Guide to Gladiolus and Veteran Gladio
The Amicitia family has long served as the shield protecting the kings of Lucis and their household, and Gladiolus is its eldest son. The bond he shares with Noctis transcends that of a bodyguard and his liege. With his prodigious strength, he stands ever ready to keep his companions from harm.
-Official description
Ever since Gladiolus was released as a hero, players were in love with his powerful stats. His unique Attack Steal helped players on both sides of combat. As you will see, this latest update to Gladiolus and his older counterpart, Veteran Gladio, has the same strength that we’ve come to expect from the “sworn shield” to Noctis. In this guide, I will lead you through both heroes’ skill trees so you can see how they can benefit you. I’m going to start with the first-ever Gladiolus then move to Veteran Gladio. Then, in the end, I’m going to compare them both.
Gladiolus Hero Skills
Of course, you can see that Gladiolus starts off with some impressive monster-hunting skills. But, these will only help you on the realm map, because his Dungeon monster-killing abilities are subpar compared to a few others. His combat skills take some time to warm up, but they still give some good boosts. But you should be aware of the T13/14 Mercenary Training Speed and Training Cost Efficiency skills that he has. These will only be active while he is active. So, be sure to switch to Gladiolus before mass training your shiny, new Dark Mercenaries!
Hero Skills Tree
Max MP II: Increases-
- Max Gladiolus MP Multiplier Bonus (Max 600%).
Unlocks at hero level 401.
Hero Attack II: Increases-
- Hero Attack Bonus (Max 6,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 401.
Hero Critical Hit II: Increases-
- Hero Critical Hit (Max 20%).
Unlocks at hero level 401.
MP Recovery II: Increases-
- MP Recovery (Max 1M%).
Unlocks at hero level 426.
Hero Streak II: Increases-
- Hero Attack Streak (Max 3).
Unlocks at hero level 426.
Hero Critical Damage II: Increases-
- Hero Critical Damage (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 426.
Dungeon Dark Bonus II: Increases-
- Dungeon HP Bonus (Max 350,000%).
- Dungeon Physical Damage Bonus (Max 1M%).
- Dungeon Healing Bonus (Max 6,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 405.
Dark Core Troop Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Core Troop Attack (Max 330B%).
Unlocks at hero level 430.
Dark Mercenary Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Attack (Max 1.2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 434.
Dark Elemental Troop Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Attack (Max 1.2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 446.
Dark Core Troop HP II: Increases-
- Dark Core Troop HP (Max 100B%).
Unlocks at hero level 428.
Dark Mercenary HP II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary HP (Max 125B%).
Unlocks at hero level 436.
Dark Elemental Troop HP II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental HP (Max 375%).
Unlocks at hero level 436.
Dark Core Troop Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Core Troop Armor (Max 285B%).
Unlocks at hero level 432.
Dark Mercenary Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Armor (Max 300B%).
Unlocks at hero level 440.
Dark Elemental Troop Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Armor (Max 550B%).
Unlocks at hero level 442.
Dark Astral Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Astral Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 448.
Dark Warrior: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 4T%).
Unlocks at hero level 438.
Dark Guardian II: Increases-
- Dark Guardian Attack (Max 10B%).
- Dark Guardian HP (Max 9.5B%).
- Dark Guardian Armor (Max 1B%).
Unlocks at hero level 444.
Dark Earth III: Increases-
- Dark Earth Troop Attack (Max 400B%).
- Dark Earth Troop HP (Max 240B%).
- Dark Earth Troop Armor (Max 700B%).
Unlocks at hero level 450.
Dark Leviathan Attack II: Increases-
- Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 452.
Dark Mount Attack II: Increases-
- Mount Attack Bonus (Max 2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 444.
Foresight: Gladio looks forward to the future, anticipating the future skills he will require in battle.
- Honestly, I don’t really know what this does, yet. I’m wondering if it gives each Gladio extra boosts from the other’s skills. But, hopefully, we will find out through testing or an informative blog!
Unlocks at hero level 456.
Dark Leviathan Attack III: Increases-
- Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 464.
Dark Airship: Increases-
- Dark Airship Attack (Max 11.5T%).
- Dark Airship HP (Max 6.5T%).
- Dark Airship Armor (Max 3.6T%).
Unlocks at hero level 475.
T13 Merc Training Speed: Increases-
- T13 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Training Speed (Max 1,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 476.
T13 Merc Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- T13 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Cost Efficiency (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 472.
T14 Merc Training Speed: Increases-
- T14 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship and Mech Training speed (Max 1,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 478.
T14 Merc Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- T14 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Cost Efficiency (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 474.
Gladiolus Mastery Skills
If you haven’t noticed by now, Troops Supplies have become the go-to in combat for players of all types. Gladiolus has quite a few Troop Supplies Focus skills that boost these troop wannabes and will help you demolish your enemies. Although, if you want to take advantage of these boosts, you’re going to need to level him up quite a bit from the get-go, because his Mastery Skills don’t start getting to the good stuff until he has a few levels on him.
There are also some T4 Construction skills that apply no matter which hero you have active, so if you’re planning on getting to that next level, you will want to have these nodes skilled as high as you can.
Mastery Skills Tree
Mirror Hero Gladio: Hero Dark Troop Boost Bonus: Increases-
- Mirror Hero Gladio: Hero Dark Troop Boost Bonus (Max 700B%).
Unlocks at hero level 431.
Dark Core Troop Focus: Increases-
- Dark Core Troop Attack (Max 450B%).
- Dark Core Troop HP (Max 150B%).
- Dark Core Troop Armor (Max 375B%).
Unlocks at hero level 474.
Dark Mercenary Focus: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Attack (Max 1.2T%).
- Dark Mercenary HP (Max 625M%).
- Dark Mercenary Armor (Max 300B%).
Unlocks at hero level 474.
Troop Supply: Increases-
- March Size (Max 25B).
- Rally Capacity (Max 55B).
- Reinforcement Capacity (Max 8B).
- Troop Capacity (Max 100T).
Unlocks at hero level 428.
Mirror Hero Gladio: Dark Warrior Bonus: Increases-
- Mirror Hero Gladio: Dark Warrior Bonus (Max 4T%).
Unlocks at hero level 432.
Core Supply Focus: Increases-
- Core Supplies Potency (Max 2.5B%).
Unlocks at hero level 474.
Mercenary Supply Focus: Increases-
- Mercenary Supplies Potency (Max 2.5B%).
Unlocks at hero level 417.
Dark Warrior II: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 4T%).
Unlocks at hero level 439.
Dark Astral Attack: Increases-
- Dark Astral Attack Bonus (Max 700B%).
Unlocks at hero level 423.
Dark Guardian: Increases-
- Dark Guardian Attack (Max 10B%).
- Dark Guardian HP (Max 9.5B%).
- Dark Guardian Armor (Max 1B%).
Unlocks at hero level 439.
Dark Leviathan Attack: Increases-
- Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 428.
Dark Earth: Increases-
- Dark Earth Troop Attack (Max 400B%).
- Dark Earth Troop HP (Max 240B%).
- Dark Earth Troop Armor (Max 700B%).
Unlocks at hero level 432.
Astral Supply Focus: Increases-
- Astral Supplies Potency (Max 600M%).
Unlocks at hero level 423.
Dark Elemental Focus: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Attack (Max 575M%).
- Dark Elemental HP (Max 288M%).
- Dark Elemental Armor (Max 863M%).
Unlocks at hero level 474.
Elemental Supply Focus: Increases-
- Elemental Supplies Potency (Max 2.5B%).
Unlocks at hero level 417.
Mount Supply Focus: Increases-
- Mount Supplies Potency (Max 3.5B%).
Unlocks at hero level 433.
Dark Mount Attack: Increases-
- Mount Attack Bonus (Max 2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 426.
Foresight: Gladio looks forward to the future, anticipating the future skills he will require in battle.
- Your guess is as good as mine.
Unlocks at hero level 439.
Dark T4 Stone/Gil Construction Cost Efficiency Increases-
- Dark Gil (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
- Dark Stone (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
Unlocks at hero level 445.
Dark Leviathan Attack Increases-
- Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 427.
Dark T4 Energy/Metal Construction Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- Dark Energy (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
- Dark Metal (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
Unlocks at hero level 444.
Veteran Gladio Hero Skills
If you look through Veteran Gladio’s skills, you’ll see a lot of similar nodes that Gladiolus has. But the similarities stop there since VG’s numbers are massive! His stats have more Trillions than the original hero, along with some pretty nifty debuffs to diminish your enemy’s troops effectively.
Hero Skills Tree
Max MP: Increases-
- Max Veteran Gladio MP Multiplier Bonus (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Hero Attack: Increases-
- Hero Attack Bonus (Max 6,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Hero Critical Hit: Increases-
- Hero Critical Hit (Max 10%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
MP Recovery: Increases-
- MP Recovery (Max 600,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Hero Streak: Increases-
- Hero Attack Streak (Max 3).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Hero Critical Damage: Increases-
- Hero Critical Damage (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dungeon Dark Bonus: Increases-
- Dungeon HP Bonus (Max 350,000%).
- Dungeon Physical Damage Bonus (Max 1M%).
- Dungeon Healing Bonus (Max 6,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Warrior: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Warrior HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Warrior Armor (Max 5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Core Troop Attack: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Mage Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Cavalry Attack (Max 14.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Core Troop Armor: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Armor (Max 5T%).
- Dark Mage Armor (Max 5T%).
- Dark Cavalry Armor (Max 6.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Core Troop HP: Increases-
- Dark Warrior HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Mage HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Cavalry HP (Max 3.6T%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Airship: Increases-
- Dark Airship Attack (Max 11.5T%).
- Dark Airship HP (Max 3.6T%).
- Dark Airship Armor (Max 6.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 102.
Dark Mercenary Attack: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Attack (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 104.
Dark Mercenary Armor: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Armor (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 104.
Dark Mercenary HP: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary HP (Max 300B%).
Unlocks at hero level 106.
Dark Earth Troops: Increases-
- Dark Earth Troop Attack (Max 6.5T%).
- Dark Earth Troop HP (Max 3.6T%).
- Dark Earth Troop Armor (Max 9.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 107.
Dark Elemental Troop Attack: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Attack (Max 3.1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 111.
Dark Elemental Troop Armor: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Armor (Max 3.65T%).
Unlocks at hero level 111.
Dark Elemental Troop HP: Increases-
- Dark Elemental HP (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 115.
Dark Astral Attack: Increases-
- Dark Astral Attack Bonus (Max 100B%).
Unlocks at hero level 116.
Dark Leviathan Attack: Increases-
- Dark Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 117.
Hindsight: Gladio calls upon his previous battle experience to bolster his combat abilities in the present.
- Could this skill be a synchronization between the two heroes?
Unlocks at hero level 118.
Equalize Attack:
- Increases your Troop Attack Bonus (Max 6T%).
- Decreases enemy Troop Attack Bonus (Max 2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 119.
Equalize Armor:
- Increases your Troop Armor Bonus (Max 5T%).
- Decreases enemy Troop Armor Bonus (Max 2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 119.
Equalize HP:
- Increases your Troop HP Bonus (Max 2T%).
- Decreases enemy Troop HP Bonus (Max 2T%).
Unlocks at hero level 119.
Dark Juggernaut Debuff: Increases-
- Dark Juggernaut Attack Resistance (Max 4T%).
- Dark Juggernaut Cripple HP (Max 5T%).
- Dark Juggernaut Armor Piercing (Max 50T%).
Unlocks at hero level 120.
Dark Core Troop Training: Decreases-
- Dark Warrior, Dark Mage, and Dark Cavalry Training Speed (Max 5%).
Unlocks at hero level 120.
Dark Guardian: Increases-
- Dark Guardian Attack (Max 10B%).
- Dark Guardian HP (Max 9.5B%).
- Dark Guardian Armor (1B%).
Unlocks at hero level 120.
Veteran Gladio Mastery Skills
If you haven’t fallen in love with Veteran Gladio by now, you definitely will when you look at these Masteries. A lot of them have the same power as his Hero Skills, but even better since they apply no matter which hero you have active. Not only that, but they start at a LOW LEVEL, unlike many other heroes’ Mastery Skills. So you can wipe out anyone that dares stand in your way.
Mastery Skills Tree
Dark Core Troop Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Mage Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Cavalry Attack (Max 14.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 101.
Dark Core Troop HP II: Increases-
- Dark Warrior HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Mage HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Cavalry HP (Max 3.6T%).
Unlocks at hero level 104.
Dark Core Troop Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Armor (Max 5T%).
- Dark Mage Armor (Max 5T%).
- Dark Cavalry Armor (Max 6.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 104.
Dark Mercenary Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Attack (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 109.
Dark Mercenary HP II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary HP (Max 300B%).
Unlocks at hero level 110.
Dark Mercenary Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Mercenary Armor (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 110.
Dark Elemental Troop HP II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental HP (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 115.
Dark Elemental Troop Armor II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Amor (Max 3.65T%).
Unlocks at hero level 115.
Dark Elemental Troop Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Elemental Troop Attack (Max 3.11T%).
Unlocks at hero level 120.
Dark Astral Attack II: Increases-
- Dark Astral Attack Bonus (100B%).
Unlocks at hero level 121.
Dark Warrior II: Increases-
- Dark Warrior Attack (Max 5T%).
- Dark Warrior HP (Max 2.5T%).
- Dark Warrior Armor (Max 5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 126.
Dark Airship II: Increases-
- Dark Airship Attack (Max 11.5T%).
- Dark Airship HP (Max 3.6T%).
- Dark Airship Armor (Max 6.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 126.
Dark Earth Troops II: Increases-
- Dark Earth Troop Attack (Max 6.5T%).
- Dark Earth Troop HP (max 3.6T%).
- Dark Earth Troop Armor (Max 9.5T%).
Unlocks at hero level 131.
Mirror Hero Veteran Gladio: Dark Elemental Debuff: Increases-
- Mirror Hero Veteran Gladio: Dark Elemental Debuff (Max 4T%).
Unlocks at hero level 135.
Mirror Hero Veteran Gladio: Dark Earth Troops II: Increases-
- Mirror Hero Veteran Gladio: Dark Earth Troops (Max 4T%).
Unlocks at hero level 141.
Hindsight: Gladio calls upon his previous battle experiences to bolster his combat abilities in the present.
- With your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!
Unlocks at hero level 142.
Dark T4 Stone/Gil Construction Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- Dark Gil (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
- Dark Stone (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
Unlocks at hero level 143.
T13 Merc Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- T13 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Cost Efficiency (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 151.
Dark Leviathan Attack II: Increases-
- Leviathan Attack Bonus (Max 1T%).
Unlocks at hero level 143.
Dark T4 Energy/Metal Construction Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- Dark Energy (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
- Dark Metal (T4) Cost Efficiency – Construction Bonus (Max 500%).
Unlocks at hero level 152.
T14 Merc Cost Efficiency: Increases-
- T14 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Cost Efficiency (Max 75%).
Unlocks at hero level 154.
T13 Merc Training Speed: Increases-
- T13 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Training Speed (Max 1,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 154.
T14 Merc Training Speed: Increases-
- T14 Juggernaut, Guardian, Airship, and Mech Training Speed (Max 1,000%).
Unlocks at hero level 155.
Foresight/Hindsight
As of the date this article is published, we really have no clue what these skills mean. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that it would be something like Affinity, Synergy, or whatever, as in the skills are sorta shared between the two? But, hopefully, we will be able to determine exactly what this is.
Comparing the Two
When you take a look at this chart, you can see some vast differences between the two Gladios. Depending on your troop build, you will have to make the decision on which personage you choose to represent your empire.
Gladiolus Medals
Veteran Gladio Medals
***There was a boost bundle sold prior to Veteran Gladio’s 200 release that included a reduction (or efficiency) for his Heroic and Mythic medals. This chart includes both requirements and you’ll have to determine which one you need to follow by looking at one level’s requirements and comparing it to both sides of the chart.
Which One Will You Choose?
Gladiolus has the Troop Supplies focus skills that will help beef up those valuable units, but on the other hand, Veteran Gladio has the impressive troop stats that might be the key to victory! But, if you’re looking at getting some key stats, quickly, it’s clearly seen that Veteran Gladio is the winner here. Since you see that his skills are quickly gained with lower levels. Also, since there has been a realm boss that dropped BOTH of the medal types that he needs to level up to 200, it’s cheaper to max his levels.
Both of them have key components to building your empire, so if you can, you will want to get them both up there, if not for the Mercenary Training reductions alone.
What’s Next?
Since you have two heroes to level up, take a look at how to maximize your Hero MP, to get the most bang for your buck.
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