Dexter
While we’re all following the latest The Isle updates, testing new builds, and swapping stories about the fights we barely survived… I’ve been working on a small side project that scratches a similar itch: high stakes, hard choices, and the constant feeling that one mistake can cost you everything.
Ludus Magna is my new solo-project gladiator-management browser game (Beta).
Instead of growing a dinosaur and fighting for survival, you’re a Lanista — the owner of a gladiator school in ancient Rome. You recruit and train fighters, hire staff, manage daily upkeep, buy gear, and send your gladiators into the arena to chase glory.
The core loop
- Train gladiators and prepare them for combat
- Hire staff like Medicus, Doctore and Scouts, build up your school and improve the fighting skills of your gladiators
- Buy equipment (the market unlocks later as you progress)
- Fight in the arena and climb for Fame
- Aim to become a legend — or go bankrupt trying
Win / Lose conditions (so you know what you’re signing up for)
You win by…
- Surviving 100 days and earning as much Fame as possible, or
- Reaching 1500+ Fame to unlock the final battle against the Champion of Rome like this big fellow - he is the Apex Predator in the Arena:
You lose if…
- Bankruptcy: you can’t pay daily upkeep for 5 consecutive days
- All gladiators lost: if every gladiator dies, your ludus falls
I’d love your feedback (seriously)
This is a Beta, and I’m looking for the kind of honest feedback gamers give best. If you try it, please tell me:
- Did anything feel unclear (UI, tooltips, pacing)?
- Is the arena fight simulation understandable and “fair”?
- Too easy / too punishing?
- What feature feels missing thematically?
- Bugs, weird edge cases, balancing issues — everything welcome - post your feedback in the comments or - even better - write me an email to
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How to play
- Runs in a modern browser (desktop recommended)
- Sound is optional (music + fight sounds)
👉 Play Ludus Magna: https://ludus-magna.lovable.app/
📖 Beginner guide: https://ludus-magna.lovable.app/guide
Some screenshots:
