Gladius

The Gladius is a pre-Hardmode shortsword dropped by Hoplites. It is currently the strongest shortsword in the game, surpassing the highest tier ore-based shortswords (Platinum Shortsword and Gold Shortsword). Unlike other shortswords, it attacks three times in quick succession per use, with slightly varying angles with each stab.

Tips

 * Its rapid speed at close range makes it a useful weapon in the early game and an upgrade to the Platinum Shortsword.

Trivia

 * The tooltip is a reference to the Oscar award-winning movie Gladiator (2000).