01 / The role
Gladiator at a glance
NCSOFT presents Gladiator as a frontline warrior carrying a large blade. That gives you a useful starting identity: approach the fight with offense in mind. On this site, damage and melee are shortlist labels; use them to find a theme, then inspect the actions available in your own version.
Close to the action
Start here if approaching an opponent is part of the appeal, rather than a distance you would prefer to maintain.
An attacking identity
Ask whether making attacks is the responsibility you want to build your play around.
Protection at the front
Templar keeps the frontline theme while shifting the class-choice question toward defense.
02 / Find your fit
Who should try Gladiator?
Imagine a familiar encounter. Would you rather spend your attention looking for an opportunity to attack, or watching for a teammate who needs protection? Shortlist Gladiator for the first preference. In a trial, notice whether repeatedly closing the distance still feels rewarding after the novelty of the weapon has worn off.
Explore another direction: read the Ranger guide.
03 / Make the choice
Gladiator vs Templar
Gladiator
Choose Gladiator to explore offense at close quarters. A useful trial question is whether the approach and attack are the parts you want to repeat.
Templar
Choose Templar to explore a shield-bearing defender. A useful trial question is whether holding the front for others is the responsibility you want.
04 / Getting started
Three checks before choosing a build
Watch the approach
In the official preview, notice the frontline theme. Then ask whether you actually want to move toward the fight rather than watch it from farther away.
Read attack conditions
In your client, check which targets and conditions each available attack requires. Build an opening sequence from those actual tooltips rather than from weapon imagery.
Compare responsibilities
Put the same encounter in your notes twice: once as an attacker and once as a defender. Use Templar as the comparison before selecting equipment advice.
Continue with the class-choice and build-reading checklist. For arithmetic on a measured run, use the manual DPS calculator.
05 / Common questions
Gladiator FAQ
What does Gladiator focus on?
The official introduction emphasizes a frontline warrior with a large blade. Our shortlist calls that an attack-led close-combat identity.
How is it different from Templar?
The useful first distinction is offense versus defense and protection. Both can appeal to someone who wants a frontline theme.
Should I also look at Ranger?
Yes, if the offensive role appeals to you but approaching the opponent does not. Ranger offers a shooting-focused comparison.
Does melee describe every Gladiator skill?
It describes typical positioning in our finder. Check each action in your client for its actual range and conditions.
What should I look for in a Gladiator build guide?
A matching service, patch and activity, plus an explanation of why its attacks and equipment work together. A large-blade theme alone does not establish a skill allocation.
How do I make a useful trial note?
Record whether you enjoyed approaching, choosing a target and attacking. Keep those preferences separate from a single unusually strong or weak encounter.
Will a damage meter decide the class for me?
It can describe a measured run, but it will not tell you whether you enjoy the frontline responsibility. Compare like-for-like conditions if you record damage.
Where can I inspect the class visually?
The official class video linked above provides the publisher’s preview. The illustration on this page is our original concept artwork.
06 / Sources
Sources and scope
Class identity and video mapping checked on against NCSOFT’s Global class overview and the official Gladiator preview.
Fit questions and comparisons are editorial guidance. Role and distance labels help navigate the roster; they do not establish party eligibility, measured skill ranges, a damage ranking or a current skill build. Check region, version and available actions when applying mechanical advice.
For a separate mode-specific view, read the dated Global leaderboard snapshot.
Keep Gladiator on your shortlist?
Put the two identities together, then choose which one you want to explore in your version.
Open class comparison →