Here is the reality: Most players create a Swordmaster just to proceed to being a Moonlord. Almost every time a newbie creates an SM, we see Moonlords pops out when they reached level 50 in the world of Lagendia. Why? It's because they are attracted to the fancy skills of a Moonlord. Who doesn't love those fancy skills? This leaves Gladiator unnoticed sometimes.
I don't know about you but in terms of deciding what class should I choose, I am no contented just by looking at the unique skills of the two and comparing which is more fancy. One must look and dig deeper in determining the weakness and strngths of the two.
The question should not be: Which class has more appealing skills but, the real questions should be: Are Moonlords a better choice than Gladiators? What aspects one should look into in choosing between the two Swordmasters? Which is better in PVP? Which is better in PVE? Which class will suit your playing style?
Now, to help you answer these questions, I have decided to put up a guide which will definitely help you decide in choosing between Moonlord and Gladiator.
First, let's discuss about the damage dealt by both Swordmaster...
In terms of damage, Gladiator has the advantage of dealing more damage than a Moonlord if we compared the two, and we based our comparison to the stats and bonuses of the items of a Warrior. Do take note that Warrior class are more inclined in physical attack and STR stat. If you don't believe me, just take a look at the images below:
As you can notice, even with Magic Power suffix still, Green Dragon Sword with destruction suffix has more STR than INT and also, more Attack Power than Magic Power. This are just for weapons, if you take a look at the armors and accessories also, you will definitely notice that every items of a Warrior has adds more stat in physical attack and STR than INT and Magic Attack.
This being said, probably Gladiator will have more attack power than Moonlord for sure.
Secondly, let's examine the gameplay of each class...
Being unable to deal as much damage as Gladiators does not mean that Moonlords are weak. They can still do decent damage in a target and most of all, damage a target without being hit.
As we all know, even Gladiators and Moonlords came from the same family still, they have their own differences when they proceed to their 3rd job. Basically, Moonlords will specialize in range-tactical warfare, while Gladiators are more on close quarter combat and in-your-face kind of playing style.
When we judge this kind of fighters in average circumstances, range warriors has an edge in battles because they can safely cast skills and damage a target without being hit. As for close combat fighters, they must first close the gap between him and his target which is hard for average players. But for experts on close combats, this is just a walk in the park!
After that, we need to determine which class suits your playing style...
So basically, if you love tactical range fighters then go with Moonlords while if you love to rush into the heat of battle and love to combo an enemy to death, then proceed being a Gladiator.
Thirdly, let see which class is better in PVP, and which is better in PVE...
PVP-wise, Moonlords are made for group battles while Gladiators are expert in 1v1 PvP period.
Often times, you will love Moonlords in group battles because of his range AOE skills which sometimes can kill multiple enemies in just one swing. On the other hand, 1v1 battles are the territory of Gladitors. They are well-known with their close quarter, never-ending combos and agility in 1 on 1 matches.
What if the two class collides?
Well basically, Gladiators have a slight advantage if they were to fight against each other. In normal circumstances, Moonlord will try to widen the gap, which he can't accomplish surely with a Gladiator as his opponent. If the ML will run, the Gladi can also run! In fact, Moonlord has no choice but to fight the battle of a Gladi which is the close combat fight.
However, one of the factor that we must consider is the ability of the player to control his character. This is what I really love about Dragon Nest by the way. In terms of PVP, it's not the gears that always decided who will win, but the skill of a player to control his character well. So basically, if a pro Moonlord faces a pro Gladiator, it's yet to be decided by the skill of a player.
PVE-wise, it is still the same. Moonlords are good in clearing group of enemies because of their AOE range skills while Gladiators are more effective in dealing damage to single targets like Nest bosses because of the fact that they are physically sided.
In fact, this is why Gladiators are more acceptable sometimes in a party, especially in Nest Raids as they are more of a DPS class than a Moonlord.
Next, we will try to determine which class is expensive...
When I say expensive, these are the golds and effort you will spend in both farming and buying the best items for your character. In Dragon Nest SEA, Moonlord's items are more expensive than Gladiators. Why? Obviously because of the "rarity factor". The more we see the same item sold in Trading House, the more we lessen the price for that certain item so that it will be sold out first but, the fewer the items being sold, the more rare it gets and obviously, the more expensive it gets.
The next thing you will need to see and know is the unique skills of each class...
Gladiator Skills Tree
Evasion Slash- It will allow you to rotate backwards to avoid enemy and launch an attack. The best part is, it can be triggered during any skill motion even if in air. For example, you're in the middle of using your Rage skill and then a Merc is very close at you. You can then cast the Evasion slash to cancel the skill and then counterattack. Another good thing about this skill is it has iframe which makes you invincible for any attack during the use of this skill.
Triple Slash EX- If you do get this Ex version, you will have a new attack combo by using right clicking instead of left clicking. But if you think that the new attack combo is not worth in your skill tree, then you have the choice to not get it and spend the SP intended for this skill to your preferred skills.
Finishing Attack- It can knock down your enemy and deal a great amount of damage with its finishing blow. If target’s hp is below 40%, increase the skill dmg by 2% for each 1% of hp left which is a good fact by the way.
Moonlord Skill Tree
Moon Blade Dance- This is one of the fanciest skill in the game. In fact, I think it's the most fancy. Your character will jump in the air and deal quick 5 diagonal slashes. Single hit mag dmg 116.4%+202 amd cooldown is only 19 seconds at level 2 which makes it highly spammable.
Moonlight Splitter Ex- It enhances your moonlight splitter, with additional 30% AOE damage.
Flash Stance- It allows you to do quick long tange attack for over 7 seconds. Single hit mag dmg 56%+602. Left click to throw sword slashes and right-click it to cast a heavy damage final blow and cancel the stance.
The last thing you should ask yourself is: Which class is fun to play?
The last thing you should ask yourself is what class do you really prefer playing. Well, the final decision will be yours to make and not mine. It is your personal preference that matters. If you enjoy Moonlord then go with Moonlord but if you love Gladiators, do stick with your first choice!
So good luck and enjoy playing a Moonlord or a Gladiator in Dragon Nest!