the new race but doesn’t otherwise tweak the game’s graphics. The planet still looks like a war-ravaged hellhole, which is appropriate. The interface is solid, offering players the information they need. Combat sounds aren’t very engaging while the soundtrack is suitably orchestral.
Conclusion
Players who prefer other playstyles should explore the other featured factions and find one that suits their approach. Gladius has strong mechanics and a classic approach to the genre, a great way to showcase the variety of Warhammer 40,000.
Review key provided by the publisher.
