Gladius

The Gladius, also called the Gradius (グラディウス, Guradiusu), is a recurring dagger in the Final Fantasy series. It is usually among the mid-powered daggers available with varying effects.

Final Fantasy
The Gladius is a weapon found exclusively in the Dawn of Souls and 20th Anniversary versions, and can be used by every class except the White Mage, White Wizard, Black Belt, and Monk. It provides 23 Attack, 30 Accuracy, 26 Critical, and +10 Evasion, and two are found inside the Whisperwind Cove.

Final Fantasy III
The Gladius is the strongest dagger available for the Thief in the Nintendo DS release. Once the Thief class has reached Level 99, the Legendary Smith will give them the weapon. It provides 130 Attack and +20 Agility.

Final Fantasy VI
The Gladius, originally translated as Gradius, is found in the Ancient Castle after beating the Master Tonberry. Another can be won by betting the Ultima Weapon in the Coliseum. It is the strongest universal dagger, although there exist stronger character-specific weapons, and is Holy-elemental, providing 204 Attack, and also enables Cyan to still use Bushido.



Final Fantasy IX
Zidane Tribal can equip the Gladius, which can cause the Slow status ailment via Add Status. It teaches the skills Annoy and Lucky Seven. It provides 30 Attack and can be bought for 2,300 gil from various shops from Disc 2 onwards. Prior to that, it can be stolen from Lani.

Final Fantasy XI
The Gladius appears as a generic one-handed sword, doing mediocre damage for a level 27 weapon.

Final Fantasy XII
The Gladius is a dagger that can be bought for 4800 gil in Jahara, Mt. Bur-Omisace and in Rabanastre after defeating Judge Bergan in Mt. Bur-Omisace. It costs 30 LP to use, is Wind-elemental, and increases Evasion by 5.

In the International Zodiac Job System version, Gladius can be equipped by the Shikari.

Final Fantasy XIII
The Gladius is a model of gunblade for Lightning. It is a Rank 4 out of 11 weapon, and has a maximum level of 26. It can be found in a treasure sphere in Chapter 2, and can later be purchased in the Up In Arms shop for 7,100 gil. The weapon also sells for 3,550 gil. Its maximum strength is 175, while the maximum magic is 88.

Gladius transforms into "Helter Skelter" after using Uraninite on it.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
The Gladius is a low-powered sword.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
The Gladius is a level 35 sword that provides +39 Attack and is bought for 452 gil.

Dissidia Final Fantasy
The Gladius is a level 92 dagger that increases Attack by 61 and fills the EX Gauge by 25% at the start of a battle. It can be traded for at the shop for 29,020 gil, a Mage Masher, five Beastlord Fangs and an Orange Gem.

Etymology
"Gladius" is the Latin word for "sword".