Best Lost Ark Classes for PvE and PvP: Starter and progression
Come learn what the best Lost Ark classes are, whether that is for your own preference, endgame progression or climbing PvP.
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Lost Ark is out in the west, and now players have got the opportunity to test out 15 different classes at launch, with even more classes still to come. While some players are still trying to figure out what they want to main, others are well on their way to upgrading their characters and trying to progress, or climb the PvP ladder. No matter which slot you belong to, we have curated a list of the best Lost Ark classes for PvE and PvP.
While we already have a tier list ranking the best of the classes, this best Lost Ark Classes article is going to look at things from a different perspective. This best Lost Ark classes guide takes into account the highlights of the list, along with explaining the different roles in the game. That way, you can work out the best Lost Ark class for you, along with the best Lost Ark classes for progression and PvP.
What is the Best Lost Ark class for you?
To start, we need to look at what you want to play. If you have an idea already, you can skip ahead.
The first thing we need to look at is how reliable do you want to deal damage and how much of it. There are a lot of strong DPS classes in the game, all of which can get your MVP status if you play your class right. The most obvious examples of these are the Sorceress, Gunslinger, and Berserker, as these three classes seem by far the best classes in Lost Ark for that purpose. However, that isn’t to say any of the Assassin classes or the Martial Artists classes are not capable. They may require slightly more investment or better skill to do so.
The other question you need to ask yourself is if you’re okay with difficulty. Some classes like the Deadeye are really good but is easily the hardest class to play. The Gunslinger is also fairly difficult to master too. However, they both have high payoffs. Perhaps you want something more simple, then a Sharpshooter and an Artillerist are fairly straightforward. They typically don’t do crazy numbers, but their easy to play nature and safety make them very popular.
Perhaps you like more support or niche playstyles. The Wardancer, Gunlancer, Bard, Scrapper, and the Paladin offer interesting playstyles. The Wardancer is like the Striker, except is more bursty and has a lot better CC tools along with better defence. Meanwhile, the Gunlancer is a DPS-themed tank class equipped with ally shielding, a taunt, and a meaty shield. Perhaps the Scrapper is more your thing has you fill a niche no one else has in the game. Meanwhile, the Paladin and Bard offer a wide array of DPS buffs to the party, along with healing and other buffs and debuffs.
The Best Lost Ark Classes for PvE progression
Like all MMOs, most of the player base loves PvE content. There is certainly a lot of PvE end game content, and some of it is really challenging too. The examples of Legion Raids require eight players at peak performance, while content like Abyssal dungeons can prove challenging too. In order to beat this content, especially Guardian and Legion Raids, you’re going to want a class that takes you to the skies. This is essentially a look at the most attractive classes based on damage. Therefore, the Gunslinger, Sorc, and Berserker are popular choices. However, every class in Lost Ark has their own party buffs and enemy debuffs. So, taking a mixture of the classes is a good thing rather than class stacking.
However, the most desirable classes in your party are by far the Gunlancer, Wardancer, Scrapper, or Artillerist, Paladin, and Bard. These classes offer a range of progression based mechanics, like healing or shielding, damage reduction buffs, reduce enemy armor defence and stagger opportunities. You want these in your party, as their progression tools make them some of the best Lost Ark classes for PvE.
It’s nuance like this that makes every class in Lost Ark feel balanced. Therefore, consider your options, and you can make a healthy raid and party really easily. It is also worth mentioning that some classes only really feel like the best Lost Ark classes for PvE when they get their engravings and awakenings set up and ready to go, but that is another story.
The best Lost Classes for PvP
PvP is a little different. The aim of PvP is to climb the ladder and win games. While every class has the option to win games in the own stylistic and creative ways, some are better than others. It is generally agreed upon that Bards and Paladins can make all the difference in higher elos, but lower elo players may struggle to feel they have an impact on these classes.
On the other hand, the classes with the most movement skills and super armors are generally really strong as they become difficult to lockdown. These are typically the Deathblade and the Shadowhunter, but classes like the Striker and Wardancer also fit into those categories.
You also want a great initiator. Paladins, Gunlancer, Wardancers and Scrappers fit that territory pretty well. These classes help set up really strong burst classes like the Artillerist, Berserker, Sorceress and the Soulfist amazingly and make a solid threes comp, the game’s competitive mode. Meanwhile, some classes like the Sharpshooter fit an annoying niche, but, they tend to struggle the higher elo you climb.
We hope this theory has helped you understand that the game is fairly balanced, and each class has a role to play in every aspect of the game. All in all, there are quite a few factors that help to define what the best classes in Lost Ark are. The truth of the matter is, play whichever class stands out the most to you and get good at it. This will help you feel enthusiastic about the game and encourage you to become the best in that class if that content interests you.
If you enjoyed this content, why not check out our Lost Ark Hub, brimming with guides and content for you to explore? You can also read more specific guides on the classes we have made builds for below:
