There are two types of people: those who love the iconic film Gladiator with Russell Crowe and those who haven’t seen it yet. Naturally, I fall into the first category, and every time I rewatch its scenes and hear the legendary lines of Maximus Decimus Meridius, I get fired up.
So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon Bloodgrounds, a tactical strategy game developed by Exordium Games. It puts us in the shoes of what Russell Crowe’s general could have become—had he chosen not to reunite with his family (oops, apologies to those who haven’t seen the movie). In other words, you play as a gladiator who made it and is now managing his own fighters and city.
Bloodgrounds is a turn-based strategy that puts players in the role of a former gladiator who has risen to power as a wealthy patron. Instead of fighting in the arena yourself, you’ll recruit, train, and manage your own team of warriors, sending them into the blood-soaked sands to battle for glory and survival.
The game blends tactical, grid-based combat with city-building mechanics, forcing players to balance economic growth, military training, and political maneuvering. Much like Gladiator’s Maximus seeking revenge against a corrupt emperor, the story of Bloodgrounds revolves around taking down a tyrannical ruler through arena victories.
Every battle is high-stakes—fallen gladiators don’t return, making every decision in combat and management meaningful. Audience approval plays a role as well, echoing the spectacle-driven nature of ancient Roman arenas. With its mix of deep strategy and narrative-driven progression, Bloodgrounds aims to capture the intensity and drama of gladiatorial combat in a way that fans of both Gladiator and turn-based games may appreciate. Here you can find the official website, but there is no news regarding a release date, which will probably be during 2025 on PC. Below is an overview via Steam, screens, and Gameplay Trailer.
About Bloodgrounds
Lead your team of Gladiators in turn-based arena battles, recruiting, training, and sometimes sacrificing them for glory. But remember, your Gladiators are mortal – If they fall in battle, they are lost forever… though their legacy will live on.
As a noble heir, you’ll manage your city by unlocking, constructing, and upgrading buildings that provide new services and mechanics to aid you on your bloody quest for vengeance.
You fought tooth and nail for survival, driven by a burning hatred and a thirst for justice. Now, as a wealthy patron and a gladiator trainer, you plot your revenge against the tyrannical Emperor who stole your freedom and murdered your father. But the path to redemption is fraught with peril, and you must navigate a treacherous world filled with deception and danger.
Recruit new allies and expand your gladiator team to climb the ranks of the brutal tournaments. Each victory brings you closer to the grand Capitol, where your ultimate target – the Emperor, lost in his madness – awaits on his throne.
Before each battle, assemble a team of gladiators from various classes: physical, ranged, or magical. Will you pay gold, duel them, or show mercy in the arena to recruit them?
Level them up, increase their stats, and learn new abilities to ensure they’re battle-ready. Don’t forget to address any negative statuses or traumas, and equip them with shiny new weapons, armor, and consumables.
Use powerful Deity abilities to aid your Gladiators in battle, or make a shady deal with a local crime lord to sabotage your enemies before the battle even begins.
Combat unfolds in turn-based battles on a grid, where units act in order of initiative. Strategically move your gladiators, attack, and position them to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponents.
Use your action points wisely – unleash powerful weapon or class abilities, make use of items like potions and magical scrolls, or set traps on the ground to catch enemies off guard.
Win the favor of the audience by fulfilling their bloodthirsty wishes and reap rewards after each battle. But beware – permadeath is on. If a gladiator falls, they and their equipment are lost forever, adding high stakes to every decision.
You’ve inherited an estate overlooking the desolate coastal city of Marevento, and the city’s future now rests in your hands.
Between battles, use your hard-earned gold to build and upgrade city buildings, unlocking new tools and services to aid you in your quest for vengeance. From the infirmary, where your gladiators can recover, to the bustling market for trading items, and even a grand monument to honor fallen gladiators.
Defeat each region’s Arena Champion to advance the age and access powerful new buildings and items.
Are you ready to rise to the challenge and carve your name into history?
