1.0 INTRODUCTION
________________
After dabbling in a few gladiator matches I went looking for a guide on how
to do better and what tactics I should be using. No such guides seemed to
exist, so I thought I'd write one. However, I've got limited experience
with this CoH/V mini-game so I'll be relying heavily on the assistance of
other, more experienced Lanistas.
1.1 FAIR USE AND EMAIL POLICY
_____________________________
As collator and creator of this guide, I have no problems with its use and
distribution provided that 1) it is distributed in an unaltered state and 2)
that access to it is free (ie you do not need to pay an access fee of any type
to purchase use of this guide). If you wish to alter this guide and / or
charge for it's use, permission must first be sought from the creator
(ie me ;-).
If you wish to email me, PLEASE put something in the subject line about City
of Heroes. I tend to delete emails with no subject line on the grounds that
it is spam. Also, all submissions will be credited to their contributors, so
if you send me info that gets included in this guide you will have your name
credited in the guide, along with some general recognition of the type of
information you provided. Please include a name (any name or nic) for me to
use as I dislike putting contributor email addresses in guides.
1.2 WHO WROTE THIS GUIDE?
_________________________
As a nod towards copyright, I'm getting my information about Gladiators
(availability, how to unlock, point value, etc) from Sandolphan's Gladiator
Pet Controls thread:
and from VidiotMap's outdated badge checklist, version 2005.12.20.
1.3 WHAT ARE GLADIATORS?
________________________
Introduced in Issue 6 was a fun mini-game in the arena called Gladiator
matches. In such matches you take your team of Gladiators (NPC mobs you
would usually fight in-game) that you've unlocked through collecting badges
and fight them against another team of player controlled Gladiators. It's
an indirect form of PvP that exists purely for bragging rights (although you
do get two badges from winning enough Gladiator matches). Each Gladiator
has a point cost to use (you have XXXX points to spend on building a team)
and you can have a maximum of three Gladiators of any one type in a match.
Heroes and Villain players have several unique Gladiators type available to
them which can make Hero vs Villain Gladiator matches something different
than if you were just fighting your "own" side.
However, it should be mentioned up front that Gladiator battles are a long
way from balanced. It appears that certain point values given to Gladiators
were pretty arbitary and that some Gladiators are so overpowered as to be
near-instant win buttons if you don't have your own stupidly overpowered
Gladiators. It is unlikely that Cryptic has balancing Gladiator matches
high on the agenda, so if you are going to take part you should accept that
such lack of balance exists.
That said - Gladiator matches among friends can be quite fun!
2.0 GLADIATOR LIST AND INFORMATION
----------------------------------
I've listed all the different types of Gladiators in-game below and provided
some general information about them as well as comments about using them in
a match.
The comments below are simply from my personal experience and from
contributors (as named). You may find something different.
Abomination
AVAILABLE TO: Hero Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: Completing Synapse's Task Force (Synapse's Cohort badge)
POINT VALUE: 200
COMMENTS:
Although big, Abominations go down pretty easy. Not worth taking.
Anathema
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: Defeating 100 Lost Bosses (Finder badge)
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
Given that most enemies are vulnerable (or at least not resistant) to
psychic damage, these guys have some potent attacks. Add in that Anathemas
aren't too sloppy with their melee attacks and you've got a definite
contender for any team.
Pariah Anchorite
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Intellectual badge
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
Another Lost with psychic attacks - very strong at range, but I feel they
suffer a bit in melee. None-the-less, can be very useful because few
Gladiators have psychic damage resistance.
Arachnobot
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Agent of Discord badge
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Arachnoid
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Sewer Dweller badge
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
Arch-Mage of Agony
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Archmage accolade
POINT VALUE: 500
COMMENTS:
One of the most overpowered Gladiators. It doesn't attack much itself, but
has abilities that can knock down / debuff enemy gladiator attacks and
heal itself up. Overuse of Arch-Mage of Agonies can lead to Gladiator matches
that end in ties because both sides are locked down.
Avalanche Shaman
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Banisher badge
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
The Avalanche Shaman has some nice abilities, but is a bit too slow in its
attacks to be a top pick. However it can serve well in support role.
According to Ngamok: "The Avalanche Shaman spams Stone Cages like nobody's
business."
Behemoth Overlord
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Demon Slayer badge
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
Bladegrass
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 300 Bladegrass / Razorvine / Blackrose (Devouring Earth)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Bladegrass have a nice alpha strike and ranged attacks, but will fall over
quickly in melee combat. Given that most Gladiator matches take place in melee
range / close quarters, you'll probably find Bladegrass being left off your team
permanently.
Boulder
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: completing the Eden Spire trial (Liberator badge)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Tough but slow. Probably not worth taking.
Button Man Gunner
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: hitting level 20 (Keeper of Peace badge)
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
Has limited ranged attacks and will fall quickly in melee. Not worth taking.
Caliban
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Troll Bosses (Regenerator badge)
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
Caliban point values are so low these guys are a steal. They are tough in
melee and regnerate health quickly. They might not have some of the heavy
attacks that some Gladiators get, but they'll often be the ones left
standing at the end of a long fight.
Mook Capo
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Stone Cold badge
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Has SS melee attacks and does a Full Auto and
Burst attacks. Also comes with Assault buff."
According to MinMin: "The Mook Capo is one of the staples of a
villain Gladiator team as they are relatively cheap with a very strong
ranged attack in Full Auto."
Cobra
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Snake Charmer badge
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
According to Znemesis: "Cobras are a nice gladiator, and usually the
first one a villain gets. They deal toxic damage which can be hard to
resist, and they are fairly cheap."
According to Ngamok: "Cobras seem to be Broadsword/Regen Scrappers.
They Dull Pain at low health. Also they do a cone toxic damage w/
DoT attack and can sleep other Gladiators."
Cog
AVAILABLE TO: Hero and Villain
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Gears (Gearsmasher badge)
POINT VALUE: 150
COMMENTS:
A weak gladiator you may take only if you need a filler at the end of
selecting your team. Won't last long versus the big guys and gals.
Coralax Blue Hybrid
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeat 100 Coralax Blue Hybrids
POINT VALUE: 200
COMMENTS:
Crane Enforcers
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Tsoo Sorcerers (Tracer badge)
POINT VALUE: 200
COMMENTS:
Another minion-type Gladiator - better than average for its point cost and
has some fast-recharging attacks. However, will be among the first to fall
during the battle.
Fire Thorn Caster
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: hitting level 30 (Defender of Truth)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
It's fire attacks might be useful again fire-vulnerable Gladiators, but
Fire Thorn Casters tend to die quickly when attacked. Probably not worth
using.
Fortunata Seer
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Fortunatas
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Fortunata Seer does Psychic attacks. Same as
Patron Power Pet."
Fungoid
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 500 Devouring Earth eminators (Protectorate badge)
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
Fungoids are a little weak in terms of taking the blows, but they do have
a range of attacks that will mez opponent Gladiators. As such, overlapping
use of Fungoids can help lock down opponent Gladiators, but they won't add
much to the offensive capability of your team.
Gremlin
AVAILABLE TO: Villains only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Gremlins (Electrician badge)
POINT VALUE: 200
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Gremlin is an Electric Blaster. Not many attacks,
mostly Lightning Bolt and Blast"
According to MinMin: "Even compared to other minions these are very weak.
They do some very minor Electric Blast attacks. Filler at best."
Hellfrost
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 250 Helfrosts or Hordeling Lashers
POINT VALUE: 450
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "[Hellfrosts have] ice melee attacks, area hold,
Sleet or Blizzard type AoE."
According to MinMin: "Somewhat disappointing for its points cost. Glacier
does not last very long and is used very infrequently. While reasonably
tough its damage output is disappointing when compared with other Boss
class Gladiators."
Serpent Red Ink Man
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 125 Blue Ink Men
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
Juicer
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Watcher on the Knoll badge
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Hordeling Lasher
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Hordelings
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Hordeling Lasher is ok ranged filler Minion
Gladiator."
Kaolin Legacy of Earth
AVAILABLE TO: Hero and Villain
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: collecting 25 badges (Collector badge)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
These stone-throwing mages don't really cut it for their points cost. It
seemed that they'd end up dead before you even realised they'd been attacked.
Ember Legacy of Flame
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Legacy Chain minions
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
Lucent Legacy of Light
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Legacy Chain lieutenants
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
Longbow Warden 2
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Disupter badge
POINT VALUE: 500
COMMENTS:
An expensive Gladiator, but one of the best. Wardens can heal your other
Gladiators, are tough in a fight and, while not dealing a lot of damage,
can keep opponent Gladiators knocked off their feet. Wardens can find a
place in almost every Gladiator team.
Longbow Rifleman
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Locked and Loaded badge
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Good for an all ranged team, that's about it.
Won't die as fast because they sit in the back with their ranged attacks
untill a boss or Lt. type Gladiator turn on them."
Longbow Warden 1
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Politician badge
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "The Warden 1 is a SS/Invuln Tanker/Brute with
flight."
Meson
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Dimensional Warder accolade
POINT VALUE: 450
COMMENTS:
Mob Specialist
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Prisoners
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Mob Specialists have limited ranged and melee attacks - overall, they
probably aren't worthy selecting in a Gladiator match.
Mook
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Washed Up badge
POINT VALUE: 100
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Mooks are terrible but cheap. Very slow firing
attacks."
According to MinMin: "Filler, but cheap. Probably better than Cogs at
150 and about the same as Outcasts at 100. Better for filler than
Outcasts for villains due to the much easier requirements to unlock."
Mu Guardian
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Mu Guardians
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Can heal others but not often. Uses energy
ranged attacks. They have Charged Armor."
Nebula Elite Buckshot
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting to Level 10 (Protector of Innocents badge)
POINT VALUE: 150
COMMENTS:
Not that great - filler for the last few points when you set up your
team.
Nemesis Soldier
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Corrupter badge
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
Night Widow
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting to Level 30 (Wiseguy / Wisegal badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
A hideously overpowered Gladiator - I've seen a team of these wipe three
other Gladiator teams off the map without breaking a sweat. Likely bugged,
but overpowered all the same.
Longbow Nullifier
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: winning 1 rated Gladiator match (Lanista badge)
POINT VALUE: 450
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "These guys are decent for their ranged attacks and
grenades."
Omega Wolf
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Council War Wolves (The Silver Bullet badge)
POINT VALUE: 500
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Omega Wolf is too expensive for what it brings to
the match. Slag Piles and Tank Smasher are better for the cost. As
are the Longbow Warden 1."
7th Generation Paragon Protector
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Paragon Protectors (Infiltrator badge)
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "The 7th Generation Paragon Protector is a minion
and dies fairly fast, has decent attacks though. Claws Scrapper I
believe."
Penumbra Elite Adjutant
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Super Spy badge
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
Night Haunt
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: trapping 50 ghosts in the ghost traps (Pirate badge)
POINT VALUE: 150
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Night Haunts use ranged more and do run (rather
fly) all over the place."
Crey Power Tank
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Crey Power Tanks
POINT VALUE: 500
COMMENTS:
According to MinMin: "Slightly overcosted, but extremely tough with
high smash/lethal resistance. The problem with them is a tendancy
to use all their endurance very quickly, leaving them with only
their basic blast attack to use later in the match (they basically
use it as soon as they have enough end to do so, which means they
never use anything else)."
Hydra Protean
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: completing the Abandoned Sewers trial (Charmer badge)
POINT VALUE: 200
COMMENTS:
Raider Engineer
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Force Field Generators
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Although the Raider Engineer isn't the greatest of units, it's ability to
create a mobile Force Field Generator that will help to protect your
Gladiators is very beneficial. A good support Gladiator.
Red Hand
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: trapping 100 ghosts in the ghost traps (Spectral badge)
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Red Hand is a decent Boss type Gladiator. Uses
Parry ability quite often. Has ranged attacks and melee attacks.
[Has] Flight."
Research Assistant
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Crey Havoc badge
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
According to Jade Dragon, "[Research Assistant] freeze pistols are
weak, and although they can hold or sleep, they have a very slow
rate of fire. Far too weak for the cost."
Rikti Drone
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Savant badge
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
Shivan Destroyer
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: spending 5 hours in Bloody Bay (Irradiated badge)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
The Shivan Destroyer is great value and has radiation-based attacks that
can really slow down enemy Gladiators' ability to regenerate their health.
What stops the Shivan Destroyer from being too powerful is that his attacks
are on a slow recharge, which will see it serve as a punching bag for a lot
of the time. Fortunately it can take a bit of a beating before falling over.
Slag Pile
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Slag Reaper badge
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "The Slag Pile does both Lethal and Smashing damage and
cannot be slowed. I am not too sure if it can be Immoblized or not. Also has
a knockdown [attack]."
According to MinMin: "A very tough hard hitting melee gladiator with Hurl
Boulder for range. (Heroes, think War Wolf). Good value."
Outcast Slugger
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Outcast bosses (Weatherman / Weathergirl badge)
POINT VALUE: 100
COMMENTS:
Useful as Gladiator team filler only.
Sorcerer
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Mage Hunter badge
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
According to MinMin: "What should be a strong gladiator is hampered by a
weird AI. Firstly it doesn't always respond to Follow or Go-To commands
like your other gladiators. Secondly it follows the standard Sorcerer
AI of teleporting in with Hurricane on, hitting O2 Boost and teleporting
out about 10 seconds later."
Longbow Spec-Ops
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 1000 Longbow (Reformed / Villain badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Same as Rifleman for the most part on gladiator
effectiveness. Good for themed matches."
Steel Strongman
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 200 Master Illusionist pets (Illusionist badge)
POINT VALUE: 450
COMMENTS:
Swift Steel
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 300 Ancestor Spirits
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Chief Swiper
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Pwz badge
POINT VALUE: 250
COMMENTS:
A mostly melee-based Gladiator, it has the special ability it has is a (by
my estimation anyway) 30% chance of resurrecting after death and coming back
with full health. Useful if you want to take that risk.
Wolf Spider Tac-Ops
AVAILABLE TO: Villain Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting to level 20 (Insider badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
Tank Smasher
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Freakshow Tanks (Tank Buster badge)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Another melee-based Gladiator, it has the special ability it has is a (by
my estimation anyway) 30% chance of resurrecting after death and coming back
with full health. Useful if you want to take that risk. Tank Smashers can
generally go toe-to-toe with most other Gladiators and not embarass
themselves.
Hercules Titan
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Lieutenant
UNLOCKED BY: winning 10 rated Gladiator matches (Grand Lanista badge)
POINT VALUE: 550
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Hercules Titan was a disappointment. Can combine
into a Zeus Titan (Boss) but you lose control of it. Not very [handy as]
a Gladiator."
To combine into a Zeus Titan, you need two Hercules Titans - they may
combine as they get damaged. According to Jade Dragon, "two of them is
too risky [compared to taking three of them], though, because when I
tried that one of them got killed right off the bat."
As of today's date, the _Castle_ has indicated that this bug - losing
control of the Gladiator Zeus Titan - has been fixed.
Wailer
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Stonekeeper badge
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Not worth the points. Does Energy/Smashing
attacks."
Wailer Queen
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Imprisoned badge
POINT VALUE: 500
COMMENTS:
Zenith Warcry Mk I
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: completing The MegaMech Cometh Task Force (Burkholder's Bane
badge)
POINT VALUE: 350
COMMENTS:
Warhulk
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Meteorologist badge
POINT VALUE: 400
COMMENTS:
According to Znemesis: "Warhulks are fairly powerful with their attacks, they
have a nice flamethrower, and a good long range cannon. Plus, when defeated,
they still blow up and do some nice finishing damage on the other team(s)"
Smasher Elite
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 100 Warrior bosses (Legionnaire badge)
POINT VALUE: 300
COMMENTS:
Wolf Spider Enforcer
AVAILABLE TO: Villains Only
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting to level 10 (Soldier badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
According to Ngamok: "Cheap Gladiator - Has 1 ranged and 1 melee
attack, same as Mook. [Use] just for filler."
Wraith
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes Only
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: defeating 333 Croatoan Ghosts (Haunted badge)
POINT VALUE: 450
COMMENTS:
Red Cap
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Minion
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Toothbreaker badge (NB: this was an event badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
Snowbeast
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK:
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Toy Collector badge (NB: this was an event badge)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
The Snowbeast is a bit of a wuss. You probably won't get much value from
him if you choose him before this Gladiator ends up face down.
5th Columnist
AVAILABLE TO: Heroes and Villains
RANK: Boss
UNLOCKED BY: getting the Celebrant and Reveler badges (NB: both event badges)
POINT VALUE:
COMMENTS:
The 5th Columnist isn't a bad Gladiator, with an equal mix of ranged and
melee attacks (although this unit seems a bit happier in melee). However it
isn't exceptional in performance and there may be other Gladiators you find
you prefer instead.
3.0 GLADIATOR MATCHES
---------------------
Below are just some general notes on Gladiator matches.
3.1 BEFORE YOU START A GLADIATOR MATCH...
-----------------------------------------
1) Come to an agreement with your other players. Are incredibly overpowered
Gladiators allowed to be selected? Are you aiming to have a fun, social
match where you chat while your Gladiators duke it out, or is it a
competitive, winner-take-all contest? Are you playing so that everyone can
get their Lanista and Grand Lanista badges? A bit of chat before starting can
save a lot of frustration from players not getting what they want out of the
Gladiator experience.
2) Check your Gladiator team and confirm you've selected the right units.
It can be easy to forget and maybe go into a contest with less than your
best available. Your Gladiator team set-up can only be tinkered with at the
Arena consoles, but given you are planning to have a match anyway you should
be close by if any changes are required.
3.2 STARTING A MATCH
--------------------
Gladiator matches occur at the Arenas. Once you've got an opponent (or
several opponents, if that's what you are aiming for) lined up, head to an
Arena and click on one of the Arena consoles.
3.3 THE "BEST" GLADIATORS
-------------------------
The best Gladiators to use (assuming you have access to them) are:
OVERPOWERED / BUGGED GLADIATORS:
Archmage of Agony
Night Widow
TOP SHELF / GREAT VALUE GLADIATORS:
Shivan Destroyer
Caliban
Longbow Warden 2
Tank Smasher