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Melee pressure and control

Gladiator PvP Guide — Stigmas, Skills, Survival & Team Play

Stay on the called target, interrupt its recovery and keep a defensive answer for the counterattack.

Global Specialty reference + Korean base skill catalog · editorial PvP plan · Updated 2026-10-05 · Potential Stone: Abyss — gear upgrade costs

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

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

PvP LOADOUT

Stigmas

Equip these 4 Stigmas

Stay on the called target, interrupt its recovery and keep a defensive answer for the counterattack.

Blade Toss

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Ranged healing reduction

Ranged attack chain that reduces enemy defense and received healing.

Ranged healing reduction. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Tenacity

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Emergency survival

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

Emergency survival. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Focused Block

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Block incoming pressure

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

Block incoming pressure. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Assault Stance

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Attack tempo

Temporarily increases combat speed.

Attack tempo. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Need a Seal against a dangerous caster?Replace Assault Stance with Forced Binding.

Small-group starting set. The full PvP guide below explains solo, large-fight and matchup swaps. Stigma ranks are progression targets, not a fixed-budget total.

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 · Alternative Stigma

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

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Area damage that reduces enemy attack and can knock enemies down. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Zikel's Blessing

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Temporarily increases attack and accuracy.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Temporarily increases attack and accuracy. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Armor of Balance

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Temporarily increases impact-type resistance.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Temporarily increases impact-type resistance. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Lifestealing Blade

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Deals damage to enemies and absorbs HP.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Deals damage to enemies and absorbs HP. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Raging Burst

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

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

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages and weakens enemy attack, buffs your damage and temporarily enables Overhead Slam. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Wave Armor

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Continuously damages enemies around the caster.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Continuously damages enemies around the caster. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Forced Binding

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Damages a target and can seal it.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages a target and can seal it. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Assault Strike

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

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

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Area HP/MP damage with knockdown potential; grants defense based on targets hit. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Crushing Rush

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

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

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Rushes forward, damaging and potentially rooting enemies along the path. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Play it in 3 steps

  1. Approach with an exit available; apply Blade Toss to the focus target.
  2. Draw out the control break, then Mocking Blade → Overhead Slam; use Aerial Snare when eligible.
  3. Answer enemy burst with Focused Block or Tenacity, then recover before the next engage.

Skills

Active skills & special abilities

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

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.

Shock Release

Base Lv. 8 → 10

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

Use it: Break a dangerous control chain and use the immunity window to reposition.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Adds [Wrath Burst] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Restores 1000 Stamina on using [Defiance]OptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 4

Break a dangerous control chain and use the immunity window to reposition. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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 your combat buff while closing; keep its reach for a real opening.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 3+30% Skill Critical HitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 4Extra damage on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 1

Establish your combat buff while closing; keep its reach for a real opening. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Mocking Blade

Base Lv. 8 → 10

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

Use it: Start a knockdown window after the enemy control break has been spent.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 4% HP, absorbs 15% HP of target with Incapacitated ImmunityOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Changes to AoE damage on down strikeOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 3

Start a knockdown window after the enemy control break has been spent. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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: Spend the knockdown opening before it ends.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 0.7% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Changes to AoE SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 3
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 3 + ✓ 4

Spend the knockdown opening before it ends. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Aerial Snare

Base Lv. 8 → 10

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

Use it: Extend a confirmed knockdown into aerial pressure when the target is vulnerable.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3+100% damage to targets with Incapacitated ImmunityOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 4

Extend a confirmed knockdown into aerial pressure when the target is vulnerable. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Leaping Strike

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Leap to the target, dealing damage and stagger.

Use it: Close only when your allies can follow; keep a second approach for a retreating target.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 250% chance to trigger [Ankle Slice] on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Resets cooldown on defeating an enemyOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
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

Close only when your allies can follow; keep a second approach for a retreating target. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Rush Strike

Base Lv. 8 → 10

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

Use it: Keep this evade follow-up for reconnecting or punishing an overextension.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Restores 300 Stamina on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Changes to Charge Skill and deals AoE damageOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 2
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 2 + ✓ 4

Keep this evade follow-up for reconnecting or punishing an overextension. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Rending Blow

Base Lv. 1 → 10

Melee attack chain with increased enmity and stagger damage.

Use it: Use the moving damage chain between control attempts.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1-20% MP consumedOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 5Restores 50 MP on landing a Critical HitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 2
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 2
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 2 + ✓ 4

Use the moving damage chain between control attempts. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Keen Strike

Base Lv. 1 → 10

Attack chain that increases enmity and restores MP.

Use it: Keep MP flowing when contact is safe; basic attacks must not cost your escape route.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1+20% MP restoredOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 5Adds [Reckless Strike] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 3

Keep MP flowing when contact is safe; basic attacks must not cost your escape route. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Ankle Slash

Base Lv. 1 → 8

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

Use it: React to a block with root pressure; do not plan a guaranteed proc.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Adds [Ankle Smash] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 525% chance to reset [Ankle Slice] cooldown on BlockOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 4

React to a block with root pressure; do not plan a guaranteed proc. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Crushing Wave

Base Lv. 1 → 8

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

Use it: Use near clustered opponents without chasing beyond support.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Restores 50 MP on landing a Critical HitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Up to +20% damage when more targets hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 4

Use near clustered opponents without chasing beyond support. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Sword Aura Rampage

Base Lv. 1 → 8

Damages a staggered target.

Use it: Take this follow-up only when its stagger condition is actually met.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Restores 120 MPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 4Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
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

Take this follow-up only when its stagger condition is actually met. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

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

Passive skills & investment priorities

Max these passives first — in this order

For PvP, 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. Survival Willpower — max Base Lv. 10
  2. Attack Preparation — max Base Lv. 10
  3. Impact Hit — max Base Lv. 10
  4. Blood Absorption — max Base Lv. 10
  5. Survival Stance — max Base Lv. 10

Survival Willpower

1. Max first · Base Lv. 10

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

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Adds control resistance and conditional damage tolerance/resistance after receiving control effects.

Attack Preparation

2. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases PvE/PvP damage amplification, defense and accuracy.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases PvE/PvP damage amplification, defense and accuracy.

Impact Hit

3. Max first · Base Lv. 10

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

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.

Blood Absorption

4. Max first · Base Lv. 10

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

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Attacks can restore health; also provides recovery when health falls below its threshold.

Survival Stance

5. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases maximum HP and natural HP recovery.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases maximum HP and natural HP recovery.

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.

Protective Armor

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases block and restores HP on a successful block.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases block and restores HP on a successful block.

Exploit Weakness

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases critical and perfect chance.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases critical and perfect chance.

Destructive Impulse

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

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

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Adds damage against targets under impact-type control or stagger.

Experienced Counter

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

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

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Raises frontal damage; a successful block grants party damage amplification. The party effect does not stack with Templar Fury.

Mortal Burst

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

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

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Landing attacks builds stacks; at five, consumes them for area damage and a critical-damage buff.

Full PvP guide — tactics, gear & sources

Potential Stone: Abyss (Unique) — PvP gear upgrades

Use this material to unlock Potential on eligible Unique gear that has been Soul Bound. Open the item’s Potential upgrade preview and confirm eligibility before spending. This is an equipment upgrade, not a Stigma or Specialty choice.

The Global client reference lists PvP Damage Boost on weapons and accessories, and PvP Damage Tolerance on armor and bracelets: 0.5% per step, reaching 2% on that piece at +4. These are PvP bonuses; do not budget them as dungeon damage or healing bonuses.

Global reference — cost per equipment piece
Potential stepStonesAbyss Points
+0 → +11100,000
+1 → +22100,000
+2 → +33100,000
+3 → +44100,000
Total to +410400,000

The reference lists 100% success for these four steps. The total excludes any Abyss Points spent buying the stones.

Where to get it: Chaotic Lower Reshanta monster drops and the Abyss Shop. Check your shop’s current price tier and remaining server allowance; a weekly limit is not a reason to buy every tier.

Investment priority: finish planned equipment transfers first, then improve the gear you intend to keep for PvP. Potential is lost on transfer. If you die before fulfilling your role, consider defensive pieces first; if survival is stable and pressure is the problem, consider offensive pieces.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Global client references; costs and outcomes have not been independently tested in game. Sources: Stone and acquisition · Upgrade cost example · Potential and transfer reference.

Your job in a party

Pressure one reachable enemy and create time for allies to act. Knockdown and airborne follow-ups are valuable only when they connect. Staying beside your support is usually worth more than following a fleeing target into several enemies.

Solo and large fights

Solo: separate the enemy defensive window from your own attack window. Large fights: work from the edge of the group and use area attacks on a called push; leave before your defensive tools are exhausted.

Against healers, kiters and tanks

Use Blade Toss to challenge healing, save a gap closer for ranged movement, and switch away from an invulnerable target. Against a durable frontline, avoid consuming every control skill while immunity is visible.

Stigma swaps

Forced Binding can replace Assault Stance when Seal is the missing tool. Armor of Balance is another defensive option against repeated impact control. Lifestealing Blade helps recovery but cannot replace avoiding a coordinated burst.

Gear and growth priorities

Begin with enough HP, PvP Damage Tolerance and Status Effect Resist to survive contact. Add Accuracy and Impact-type Chance if your attacks or controls fail, then damage stats. Target bonus levels on Mocking Blade, Ruinous Blow and your follow-up skills when they unlock the listed selections.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not spend Shock Release on harmless control, chase with both gap closers at once, or treat a boss damage sequence as a guaranteed player-control chain.

Daevanion, Arcana & preparation

Use bonus skill levels to reach a specific option or slot milestone on the skills you actually use. Total 16 opens all five options but still permits two selections; the third slot opens at total 20. Compare the full Daevanion path cost before buying a node. Use Arcana lines that support your role and current equipment rather than assuming a universal best set.

Keep a separate PvP preset. Check your mode’s gear rules and available recovery consumables before joining; do not assume a PvE-only bonus applies to players. Practice your control break and defensive skills on separate, reachable keys.

Sources & PvP recommendation scope

Updated 2026-10-05. Global Specialty reference + Korean base skill catalog · editorial PvP plan. The loadout, upgrade order and matchup advice are editorial starting recommendations, not measured arena rankings or a claim that every allocation fits a new character’s points. Base effects retain the published Korean guide’s names; Global translations and balance can differ. Check your current in-game tooltip.