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Gladiator PvE Guide — Skills, Builds, Rotation & Gear

Gladiator PvE loadouts, an actionable rotation, skill priorities, Daevanion routes, gear and Arcana planning, consumables and all 35 official skills.

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Korean source mechanics · use the build scope shown in this guide

Stigmas · Skills & special abilities · Passive priorities · Full class guide

Dungeon · Editorial progression targets. Spend within your available points.

Dungeon LOADOUT

Stigmas

Equip these 4 Stigmas

Boss pressure with a deliberate block.

Assault Stance

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Combat-speed window

Temporarily increases combat speed.

Use in this set: Combat-speed window.

Zikel's Blessing

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Attack and accuracy

Temporarily increases attack and accuracy.

Use in this set: Attack and accuracy.

Raging Burst

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Debuff + Slam activation

Damages and weakens enemy attack, buffs your damage and temporarily enables Overhead Slam.

Use in this set: Debuff + Slam activation.

Focused Block

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Planned frontal block

Channelled frontal weapon block with improved blocked-damage reduction; successful blocks recover MP and stamina.

Use in this set: Planned frontal block.

Need recovery instead of blocking?Replace Focused Block with Lifestealing Blade.

Learn the four choices at 1; work toward useful rank-5 goals before later upgrades.

Stigmas level with Shards. They do not use Mastery Specialty slots.

Alternative Stigmas & when to use them

Wave of Wrath

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Situational alternative

Area damage that reduces enemy attack and can knock enemies down.

Not equipped in this set. Situational alternative.

Armor of Balance

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Situational alternative

Temporarily increases impact-type resistance.

Not equipped in this set. Situational alternative.

Blade Toss

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Defense reduction

Ranged attack chain that reduces enemy defense and received healing.

Not equipped in this set. Defense reduction.

Tenacity

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Emergency personal survival

Briefly negates damage and control; some powerful attacks bypass it. Shares an invulnerability restriction with certain support skills.

Not equipped in this set. Emergency personal survival.

Lifestealing Blade

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Personal HP recovery

Deals damage to enemies and absorbs HP.

Not equipped in this set. Personal HP recovery.

Wave Armor

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Nearby area damage

Continuously damages enemies around the caster.

Not equipped in this set. Nearby area damage.

Forced Binding

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Situational alternative

Damages a target and can seal it.

Not equipped in this set. Situational alternative.

Assault Strike

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Situational alternative

Area HP/MP damage with knockdown potential; grants defense based on targets hit.

Not equipped in this set. Situational alternative.

Crushing Rush

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Situational alternative

Rushes forward, damaging and potentially rooting enemies along the path.

Not equipped in this set. Situational alternative.

Play it in 3 steps

  1. Assault Stance + Zikel's Blessing, then Raging Burst.
  2. Ruinous Blow → Overhead Slam; weave Keen Strike and Rending Blow.
  3. Channel Focused Block for an assigned frontal hit.

Skills

Active skills & special abilities

All 12 active skills, their effects and Specialty selections for Dungeon.

Total 8 → 1 slot · 12 → 2 slots · 16 → all options · 20 → 3 slots

Option numbers match the five lines shown on each skill. Total level includes gear and Daevanion bonuses. At total 16 all five options are available, but you still have two slots. The third slot opens at total 20. Checked options show our recommended total-20 setup; use the milestone selections below at lower levels. This is not a requirement to raise every skill to 20.

Keen Strike

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Attack chain that increases enmity and restores MP.

Use it: Weave between spenders; preserve MP for the next damage and defensive window.

Take the MP-restoration specialty first.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1+20% MP restored✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Absorbs 1% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3+50% Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4-1s [Ruinous Blow] cooldown on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Adds [Reckless Strike] Chain Skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 5

Reduce resource downtime during repeated casts. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Rending Blow

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Melee attack chain with increased enmity and stagger damage.

Use it: Your repeatable spender. Use its mana-saving option while resources constrain the rotation.

Choose MP reduction while the loop is resource-limited.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1-20% MP consumed✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2+200 Block while using skillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Changes to mobile skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Deals up to 12% more damage when less targets are hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Restores 50 MP on landing a Critical HitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 3

Reduce resource downtime during repeated casts. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Ruinous Blow

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Rushes into an area attack and grants Battle Preparation: damage amplification, critical and status-hit bonuses.

Use it: Establish its offensive buff before the main damage sequence. Watch the movement attached to the attack.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1+20% Skill Speed✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2+12.5m RangeOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3+30% Skill Critical HitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Extra damage on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Ignores Block and Evasion and lands as Multi-Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 5

Keep the skill usable while positioning for mechanics. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Overhead Slam

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Conditional attack against knocked-down targets; can activate against control-immune targets. Builds enmity.

Use it: Prioritize during its activation window. Developed reset builds use it much more frequently than beginners.

Absorption is the survival alternative to damage.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 0.7% HP✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Changes to AoE SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Adds [Upward Strike] Chain Skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Critical Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Remove cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 3

Improve recovery when incoming damage limits uptime. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Crushing Wave

Base Lv. 5 → 8

Area attack chain centered on the caster; deals stagger damage.

Use it: Use for grouped enemies. Choose extra damage or HP recovery according to your current sustain.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 2% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Restores 50 MP on landing a Critical Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Up to +20% damage when more targets hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Resets cooldown on landing a Critical Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 550% chance to pullOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2 + ✓ 3

Reduce resource downtime during repeated casts. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Mocking Blade

Base Lv. 5 → 8

Damages and knocks down a target; uses a different motion against control-immune targets.

Use it: Creates an Overhead Slam opportunity. Choose sustain when you are taking the boss's attacks.

Choose absorption for difficult solo pulls.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 4% HP, absorbs 15% HP of target with Incapacitated Immunity✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Changes to AoE damage on down strikeOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Adds 2 additional strikes✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4+1s Knockdown durationOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Ignores Block and Evasion and lands as Multi-Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 3

Improve recovery when incoming damage limits uptime. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Leaping Strike

Base Lv. 1 → 1

Leap to the target, dealing damage and stagger.

Use it: Use the kill-reset option for questing; keep a gap closer available for boss movement.

Use the kill-reset option for quest packs when available.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Prepare for Battle effect on the caster for 3s✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 250% chance to trigger [Ankle Slice] on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Resets cooldown on defeating an enemyOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4+20% PvE Damage Tolerance and +10 PvP Damage Tolerance for 3s✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5Changes to AoE skill and pulls in enemies✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 5

Support damage or utility under the condition written on this option. Control and kill-triggered effects depend on the target. Do not assume a boss can be controlled.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Sword Aura Rampage

Base Lv. 1 → 1

Damages a staggered target.

Use it: Use during a real stagger window; it cannot replace the ordinary boss loop outside that condition.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 5% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Restores 120 MP✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Changes to mobile skillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Multi-Hit on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5-1s all skill cooldowns on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 2

Reduce resource downtime during repeated casts. Use only during a real stagger opportunity; this is not a normal filler skill.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Ankle Slash

Base Lv. 1 → 1

After a successful block, damages nearby enemies and can root them.

Use it: A reactive control follow-up. Keep encounter immunity in mind even though the source lists guaranteed NPC rooting.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 130% chance to inflict Knockdown for 3s on landing [Ankle Slice]✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Adds [Ankle Smash] Chain Skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3+16m [Ankle Slice] rangeOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Ignores Block and Evasion and lands as Multi-Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 525% chance to reset [Ankle Slice] cooldown on BlockOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2 + ✓ 1

Support the skill’s follow-up or repeated activation. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Rush Strike

Base Lv. 1 → 1

After emergency evasion, rushes to the target and can knock it down.

Use it: Return to melee after dodging only when the destination is safe.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Restores 300 Stamina on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2+10m range✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Changes to Charge Skill and deals AoE damage✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4-10s cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5+25% Knockdown ChanceOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 2 + ✓ 3

Keep the skill usable while positioning for mechanics. These selections apply if you use this skill. They do not raise its investment priority.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Aerial Snare

Base Lv. 1 → 1

Attacks a knocked-down target and can inflict aerial restraint.

Use it: A control follow-up, especially for PvP; do not prioritize it over reliable PvE damage.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Multi-Hit on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2+25% [Aerial Snare] Airborne ChanceOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3+100% damage to targets with Incapacitated Immunity✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4Adds [Forced Fall] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5-50% [Aerial Snare] cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 1

Support damage or utility under the condition written on this option. Control and kill-triggered effects depend on the target. Do not assume a boss can be controlled.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Shock Release

Base Lv. 1 → 1

Removes major control effects and grants temporary control immunity. Cooldown reduction does not affect its recast.

Use it: Keep separate from damage inputs for a deliberate escape.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Adds [Wrath Burst] Chain Skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Restores 1000 Stamina on using [Defiance]OptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  3. 3Restores 20% HP on using [Defiance]✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  4. 4+2s Tenacity durationOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  5. 5+50% PvE Damage Tolerance and +25% PvP Damage Tolerance for Tenacity duration✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 1

Support damage or utility under the condition written on this option. Keep this emergency control break manual. Do not buy bonus ranks solely to copy the preview.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Passive skills & investment priorities

Max these passives first — in this order

For Dungeon, put your passive upgrade points into the priority skills below. Max the first one, then the next, until this list is complete. Do not spread points across optional passives first.

  1. Attack Preparation — max Base Lv. 10
  2. Experienced Counter — max Base Lv. 10
  3. Mortal Burst — max Base Lv. 10
  4. Blood Absorption — max Base Lv. 10

Attack Preparation

1. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases PvE/PvP damage amplification, defense and accuracy.

A high-priority early passive with both offense and durability.

Experienced Counter

2. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Raises frontal damage; a successful block grants party damage amplification. The party effect does not stack with Templar Fury.

Useful when tanking. Coordinate the overlapping buff with a Templar.

Mortal Burst

3. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Landing attacks builds stacks; at five, consumes them for area damage and a critical-damage buff.

Maintain attack uptime to trigger the stacking cycle.

Blood Absorption

4. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Attacks can restore health; also provides recovery when health falls below its threshold.

A core early sustain passive for soloing and tanking.

Optional passives — after your priorities

Keep these at their initial rank while completing the priority list. Invest leftover points only when their effect helps your build or encounter.

Survival Stance

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases maximum HP and natural HP recovery.

A safety investment for learning or sustained incoming damage.

Protective Armor

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases block and restores HP on a successful block.

More useful when you are actually taking frontal attacks than while safely attacking from behind.

Exploit Weakness

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases critical and perfect chance.

An offensive investment alongside your damage-amplification passives.

Impact Hit

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.

Develop after the basic damage and sustain package is functional.

Destructive Impulse

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Adds damage against targets under impact-type control or stagger.

Exploit actual control/stagger windows; it is not unconditional damage on every boss hit.

Survival Willpower

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Adds control resistance and conditional damage tolerance/resistance after receiving control effects.

A control-heavy encounter or PvP investment; retain an active control break too.

Full class guide — gear, skills & sources

Gladiator turns short buff windows into repeated Overhead Slam and Rending Blow pressure. It can recover through selected absorption effects, but frontline damage bonuses do not make every boss frontal safe.

Original English synthesis reviewed 29 September 2026. Core effects follow NC’s Korean descriptions; rank-specific build advice is attributed to the reviewed videos. Use the progression stage and regional build stated here when choosing a preset.

Compare gear & save your setup

Explore exact item variants with +0 stats and source-listed acquisition categories. These examples support the gear discussion; they are not a best-in-slot ranking.

Browse equipmentCompare statsSave a class plan
Equipment examples & food records

Ancient Spirit's Boots

Ancient Spirit's Boots (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Breastplate (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Cloak

Ancient Spirit's Cloak (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Earring

Ancient Spirit's Earring (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Gloves

Ancient Spirit's Gloves (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Greaves

Ancient Spirit's Greaves (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Helmet

Ancient Spirit's Helmet (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Necklace (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Pauldrons

Ancient Spirit's Pauldrons (Engraved)

Ancient Spirit's Ring

Ancient Spirit's Ring (Engraved)

Black Dragon Beef Wellington — 흑룡의 비프 웰링턴

Eroded Afterimage's Breastplate (Engraved)

Ludra's Annihilation Greatsword

Ludra's Annihilation Greatsword (Engraved)

Ludra's Bracelet

Ludra's Bracelet (Engraved)

Ludra's Heart

Ludra's Heart (Engraved)

Shining Wise Dragon King's Breastplate

Shining Wise Dragon King's Guarder

Shining Wise Dragon King's Necklace

White Dragon Beef Wellington — 백룡의 비프 웰링턴

White Dragon Chop Steak — 백룡의 찹스테이크

White Dragon Fruit Juice — 백룡의 과일 주스

White Dragon Seafood Pasta — 백룡의 씨푸드 파스타

Wise Dragon King's Breastplate

Wise Dragon King's Guarder

Wise Dragon King's Necklace

GLOBAL EU · Melee damage

Gladiator consumables

Keep attacking through safe windows; use personal recovery to stay in melee without making the healer cover avoidable damage.

Role recommendations are editorial. Item effects come from NC’s Global EU records, checked 30 September 2026; the rest of this class guide keeps its own region scope.

Before attacking

Power Shard (Bound)

Activate for attack windows; ordinary shards are the budget starting point.

Timed combat buff

Courage Scroll (Bound)

Check the five-minute timer before a serious pull.

Food choice

Artisan's Roasted Fogus (Bound)

An all-faction attack/accuracy food option from supplies and rewards. A practical choice when already owned; check stock before buying alternatives.

Role priority

Absorption Scroll (Bound)

Use before predictable incoming damage. The per-hit limit and total absorption cap are different limits; this is a finite shield, not immunity.

Personal emergency

Life Crystal (Bound)

Check the level requirement. Keep instant recovery reachable; avoid overhealing.

Use attack/accuracy food for routine damage. On progression pulls, a survival meal is a reasonable trade when incoming damage forces you out of melee.

Battle Enhance Scroll (Bound) is an optional damage-and-survival addition for serious attempts. Superior Healing Potion is a personal cleanse for eligible effects, not an HP heal.

Full Gladiator preparation guide →
검성
Official NC class artwork · Source
Frontline melee damage / sustainGreatsword검성

Quick start: role, strengths and tradeoffs

Build recommendation

Gladiator turns short buff windows into repeated Overhead Slam and Rending Blow pressure. It can recover through selected absorption effects, but frontline damage bonuses do not make every boss frontal safe.

TopicPractical meaning
StrengthMobile melee pressure, frontal passive synergy and several sustain choices.
TradeoffShort range and automatic lunges can put you inside cleaves; survival depends on reading the encounter.
Party contributionExperienced Counter contributes party damage, but its effect does not add to Templar Fury. Raging Burst attack-down overlaps Templar Taunt.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Choose a four-slot PvE Stigma loadout

Build recommendation

Equip one row, not every listed Stigma simultaneously. These are editorial presets derived from the mechanics and reviewed builds; change the flex slot for an actual encounter requirement.

PresetFour StigmasWhen to use it
General PvEAssault Stance; Zikel's Blessing; Raging Burst; Wave ArmorTwo offensive buffs plus damage/debuff and defensive comfort.
Safe farm damageAssault Stance; Zikel's Blessing; Raging Burst; Blade TossReplace Wave Armor only when survival is comfortable and the defense debuff contributes.
Dangerous soloAssault Stance; Zikel's Blessing; Wave Armor; Lifestealing BladeTrade an offensive slot for sustain; use Focused Block instead when a planned block solves the mechanic.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Before the pull

Build recommendation

Check your preset, resource bar, selected specialties and party assignments before starting. A developed rotation only works when its rank-dependent effects are actually equipped.

  1. Confirm the party role and required survival or control tool.
  2. Confirm your main skill-rank thresholds in the skill screen after changing gear.
  3. Use the appropriate consumable and position for both damage and party support.
  4. Identify the first dangerous mechanic and reserve the skill that answers it.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗

Opening rotation: step by step

Build recommendation

Use this as a decision sequence. Skip unavailable conditional skills and interrupt for mechanics; do not stand idle waiting for the entire opener to return.

  1. Activate Assault Stance and Zikel's Blessing with the boss targetable and your position safe.
  2. Apply the selected Raging Burst or Blade Toss debuff. Use Ruinous Blow to establish Battle Preparation.
  3. Spend the resulting Overhead Slam opportunity, then Rending Blow while weaving Keen Strike for resources.
  4. Use movement and defensive skills manually. Refresh the buff/debuff cycle as it becomes available; do not wait idle for the entire opener to reset.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Single-target priority and resource loop

Build recommendation

The next correct action depends on buffs, target state, resources and the upcoming mechanic.

PriorityActionExecution
1Mechanics and survivalMove or block a lethal hit before another damage action.
2Ruinous Blow / Overhead SlamKeep the enabling effect and conditional attack connected.
3Rending Blow / Keen StrikeSpend while resources permit and weave the resource builder.
4Crushing Wave / Mocking BladeUse useful damage or absorption options according to the pull.
5Sword Aura RampageUse its stagger opportunity; it is not an always-available filler.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Skill progression and specialty milestones

Build recommendation

Total skill level includes bonus ranks. Mastery Specialty slots open at total levels 8, 12 and 20: one, two and three slots respectively. All five options are available at total 16, but only two can be selected until total 20. Stigma milestones are separate and must be read on the specific skill.

SkillMilestoneWhat changes
Keen StrikeEarly level 8MP restoration for a sustainable loop.
Rending BlowEarly functional specialtyMP reduction before replacing it with damage when resources stabilize.
Overhead Slam / Mocking BladeEarly sustain optionsAbsorption can reduce downtime while learning.
Ruinous BlowCore investmentBuild around its enabling effect instead of spending every point on conditional control.
Leaping Strike / Rush StrikeQuesting utilityKill-reset or range choices help travel between packs; boss needs differ.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Passive skills: what earns its points

Build recommendation

Prioritize Attack Preparation and offensive uptime, then Blood Absorption when sustain is useful. Experienced Counter rewards the intended frontline role but coordinate its overlap with Templar Fury. Mortal Burst and other damage passives follow the conditions listed on their cards. Defensive passives gain value when deaths, rather than damage, stop progression.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Packs, area damage and farming

Build recommendation

Let the tank collect enemies before committing your area attacks. Use Crushing Wave and the chosen area Stigma on the gathered pack, then sustain the core melee loop. Use Leaping Strike kill-reset utility while questing. Avoid pulling another pack with an automatic gap closer or displacing enemies out of party ground effects.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Group mechanics, survival and utility

Build recommendation

For group play, let the designated tank establish the pull, align your debuff with party damage and step out of cleaves even if it costs frontal uptime. Use Focused Block or Wave Armor for an anticipated hit; use Shock Release when control prevents escape. Tenacity has exceptions and shared survival-effect interactions, so it cannot replace the encounter mechanic.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Daevanion: route priorities

Build recommendation

Take reachable attack and combat-speed value on Nezekan, damage on Zikel and critical-damage value on Vaizel. Connect useful core-skill ranks before expensive detours; Triniel multihit is a later offensive option when the basic loop works. For PvE-specific books, prefer Ariel nodes relevant to the content being farmed. Select a connected route by its total cost, including prerequisite nodes.

Select the destination, inspect all prerequisite nodes and compare the total cost. A nearby useful passive can make a slightly different route better than the shortest route through irrelevant bonuses. Save the preset before testing a different role.

Evidence: NC · Daevanion ↗ · NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗

Bonus skill ranks: board, accessories and Arcana

Build recommendation

Reserve bonus-rank budget for Overhead Slam, Rending Blow and Ruinous Blow before collecting incidental ranks in skills you rarely cast. Add basic points, Daevanion, accessories and Arcana in the skill screen; purchase a roll because it reaches a useful specialty, not because the item merely contains the class name.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Gear and stat decisions

Build recommendation

For damage, compare weapon attack, combat speed, damage amplification and useful accuracy against the content. Frontal modifiers require safe frontal uptime. If unavoidable damage is killing you, retain HP/tolerance rather than trading all defense for a theoretical stationary-target gain. Use absorption specialties to address sustain without assuming that every gear slot must be defensive.

Compare the same encounter and buff conditions. Accuracy is a requirement against the actual target, not one universal number. A rank threshold, a survivable hit or a sustainable resource loop can be worth more than a small increase in displayed combat power.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Equipment checklist by slot

Build recommendation

Use this as an upgrade worksheet. Exact affix pools and item tiers depend on the item record; do not assume every desired effect can roll on every slot.

SlotLook forDecision rule
Weapon / offhandMain damage and available offensive rollsCompare attack, useful speed/amplification and cost; retain the core skill-rank plan.
ArmorSurvival and relevant specialty affixesSolve the mechanic that kills you; then compare offensive affixes actually present in that item pool.
Gloves / bootsUseful speed and movementMovement improves mechanic execution; speed value depends on the class loop.
Rings / accessoriesFunctional skill ranks and appropriate statsComplete a useful total-rank threshold before paying heavily for cosmetic combat-power gains.
Manastones / rerollsOne affordable useful improvement firstDo not exhaust the budget chasing several perfect rolls on an item being replaced soon.
ArcanaRanks plus a coherent set effectCount the resulting skill levels after each replacement.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Arcana planning

Build recommendation

Choose core active ranks and Attack Preparation/other actually used passive ranks. Compare a missing functional skill threshold against a small set-bonus gain before replacing an Arcana. There is no demonstrated universal five-piece set winner in the three reviewed sources, so this guide recommends rank targets rather than inventing one.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Food buffs and sustain

Build recommendation

The linked items below are official Korean crafted-food records. Values and durations belong to those records. Choose a food that solves the current damage, resource or survival need; do not assume overlapping food effects stack.

FoodDurationOfficial-record effects
White Dragon Beef Wellington ↗ / Black Dragon Beef Wellington ↗300 secondsAttack 16, defense 162, accuracy 12, status resistance 3%, stamina 300; faction variants.
White Dragon Fruit Juice ↗300 secondsNatural MP recovery 36, flight 60 and stamina recovery 50%; useful for mana-constrained classes.
White Dragon Chop Steak ↗300 secondsHP 148, MP 74, defense 162, block 12, status resistance 3%, stamina 300.
White Dragon Seafood Pasta ↗300 secondsCritical 12, evasion 12, block 12, status resistance 3%, stamina 300.

Evidence: NC · White Dragon Beef Wellington ↗ · NC · Black Dragon Beef Wellington ↗ · NC · White Dragon Fruit Juice ↗ · NC · White Dragon Chop Steak ↗ · NC · White Dragon Seafood Pasta ↗

In-game macro and manual controls

Build recommendation

Use the built-in macro only for the repeatable damage portion you have tested. Keep control breaks, important defensives, group healing, charged casts and unsafe movement deliberate. Start with basic-attack/spender resource weaving, then add one priority at a time. Verify that attacks actually fire and the resource bar stays stable. Creator delay values depend on speed, latency and input settings; copy the logic before the timing.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Common mistakes and source disagreements

Build recommendation

Do not copy Sen's regional Tenacity duration as a universal number: the reviewed Taiwan narration and current Korean description differ. Do not count Templar-overlapping party effects twice. Storyteller's convenience macro is a comfort option, not evidence that every utility should be automatic.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Upgrade order and a useful practice check

Build recommendation

Spend to remove the current bottleneck, then retest under comparable conditions.

  1. Make the four-slot loadout functional and equip the useful early specialties.
  2. Complete the main bonus-rank threshold through the cheapest available combination of board and equipment.
  3. Address misses, resource failure or deaths before chasing a marginal damage reroll.
  4. Practice a full sustained window, then a moving/interrupting window; track missed procs and expired buffs.
  5. Reassess the flex slot for the next dungeon rather than copying a fixed preset everywhere.

Evidence: NC · official Gladiator skills ↗ · aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08 ↗ · Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗ · Storyteller · 2026-09-09 ↗

Creator perspective

Attributed opinions from reviewed video captions. These are individual assessments, not a player consensus or verified performance rankings.

Creator opinion

aLuckyRO · 2026-09-08

Early limited-point build; relevant skills and board passages reviewed.

Early limited-point build; relevant skills and board passages reviewed.

Early skills, Stigmas and Daevanion ↗
Creator opinion

Sen · 2026-09-05

Full transcript reviewed. Taiwan experience; timing and damage tests belong to that character.

Full transcript reviewed. Taiwan experience; timing and damage tests belong to that character.

PvE and PvP rotation ↗
Creator opinion

Storyteller · 2026-09-09

Full transcript reviewed. Explicitly a comfort setup, not a maximum-DPS proof.

Full transcript reviewed. Explicitly a comfort setup, not a maximum-DPS proof.

Comfort rotation and macro ↗

Sources & research scope

Original English synthesis. Video advice is labelled by progression stage; official Korean descriptions establish the core effects. Review date: 29 September 2026.

NC · official Gladiator skills ↗

All 35 Korean skill descriptions and available icons inspected on 29 September 2026. English effect summaries are original editorial translations.

Sen · 2026-09-05 ↗

Full transcript reviewed. Taiwan experience; timing and damage tests belong to that character.

NC · Daevanion ↗

Official connected-node board mechanics and board identities; read alongside the creator progression order.

NC · White Dragon Beef Wellington ↗

Official Korean item detail inspected 29 September 2026. English item name is an editorial translation; Korean lookup name is retained in the food table.

NC · Black Dragon Beef Wellington ↗

Official Korean item detail inspected 29 September 2026. English item name is an editorial translation; Korean lookup name is retained in the food table.

NC · White Dragon Fruit Juice ↗

Official Korean item detail inspected 29 September 2026. English item name is an editorial translation; Korean lookup name is retained in the food table.

NC · White Dragon Chop Steak ↗

Official Korean item detail inspected 29 September 2026. English item name is an editorial translation; Korean lookup name is retained in the food table.

NC · White Dragon Seafood Pasta ↗

Official Korean item detail inspected 29 September 2026. English item name is an editorial translation; Korean lookup name is retained in the food table.

Skill field guide

35 selected skills. Short functional summaries; English names are working translations. Open a skill for its role, upgrade recommendations and source context.

Official Korean skill list ↗ · Source updated 2026-08-18

Mastery · active

Keen Strike

Keen Strike ↗

예리한 일격 - 파열의 일격 - 분노의 일격

Attack chain that increases enmity and restores MP.

Rending Blow

Rending Blow ↗

절단의 맹타 - 격파의 맹타

Melee attack chain with increased enmity and stagger damage.

Mocking Blade

Mocking Blade ↗

유린의 검

Damages and knocks down a target; uses a different motion against control-immune targets.

Overhead Slam

Overhead Slam ↗

내려찍기

Conditional attack against knocked-down targets; can activate against control-immune targets. Builds enmity.

Ankle Slash

Ankle Slash ↗

발목 베기

After a successful block, damages nearby enemies and can root them.

Crushing Wave

Crushing Wave ↗

분쇄 파동 - 광폭 파동

Area attack chain centered on the caster; deals stagger damage.

Rush Strike

Rush Strike ↗

돌진 일격

After emergency evasion, rushes to the target and can knock it down.

Aerial Snare

Aerial Snare ↗

공중 결박

Attacks a knocked-down target and can inflict aerial restraint.

Ruinous Blow

Ruinous Blow ↗

파멸의 맹타

Rushes into an area attack and grants Battle Preparation: damage amplification, critical and status-hit bonuses.

Shock Release

Shock Release ↗

충격 해제

Removes major control effects and grants temporary control immunity. Cooldown reduction does not affect its recast.

Mastery · passive

Blood Absorption

Blood Absorption ↗

피의 흡수

Attacks can restore health; also provides recovery when health falls below its threshold.

Impact Hit

Impact Hit ↗

충격 적중

Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.

Experienced Counter

Experienced Counter ↗

노련한 반격

Raises frontal damage; a successful block grants party damage amplification. The party effect does not stack with Templar Fury.

Survival Willpower

Survival Willpower ↗

생존 의지

Adds control resistance and conditional damage tolerance/resistance after receiving control effects.

Mortal Burst

Mortal Burst ↗

살기 파열

Landing attacks builds stacks; at five, consumes them for area damage and a critical-damage buff.

Stigma · optional skills

Wave of Wrath

Wave of Wrath ↗

분노의 파동

Area damage that reduces enemy attack and can knock enemies down.

Focused Block

Focused Block ↗

집중 막기

Channelled frontal weapon block with improved blocked-damage reduction; successful blocks recover MP and stamina.

Blade Toss

Blade Toss ↗

칼날 날리기 - 칼날 화무

Ranged attack chain that reduces enemy defense and received healing.

Tenacity

Tenacity ↗

근성

Briefly negates damage and control; some powerful attacks bypass it. Shares an invulnerability restriction with certain support skills.

Raging Burst

Raging Burst ↗

격노 폭발

Damages and weakens enemy attack, buffs your damage and temporarily enables Overhead Slam.

Wave Armor

Wave Armor ↗

파동의 갑주

Continuously damages enemies around the caster.

Assault Strike

Assault Strike ↗

강습 일격

Area HP/MP damage with knockdown potential; grants defense based on targets hit.

Crushing Rush

Crushing Rush ↗

분쇄 돌진

Rushes forward, damaging and potentially rooting enemies along the path.

Skill icons © NC. Used to identify the referenced game skills. No open license is asserted.