Gladiator

The Gladiator is a type of elite Cabal warrior.

Overview

Gladiators are a new type of Cabal warrior found primarily in the employ of the Red Legion. Massive in stature and possessing incredible strength, agility and endurance, these fighters fearlessly and relentlessly charge enemy lines; cutting down all who stand before them with their Cabal Serveri.^[1]

Gameplay

Due to their immense durability, rapid movement and highly damaging attacks, Gladiators are one of the most dangerous Cabal units. Once an enemy has been spotted, they will relentlessly charge their opponents with frightening speed in an attempt to cut them down. If allowed to get close, they can decimate a Guardian's shield and health in just one or two hits. As such, it is highly advisable to fight and eliminate Gladiators from a distance.^[2] If Gladiators spot an enemy that they cannot reach, they will attempt to hide from view behind cover to ambush them as they come closer.^[3]

Known Gladiators

Mentioned Only

Thur'Ak

Types

Specific Variants

Loyalist Gladiator - Gladiator of the Loyalists.
Nightmare Gladiator - A Nightmare in the shape of a Gladiator.

Common Variants

Esteemed Bruiser - Major Gladiator (Destiny 2)
Honored Gladiator - Elite Gladiator

Specific Variants

Trivia

During the development of Destiny, Colossi were originally called Gladiators.
The Gladiator's function as a melee fighter is very similar to the Hive Knights, who bear Cleavers, as is their tendency to charge into melee combat.
Dominus Ghaul was once a gladiator who fought in the colosseum, where he was discovered by Emperor Calus. It is possible that the reason gladiators are exclusive to the Red Legion is due to their connection with Ghaul, or perhaps they are simply upgraded versions of their civilian counterparts.
As of Shadowkeep with the introduction of Baurisk, Gladiators and Legionaries are the only Cabal enemies without a Taken version.
In the Rally the Troops cinematic trailer, Gladiators were originally depicted with much more War Beast scale plating and crimson red armor, as oppose to their current dominantly gray armor.