Scuba Guides source note. This lesson is based on the older Scuba Guides and the supplied source archive. It is an independent community clarity rewrite, not an official GunZ publication; mechanics are not verified for the current Steam/remaster client.
Lesson content
Patterns are everywhere in gladiator, whether you think about them or not. Typically, you’ll find people using patterns simply because they’re easy to execute, but the effectiveness of the pattern depends entirely on the player.
Effective Patterns
An effective pattern utilizes various angles to catch your opponent off guard with a mixture of phases, angles, feints, and timing discrepancies. Be careful not to overuse a singular pattern, or it can become a crutch and make you easily predictable. Below are some examples of the more common patterns, as well as a few examples of each. A Key note for all the patterns below is that when discussing the patterns, I am NOT saying which direction you’re dashing. All patterns are in relation to where your opponent is facing in relation to yourself. You can utilize the Front/Back by using AA > WW, WW > WW, SS > SS, etc, etc. On a similar token, this is not simply related to spamming only BFLY. You want to be mixing up double bflys, bflys, ground slashes, and anything else in your arsenal to create good mixups. A final note, you do not have to repeatedly use the same pattern. For example, you can use a V Front to Left/Right to Triangle to Circle.
Line Pattern
There are many line patterns. They’re typically used as an offensive means to close the distance to your opponent, but could also be a mixup of alternating directions.
V Front Pattern
This pattern is a solid approach, requiring you to dash twice forwards as a gap closer. The idea is to do two dashes at either 45 or 30 degree angles, one to the left, and one to the right. The angle itself can be Acute or a Right angle, but not done in an Obtuse way. For example, you’ll aim slightly left of your opponent, then veer right to cut them off. The idea is to shorten your covered distance in a straight line - So for example instead of 2 forward dashes with no turns, when you turn you’ll land at 1.25 ~ 1.5 forward dashes.This simple approach pattern is more of a feint, while also helping you stay clear of the enemies slashes.
Front / Back Pattern
This pattern is a simple combo making use of a mixup of angles and phases. You’ll simply go past the enemy, and go back to where you started. The key with this is to not use the same attacks, while also utilizing a tossup of Angles, Phases, and Twitch Phases to displace your slashes.
Left / Right Pattern
Similar to Front back, but you’ll be going left to right. Often times, people have little to no issues blocking Front/Back patterns, but by utilizing Left/Right patterns, and mixing up alternating slashes from the sides, fronts, and back, people just can’t cope with it.
Circle Pattern
Do you remember the Circle of Death Bfly? Similar concept, though you’re not simply spamming one direction constantly. You’ll want to use this in spurts of 2 or 3, as well as to adjust for your combo and distance.
Triangle Pattern
This particular one is simply the Triangle Theory. You’ll be going from point to point on the star to create the two triangles. For more information, see the Triangle Theory.