Cameron
4th November 2015, 12:03 AM
Gladiator Beast Guide and Discussion Thread
I. Intro
II. Gladiators of the Arena
III. Gladiator Beast Spells & Traps
IV. Engines & Support
V. Generic Support Cards & Techs
VI. The Extra Deck
VII. Side Deck Options
VIII. Deck Skeletons
IX. Gladiator Beasts of the Past
X. Gameplay and Style (Coming soon!)
I. Intro
Gladiator Beasts (also known as Glads or GB's) are an archetype that revolve around swapping monsters on the field from the deck to make plays/generate advantage; this is known as "tagging". After the GB attacks successfully/survives an attack, they will "tag out" back into the deck and then "tag in" another GB after which that GB's effect will activate. Gladiator Beasts are also known for their "contact fuse" mechanic in which 2 or more GB's are shuffled back into the deck to summon our powerful fusion monsters.
After making their debut all the way back in Gladiator's Assault, they went on to top several high profile events in their competitive prime including several Regionals, Nationals, YCS's and Shonen Jumps. They eventually fell out favor in the competitive scene as players gravitated toward other decks.
Today they are regarded as little more than a relic of the Tele-DAD era. Despite this aged image of the deck, it still manages to make appearances and tops in the regional circuits. Konami has recently given the deck (so-so-ish) support in PRIO in the form of Augustus and Nerokius.
On another note, Kevin snapped.
II. Gladiators of the Arena
Gladiator Beast Laquari
LV4/Beast-Warrior/FIRE/1800ATK 400DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, its original ATK becomes 2100. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Laquari".
This is the best raw beater in the deck. When tagged into battle, he jumps to a monstrous 2100 Attack points, enough to run over any relevant level 4 monster and enough to get a tag off of anything you'd be willing to attack. He's searchable by both Tenki and Proving Ground and he is the written material for Gladiator Beast Heraklinos, our best boss monster.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Darius
LV4/Beast-Warrior/EARTH/1700ATK 300DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: You can target 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target, but its effect(s) is negated by this card, and it is shuffled into the Deck when this card leaves the field. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Darius".
Wolfbark upon tag-in, backed by a 1700 body and the ability to become a one-card Gyzarus is what makes him worthwhile. While our Gladiators don't like hitting the grave, Darius comes to the rescue to retrieve them, at the cost of negating their effect (which doesn't really matter).
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Equeste
LV4/Winged Beast/WIND/1600TK 1200DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 "Gladiator Beast" card in your Graveyard; add that target to your hand. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Equeste".
A Level 4 wind who is capable of retrieving any Gladiator Beast Monster OR Spell/Trap? Yes, please. While he is a little lacking in the attack department, he more than makes up for it with the utility of his effect. Also, Lightning Chidori.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Bestiari
LV4/Winged Beast/WIND/1500ATK 800DEF
If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field; destroy that target. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Bestiari".
The ultimate Gladiator Beast card has returned! The gateway to the mighty Gyzarus whose existence has been heralded through the ages has come back to us to reclaim his throne! The bastion of greatness, hearkening toward the demise of all foes in the Colosseum makes his way home to us, and we shall rejoice him and welcome him with gladness and thanksgiving! Praise!
Run 2-3.
Gladiator Beast Murmillo
LV3/Fish/WATER/800ATK 400DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 face-up monster; destroy that target. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Murmillo".
He destroys a monster upon tagging in. It is best run 1 if using Test Tiger or none if you aren't. This is mainly because he is often incredibly dead in hand and Test Tiger fixes this, while without Tiger you have no solution but to summon it and get an attack through by using it (or to contact fuse given you have materials to do so). Fish has become less relevant though with the introduction of Majespecter and Kozmo so forgoing it is not the end of the world. Always remember though: Don't **** with Fish.
Run 0-1.
Gladiator Beast Retiari
LV3/Aqua/WATER/1200ATK 800DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, you can remove from play 1 card from your opponent's Graveyard. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked, you can return this card to your Deck to Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck except "Gladiator Beast Retiari".
When tagged in, he banishes 1 card in any graveyard. Niche but useful, especially in the Nekroz matchup for banishing mirrors before the opponent can. With the death of Nekroz and the decline of Burning Abyss, and the increase in uses of pendulums, he won't be able to see as much use however.
Run 0-1.
Gladiator Beast Hoplomus
LV4/Rock/EARTH/700ATK 2100DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, its original DEF becomes 2400. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Hoplomus".
A small wall, that becomes a slightly less small wall after tagging in. He has some utility, but not much, except in the Qliphort matchup where he becomes a decent side-deck card. Without multiple skill drains it can be difficult for a monster not named Stealth or Disk to overcome this guy.
Run 0-1 in the side deck.
Gladiator Beast Secutor
LV4/Reptile/WIND/400ATK 300DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, then at the end of any Battle Phase in which this card attacked or was attacked: Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Secutor".
I'm really only including Secutor in this guide because I like him. Does this mean I'm going to play him? Probably not, but he has some nice quirks about him. When played, he is undeniably the best Safe Zone target in the deck. The very simple fact that he can summon Gyzarus by himself is quite powerful, if not gimmicky. The dead draw potential is high but I'm going to be honest: he is a fun card. He is not optimal for competitive play, mind you, and as a result you won't see many, if any, running him. But he's better than Augustus for what it's worth.
Test Tiger
LV3/Beast/EARTH/600ATK 300DEF
If you control a face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can Tribute this card to target 1 face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster you control; shuffle that target into the Deck, then Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" from your Deck, and treat it as if it was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster.
This card can be special summoned while you control a Gladiator Beast monster (this effect does not start a chain) and can tribute itself to shuffle a Gladiator Beast you control into the deck to special summon another as if it was Special Summoned by a fellow Gladiator, thus triggering its effect. It has several applications in Prisma variants but is generally forgone in others. However, at the moment, the Prisma variant is the strongest and most explosive available to us, and Test Tiger is going to see play.
Play 2-3 depending on the variant you play.
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus
LV6/Winged Beast/DARK/ 2400ATK 1500DEF
"Gladiator Beast Bestiari" + 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) When this card is Special Summoned: You can target up to 2 cards on the field; destroy those targets. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Extra Deck; Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Bestiari".
Oh, boy. Here's why so many people hated us and Bestiari so much. Gyzarus, upon Special summon, not just tag in, is capable of destroying any 2 cards on the field it wants, only to attack for 2400, tag-out, and then grant you more plusses. He is best used in the main phase 1 because leaving him on the field in particular matchups can be dangerous, not to mention him battling is a +2 when you tag back in. His true grand potential lies in Call Of The Haunted (and especially when combined with Icarus Attack). Call a Gyzarus on your opponent's end phase to pop fresh sets is likely one of the most powerful plays that the deck can do, and rightfully so.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Heraklinos
LV8/Beast-Warrior/FIRE/3000ATK 2800DEF
"Gladiator Beast Laquari" + 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) During either player's turn, when a Spell/Trap Card is activated: You can discard 1 card; negate the activation and destroy it. This card must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect.
He is the end game master. When you've racked up enough advantage to drop this 3k Beater on board who will then thwart any attempts your opponent has to do literally anything, you may claim victory. Heraklinos is best used when the opponent is low on Life Points and low on advantage. An early Heraklinos can spell your own doom; he cannot tag; he cannot restore advantage lost by summoning him except by the pressure he places on the board. When that pressure is removed, you are at an extreme disadvantage. Use carefully and powerfully.
Run 1.
Gladiator Beast Nerokius
LV8/Winged Beast/DARK/2800ATK 1900DEF
3 "Gladiator Beast" monsters
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card attacks or is attacked, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Extra Deck; Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck.
Can survive any Battle, tags for 2 GBs after attacking and stops your opponents from using pesky flip effects and in-grave effects. It has some very relevant uses against decks like Burning Abyss, and definitely had immense utility when released due to the prevalence of hands, but is almost entirely forgone now. However his big body and powerful effect can lead to advantage in the Kozmo Matchup, so he can potentially be a relevant meta call.
Run 0-1 because of tight Extra Deck space.
III: Gladiator Beast Spells/Traps
Gladiator Proving Ground
Add 1 Level 4 or lower "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck to your hand.
Our themed ROTA.
Run 0-3
Gladiator Beast's Respite
Shuffle 2 "Gladiator Beast" cards from your hand into the Deck, then draw 3 cards.
Can fix dead, monster heavy hands, sometimes at the cost of all your monsters and can be recycled by Equeste, but if your deck is built properly you really shouldn't ever need this card.
Run 0 usually.
Gladiator Beast's War Chariot
When an Effect Monster's effect is activated, if you control a face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster: Negate the activation and destroy it.
This is the main reason people still hate us. Negates any monster effect anywhere and Equeste can recycle it ad infinitum. It is also our best counter to most meta decks bar Qliphorts. You want to see it ASAP.
Run 3.
IV. Engines & Support Cards
The deck can support numerous engines, due to its nature of running low monster counts. The most prominent is the HERO Engine. This engine is so good in fact, that it is unnecessary to cover the others since they are so slow and irrelevant now. Maybe one day, though.
HERO Engine
A HERO Lives
If you control no face-up monsters: Pay half your LP; Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Elemental HERO" monster from your Deck.
This card can retrieve Prisma from the deck without the use of the Normal Summon, at the cost of a few Life Points we don't care about. What makes this card so integral is that you do not have to Normal Summon Prisma. You do not have to draw Prisma. You do not have to search him and risk a Mind Crush. This card basically says: "Make Gyzarus for half of your Life Points" and that is what it does.
Run 2-3.
Elemental HERO Prisma
LV4/Warrior/LIGHT/1700ATK 1100DEF
Once per turn: You can reveal 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, then send 1 of the Fusion Materials listed on that card from your Main Deck to the Graveyard; this card's name becomes the sent monster's until the End Phase.
Prisma is able to copy Bestiari's name and can also copy Laquari for you to easily make Gyzarus or Heraklinos through combos with Test Tiger.
The most common plays follow these patterns:
Opening A Hero Lives and a Gladiator Beast monster:
1. Activate A Hero Lives to special summon Prisma directly from the deck.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Set a fellow Gladiator Beast (yes, set).
4. Contact fuse with Prisma and the set (after revealing it is a Gladiator Beast).
This opening can result in a Main Phase 2 Heraklinos as well.
Opening A Hero Lives and Test Tiger:
1. Activate A Hero Lives to special summon Prisma directly from the deck.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Special Summon Test Tiger.
4. Use Tiger to shuffle Prisma into the deck to retrieve Darius.
5. Use Darius' effect to revive Bestiari.
6. Contact fuse for Gyzarus.
7. Proceed to use the Normal Summon for other things.
Opening Prisma and Test Tiger:
1. Normal Summon Prisma.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Special Summon Test Tiger.
4. Use Tiger to shuffle Prisma into the deck to retrieve Darius.
5. Use Darius' effect to revive Bestiari.
6. Contact fuse for Gyzarus.
There are more plays than this but they are highly situation dependent.
Run 2-3
Elemental HERO Stratos
LV4/Warrior/WIND/1800ATK 300DEF
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can activate 1 of these effects.
● You can destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the field, up to the number of "HERO" monsters you control, except this card.
● Add 1 "HERO" monster from your Deck to your hand.
RIP
V. Generic Support Cards & Techs
Staple Techs:
Book of Moon: Run 1 or Die
Forbidden Lance: Run 3 or Die
Instant Fusion: Run 2-3 for Elder Entity Norden
Mystical Space Typhoon: Play 3 total between main and side.
Raigeki
Call Of The Haunted: Play 2-3. One of the best abusable cards in the deck.
Mistake: We don't search.
Solemn Notice
Solemn Warning
The following techs are also acceptable:
Monsters:
Effect Veiler
Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit
Juragedo
Maxx "C"
Thunder King Rai-Oh
Spells:
Anti-Magic Arrows
Dark Hole
Moon Mirror Shield
Traps:
Bottomless Trap Hole
Breakthrough Skill
Compulsory Evacuation Device
Dimensional Prison
Fiendish Chain
Icarus Attack
Mind Crush
Mirror Force
Ring of Destruction
Safe Zone
Storming Mirror Force
Time-Space Trap Hole
Torrential Tribute
Trap Stun
Traptrix Trap Hole Nightmare
Unbreakable Spirit
Vanity's Emptiness
Waboku
Wiretap
VI. The Extra Deck
Due to Darius and the wonderful toolbox of Rank 4's (including Elder Entity Norden!), we can use a plethora of cool cards in our Extra deck now.
However, it is limited on space, so choose wisely:
Elder Entity Norden (2)
Chimeratech Fortress Dragon (0-2) (If siding Cyber Dragons)
Abyss Dweller (1)
Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer (1-2)
Cairngorgon, Antiluminescent Knight (0-1)
Daigusto Emeral (0-1)
Diamond Dire Wolf (0-1)
Evilswarm Exciton Knight (RIP)
Gagaga Cowboy (1)
Ice Beast Zerofyne (0-1)
Lightning Chidori (0-1)
Number 39: Utopia and Number S39: Utopia the Lightning (0-1 of each)
Number 52: Diamond Crab King (0-1)
Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk (0-1)
Number 82: Heartlandraco (0-1)
Number 101: Silent Honor ARK (0-1)
Number 103: Ragnazero (0-1)
Traptrix Rafflesia (0-1)
Tellarknight Ptolemaeus (1) and by extension 0-1 of each of these:
Stellarknight Delteros
Stellarknight Constellar Diamond
Artifact Durendal
Constellar Pleiades
Tiras, Keeper of Genesis
Cyber Dragon Nova and Cyber Dragon Infinity
VII. Side Deck Options
Due to the Flexible nature of Gladiator Beasts, we can side a lot of options without dying to ourselves. There's a lot, and probably more than just this, so here goes:
Monsters:
Artifact Lancea
Flying "C"
Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit
Maxx "C"
Neo-Spacian Grand Mole
Retaliating "C"
Thunder King Rai-Oh
Spells:
Dark Hole
Dimensional Fissure
Mystical Space Typhoon
Twin Twister
Twister
Zombie World
Traps:
Anti-Spell Fragrance
Black Horn of Heaven
Chaos Trap Hole
Dust Tornado
Imperial Iron Wall
Light-Imprisoning Mirror
Macro Cosmos
Mask of Restrict
Mind Drain
Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror
Soul Drain
The Unspeakable Grimoire
VIII. Deck Skeletons
If you're unsure on how to make a deck or worried about what ratios to play, start with these and go from there. As skeletons, these naturally aren't perfect or fully optimal but they're good starting points for the way you will want to start playing the deck. If you just have no idea what to do even after reading the guide (though that may be an issue), you can netdeck these anyway.
Pure Stun Gladiator Beasts (http://i.imgur.com/yIdLS6Q.png)
This build is very controlling but very slow. Generally plays Tigerless and is used with huge amounts of backrow.
Prisma Glads (http://i.imgur.com/uvdQvUa.png)
Currently considered the best variant due to its aggression and control, this build has access to serious controlling plays, power plays, and effortless Gyzari. Numbers of Tigers and A Hero Lives can be experimented with.
IX. Gladiator Beasts of the Past (http://www.pojo.biz/board/showpost.php?p=30997662&postcount=94)
X. Gameplay and Style
Coming soon!
Yes this is the same one as on Pojo.
Yes I'm the same guy.
No, this isn't stolen.
You will be entertained.
I. Intro
II. Gladiators of the Arena
III. Gladiator Beast Spells & Traps
IV. Engines & Support
V. Generic Support Cards & Techs
VI. The Extra Deck
VII. Side Deck Options
VIII. Deck Skeletons
IX. Gladiator Beasts of the Past
X. Gameplay and Style (Coming soon!)
I. Intro
Gladiator Beasts (also known as Glads or GB's) are an archetype that revolve around swapping monsters on the field from the deck to make plays/generate advantage; this is known as "tagging". After the GB attacks successfully/survives an attack, they will "tag out" back into the deck and then "tag in" another GB after which that GB's effect will activate. Gladiator Beasts are also known for their "contact fuse" mechanic in which 2 or more GB's are shuffled back into the deck to summon our powerful fusion monsters.
After making their debut all the way back in Gladiator's Assault, they went on to top several high profile events in their competitive prime including several Regionals, Nationals, YCS's and Shonen Jumps. They eventually fell out favor in the competitive scene as players gravitated toward other decks.
Today they are regarded as little more than a relic of the Tele-DAD era. Despite this aged image of the deck, it still manages to make appearances and tops in the regional circuits. Konami has recently given the deck (so-so-ish) support in PRIO in the form of Augustus and Nerokius.
On another note, Kevin snapped.
II. Gladiators of the Arena
Gladiator Beast Laquari
LV4/Beast-Warrior/FIRE/1800ATK 400DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, its original ATK becomes 2100. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Laquari".
This is the best raw beater in the deck. When tagged into battle, he jumps to a monstrous 2100 Attack points, enough to run over any relevant level 4 monster and enough to get a tag off of anything you'd be willing to attack. He's searchable by both Tenki and Proving Ground and he is the written material for Gladiator Beast Heraklinos, our best boss monster.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Darius
LV4/Beast-Warrior/EARTH/1700ATK 300DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: You can target 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target, but its effect(s) is negated by this card, and it is shuffled into the Deck when this card leaves the field. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Darius".
Wolfbark upon tag-in, backed by a 1700 body and the ability to become a one-card Gyzarus is what makes him worthwhile. While our Gladiators don't like hitting the grave, Darius comes to the rescue to retrieve them, at the cost of negating their effect (which doesn't really matter).
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Equeste
LV4/Winged Beast/WIND/1600TK 1200DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 "Gladiator Beast" card in your Graveyard; add that target to your hand. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Equeste".
A Level 4 wind who is capable of retrieving any Gladiator Beast Monster OR Spell/Trap? Yes, please. While he is a little lacking in the attack department, he more than makes up for it with the utility of his effect. Also, Lightning Chidori.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Bestiari
LV4/Winged Beast/WIND/1500ATK 800DEF
If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field; destroy that target. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Bestiari".
The ultimate Gladiator Beast card has returned! The gateway to the mighty Gyzarus whose existence has been heralded through the ages has come back to us to reclaim his throne! The bastion of greatness, hearkening toward the demise of all foes in the Colosseum makes his way home to us, and we shall rejoice him and welcome him with gladness and thanksgiving! Praise!
Run 2-3.
Gladiator Beast Murmillo
LV3/Fish/WATER/800ATK 400DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster: Target 1 face-up monster; destroy that target. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Murmillo".
He destroys a monster upon tagging in. It is best run 1 if using Test Tiger or none if you aren't. This is mainly because he is often incredibly dead in hand and Test Tiger fixes this, while without Tiger you have no solution but to summon it and get an attack through by using it (or to contact fuse given you have materials to do so). Fish has become less relevant though with the introduction of Majespecter and Kozmo so forgoing it is not the end of the world. Always remember though: Don't **** with Fish.
Run 0-1.
Gladiator Beast Retiari
LV3/Aqua/WATER/1200ATK 800DEF
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, you can remove from play 1 card from your opponent's Graveyard. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked, you can return this card to your Deck to Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck except "Gladiator Beast Retiari".
When tagged in, he banishes 1 card in any graveyard. Niche but useful, especially in the Nekroz matchup for banishing mirrors before the opponent can. With the death of Nekroz and the decline of Burning Abyss, and the increase in uses of pendulums, he won't be able to see as much use however.
Run 0-1.
Gladiator Beast Hoplomus
LV4/Rock/EARTH/700ATK 2100DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, its original DEF becomes 2400. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Hoplomus".
A small wall, that becomes a slightly less small wall after tagging in. He has some utility, but not much, except in the Qliphort matchup where he becomes a decent side-deck card. Without multiple skill drains it can be difficult for a monster not named Stealth or Disk to overcome this guy.
Run 0-1 in the side deck.
Gladiator Beast Secutor
LV4/Reptile/WIND/400ATK 300DEF
If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, then at the end of any Battle Phase in which this card attacked or was attacked: Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Secutor".
I'm really only including Secutor in this guide because I like him. Does this mean I'm going to play him? Probably not, but he has some nice quirks about him. When played, he is undeniably the best Safe Zone target in the deck. The very simple fact that he can summon Gyzarus by himself is quite powerful, if not gimmicky. The dead draw potential is high but I'm going to be honest: he is a fun card. He is not optimal for competitive play, mind you, and as a result you won't see many, if any, running him. But he's better than Augustus for what it's worth.
Test Tiger
LV3/Beast/EARTH/600ATK 300DEF
If you control a face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can Tribute this card to target 1 face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster you control; shuffle that target into the Deck, then Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" from your Deck, and treat it as if it was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster.
This card can be special summoned while you control a Gladiator Beast monster (this effect does not start a chain) and can tribute itself to shuffle a Gladiator Beast you control into the deck to special summon another as if it was Special Summoned by a fellow Gladiator, thus triggering its effect. It has several applications in Prisma variants but is generally forgone in others. However, at the moment, the Prisma variant is the strongest and most explosive available to us, and Test Tiger is going to see play.
Play 2-3 depending on the variant you play.
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus
LV6/Winged Beast/DARK/ 2400ATK 1500DEF
"Gladiator Beast Bestiari" + 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) When this card is Special Summoned: You can target up to 2 cards on the field; destroy those targets. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Extra Deck; Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Bestiari".
Oh, boy. Here's why so many people hated us and Bestiari so much. Gyzarus, upon Special summon, not just tag in, is capable of destroying any 2 cards on the field it wants, only to attack for 2400, tag-out, and then grant you more plusses. He is best used in the main phase 1 because leaving him on the field in particular matchups can be dangerous, not to mention him battling is a +2 when you tag back in. His true grand potential lies in Call Of The Haunted (and especially when combined with Icarus Attack). Call a Gyzarus on your opponent's end phase to pop fresh sets is likely one of the most powerful plays that the deck can do, and rightfully so.
Run 2.
Gladiator Beast Heraklinos
LV8/Beast-Warrior/FIRE/3000ATK 2800DEF
"Gladiator Beast Laquari" + 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) During either player's turn, when a Spell/Trap Card is activated: You can discard 1 card; negate the activation and destroy it. This card must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect.
He is the end game master. When you've racked up enough advantage to drop this 3k Beater on board who will then thwart any attempts your opponent has to do literally anything, you may claim victory. Heraklinos is best used when the opponent is low on Life Points and low on advantage. An early Heraklinos can spell your own doom; he cannot tag; he cannot restore advantage lost by summoning him except by the pressure he places on the board. When that pressure is removed, you are at an extreme disadvantage. Use carefully and powerfully.
Run 1.
Gladiator Beast Nerokius
LV8/Winged Beast/DARK/2800ATK 1900DEF
3 "Gladiator Beast" monsters
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by shuffling the above cards you control into the Deck. (You do not use "Polymerization".) Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card attacks or is attacked, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked: You can shuffle it into the Extra Deck; Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck.
Can survive any Battle, tags for 2 GBs after attacking and stops your opponents from using pesky flip effects and in-grave effects. It has some very relevant uses against decks like Burning Abyss, and definitely had immense utility when released due to the prevalence of hands, but is almost entirely forgone now. However his big body and powerful effect can lead to advantage in the Kozmo Matchup, so he can potentially be a relevant meta call.
Run 0-1 because of tight Extra Deck space.
III: Gladiator Beast Spells/Traps
Gladiator Proving Ground
Add 1 Level 4 or lower "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck to your hand.
Our themed ROTA.
Run 0-3
Gladiator Beast's Respite
Shuffle 2 "Gladiator Beast" cards from your hand into the Deck, then draw 3 cards.
Can fix dead, monster heavy hands, sometimes at the cost of all your monsters and can be recycled by Equeste, but if your deck is built properly you really shouldn't ever need this card.
Run 0 usually.
Gladiator Beast's War Chariot
When an Effect Monster's effect is activated, if you control a face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster: Negate the activation and destroy it.
This is the main reason people still hate us. Negates any monster effect anywhere and Equeste can recycle it ad infinitum. It is also our best counter to most meta decks bar Qliphorts. You want to see it ASAP.
Run 3.
IV. Engines & Support Cards
The deck can support numerous engines, due to its nature of running low monster counts. The most prominent is the HERO Engine. This engine is so good in fact, that it is unnecessary to cover the others since they are so slow and irrelevant now. Maybe one day, though.
HERO Engine
A HERO Lives
If you control no face-up monsters: Pay half your LP; Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Elemental HERO" monster from your Deck.
This card can retrieve Prisma from the deck without the use of the Normal Summon, at the cost of a few Life Points we don't care about. What makes this card so integral is that you do not have to Normal Summon Prisma. You do not have to draw Prisma. You do not have to search him and risk a Mind Crush. This card basically says: "Make Gyzarus for half of your Life Points" and that is what it does.
Run 2-3.
Elemental HERO Prisma
LV4/Warrior/LIGHT/1700ATK 1100DEF
Once per turn: You can reveal 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, then send 1 of the Fusion Materials listed on that card from your Main Deck to the Graveyard; this card's name becomes the sent monster's until the End Phase.
Prisma is able to copy Bestiari's name and can also copy Laquari for you to easily make Gyzarus or Heraklinos through combos with Test Tiger.
The most common plays follow these patterns:
Opening A Hero Lives and a Gladiator Beast monster:
1. Activate A Hero Lives to special summon Prisma directly from the deck.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Set a fellow Gladiator Beast (yes, set).
4. Contact fuse with Prisma and the set (after revealing it is a Gladiator Beast).
This opening can result in a Main Phase 2 Heraklinos as well.
Opening A Hero Lives and Test Tiger:
1. Activate A Hero Lives to special summon Prisma directly from the deck.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Special Summon Test Tiger.
4. Use Tiger to shuffle Prisma into the deck to retrieve Darius.
5. Use Darius' effect to revive Bestiari.
6. Contact fuse for Gyzarus.
7. Proceed to use the Normal Summon for other things.
Opening Prisma and Test Tiger:
1. Normal Summon Prisma.
2. Reveal Gyzarus and send Bestiari to the grave.
3. Special Summon Test Tiger.
4. Use Tiger to shuffle Prisma into the deck to retrieve Darius.
5. Use Darius' effect to revive Bestiari.
6. Contact fuse for Gyzarus.
There are more plays than this but they are highly situation dependent.
Run 2-3
Elemental HERO Stratos
LV4/Warrior/WIND/1800ATK 300DEF
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can activate 1 of these effects.
● You can destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the field, up to the number of "HERO" monsters you control, except this card.
● Add 1 "HERO" monster from your Deck to your hand.
RIP
V. Generic Support Cards & Techs
Staple Techs:
Book of Moon: Run 1 or Die
Forbidden Lance: Run 3 or Die
Instant Fusion: Run 2-3 for Elder Entity Norden
Mystical Space Typhoon: Play 3 total between main and side.
Raigeki
Call Of The Haunted: Play 2-3. One of the best abusable cards in the deck.
Mistake: We don't search.
Solemn Notice
Solemn Warning
The following techs are also acceptable:
Monsters:
Effect Veiler
Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit
Juragedo
Maxx "C"
Thunder King Rai-Oh
Spells:
Anti-Magic Arrows
Dark Hole
Moon Mirror Shield
Traps:
Bottomless Trap Hole
Breakthrough Skill
Compulsory Evacuation Device
Dimensional Prison
Fiendish Chain
Icarus Attack
Mind Crush
Mirror Force
Ring of Destruction
Safe Zone
Storming Mirror Force
Time-Space Trap Hole
Torrential Tribute
Trap Stun
Traptrix Trap Hole Nightmare
Unbreakable Spirit
Vanity's Emptiness
Waboku
Wiretap
VI. The Extra Deck
Due to Darius and the wonderful toolbox of Rank 4's (including Elder Entity Norden!), we can use a plethora of cool cards in our Extra deck now.
However, it is limited on space, so choose wisely:
Elder Entity Norden (2)
Chimeratech Fortress Dragon (0-2) (If siding Cyber Dragons)
Abyss Dweller (1)
Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer (1-2)
Cairngorgon, Antiluminescent Knight (0-1)
Daigusto Emeral (0-1)
Diamond Dire Wolf (0-1)
Evilswarm Exciton Knight (RIP)
Gagaga Cowboy (1)
Ice Beast Zerofyne (0-1)
Lightning Chidori (0-1)
Number 39: Utopia and Number S39: Utopia the Lightning (0-1 of each)
Number 52: Diamond Crab King (0-1)
Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk (0-1)
Number 82: Heartlandraco (0-1)
Number 101: Silent Honor ARK (0-1)
Number 103: Ragnazero (0-1)
Traptrix Rafflesia (0-1)
Tellarknight Ptolemaeus (1) and by extension 0-1 of each of these:
Stellarknight Delteros
Stellarknight Constellar Diamond
Artifact Durendal
Constellar Pleiades
Tiras, Keeper of Genesis
Cyber Dragon Nova and Cyber Dragon Infinity
VII. Side Deck Options
Due to the Flexible nature of Gladiator Beasts, we can side a lot of options without dying to ourselves. There's a lot, and probably more than just this, so here goes:
Monsters:
Artifact Lancea
Flying "C"
Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit
Maxx "C"
Neo-Spacian Grand Mole
Retaliating "C"
Thunder King Rai-Oh
Spells:
Dark Hole
Dimensional Fissure
Mystical Space Typhoon
Twin Twister
Twister
Zombie World
Traps:
Anti-Spell Fragrance
Black Horn of Heaven
Chaos Trap Hole
Dust Tornado
Imperial Iron Wall
Light-Imprisoning Mirror
Macro Cosmos
Mask of Restrict
Mind Drain
Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror
Soul Drain
The Unspeakable Grimoire
VIII. Deck Skeletons
If you're unsure on how to make a deck or worried about what ratios to play, start with these and go from there. As skeletons, these naturally aren't perfect or fully optimal but they're good starting points for the way you will want to start playing the deck. If you just have no idea what to do even after reading the guide (though that may be an issue), you can netdeck these anyway.
Pure Stun Gladiator Beasts (http://i.imgur.com/yIdLS6Q.png)
This build is very controlling but very slow. Generally plays Tigerless and is used with huge amounts of backrow.
Prisma Glads (http://i.imgur.com/uvdQvUa.png)
Currently considered the best variant due to its aggression and control, this build has access to serious controlling plays, power plays, and effortless Gyzari. Numbers of Tigers and A Hero Lives can be experimented with.
IX. Gladiator Beasts of the Past (http://www.pojo.biz/board/showpost.php?p=30997662&postcount=94)
X. Gameplay and Style
Coming soon!
Yes this is the same one as on Pojo.
Yes I'm the same guy.
No, this isn't stolen.
You will be entertained.