Warhammer 40K Space Marines Gladiator

review by Sebi

The Space Marine Gladiator Tank is a versatile and deadly addition to any Adeptus Astartes army. A close cousin to the Repulsor chassis, the Gladiator represents the Primaris Marines' answer to a dedicated battle tank. Where the Repulsor is a hybrid transport/assault vehicle, the Gladiator strips out troop capacity to make room for heavier firepower, creating a specialized platform that supports Space Marine forces with powerful ranged options. 

In the grim dark future of the 41st Millennium, the Gladiator tank is a relatively new creation from the forges of Mars, born from the same templates that produced the Impulser. Developed during the Indomitus Crusade, it reflects Roboute Guilliman’s strategic directive to provide the Primaris forces with dedicated armor capable of dominating various battlefield roles. The Gladiator is fielded in three primary configurations—Lancer, Reaper, and Valiant—each fulfilling a distinct tactical niche. While not as heavily armored as a Land Raider, the Gladiator offers superior speed, versatility, and firepower, particularly in combined arms formations. 

The kit itself is a moderately complex build with some rough edges and mold lines. Nothing some sand paper and liquid cement couldn't take care of. The multipart plastic sprues are packed with detailed components, offering optional parts for all three Gladiator variants. While the instructions are clear and well-organized, careful dry-fitting is recommended to ensure alignment, especially around the turret and body of the build. 

The kit offers excellent customizability. Magnets are highly recommended if you want to swap between the turret options. While some bits are variant-specific, kit bashers can retain swappability with a bit of extra effort. You’ll also get a range of purity seals, stowage, and iconography, allowing for further chapter-specific customization. 

Each Gladiator variant focuses on a different battlefield role: 

  • Gladiator Lancer: Equipped with a lancer laser destroyer, this is the tank-hunter of the trio. Its high-damage output is ideal against enemy armor and monsters. It also sports a storm bolter and ironhail heavy stubber for light defense. 
  • Gladiator Reaper: Outfitted with a twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon and onboard tempest bolters, the Reaper excels at mowing down infantry hordes. It's the go-to anti-horde choice. 
  • Gladiator Valiant: The most flexible of the three, featuring a twin las-talon and multi-meltas, plus rocket pods and heavy stubbers. It’s devastating at mid-range, especially against elite infantry and light vehicles. 

Each variant includes pintle-mounted options and hull-mounted secondary weapons, enhancing battlefield utility.

In-game, the Gladiator is a fast, heavily armed, but lightly armored tank (compared to older patterns like the Land Raider). With Toughness 10, a 2+ save, and a 6+ invulnerable save, it can hold its own—but must avoid concentrated anti-tank fire. 

The Lancer is a premier sniper for enemy armor, often deleting vehicles in a single round. The Reaper is best used against hordes of Orks, Tyranids, or Genestealer Cults. The Valiant is flexible, ideal for players who want to adapt to mid-range threats. 

It synergizes well with characters like a Primaris Techmarine or Lieutenant, who can repair or buff its hit rolls. It works best as part of a mechanized or gunline-heavy list rather than a foot-slogging force. 

The Gladiator is an exciting and tactically flexible tank for Space Marine players. While it requires a bit of modeling skill and tactical foresight, its battlefield presence is well worth the investment. Whether you want to melt, shred, or snipe, the Gladiator’s got you covered.

 The Gladiator is available now from our webstore.

Warhammer 40K Space Marines Gladiator