While skimming through the fascinating Lost Ark displays, gamers quickly assume its endgame dungeons to be challenging. Though we don’t doubt that either, there’s another Lost Ark’s even harder sector — it is figuring out the correct subclass to play. Our PvP & PvE Lost Ark classes Tier List will make it more digestible!
- Lost Ark has five primary classes, each with its subclasses and unique abilities.
- Choosing the right subclass can be challenging, so a tier list ranks them based on team synergy, combat potency, levelling flexibility, and engravings.
- The tier list has four standards: S, A, B, and C tiers, with S being the highest and C being the lowest.
- It considers the game’s PvP and PvE meta.
- In PvP, S-tier subclasses include Gunslinger, Deadeye, Paladin, Deathblade, and Bard.
- In PvE, S-tier subclasses include Berserker, Gunlancer, Bard, Summoner, and Destroyer.
- The tier list is a guide, and players should choose a subclass that suits their playstyle.
Lost Ark Tier List At A Glance
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Lost Ark Tier List Subclasses Ranking Table |
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PvP Meta |
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| Class | S-Tier | A-Tier | B-Tier | C-Tier | |
| Gunner | Deadeye and Gunslinger | – | Sharpshooter, Artillerist, and Machinist | – | |
| Warrior | Paladin | Berserker, Gunlancer, and Destroyer | – | – | |
| Assassin | Deathblade | Shadowhunter | Reaper | – | |
| Mage | Bard | Sorceress and Summoner | Arcanist | – | |
| Martial Artist | – | Glaivier | Striker and Wardancer | Scrapper and Soulfist | |
| Specialist | Artist/Painter | Aeromancer | – | – | |
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PvE Meta |
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| Class | S-Tier | A-Tier | B-Tier | C-Tier | |
| Gunner | – | Gunslinger and Artillerist | Sharpshooter, Deadeye, and Machinist | – | |
| Warrior | Gunlancer, Destroyer, and Berserker | Paladin | – | – | |
| Assassin | – | Reaper | Deathblade and Shadowhunter | – | |
| Mage | Bard and Summoner | Sorceress and Arcanist | – | – | |
| Martial Artist | – | Wardancer, Glaivier, and Striker | – | Soulfist and Scrapper | |
| Specialist | Artist/Painter | – | Aeromancer | – | |
As said before, every class and subclass at a player’s disposal in Lost Ark is worthy. Meaning you may choose to go with any class and still end up in the endgame pretty easily. However, you need to keep in mind a few concerns at a meta-level before diving into the arena. That’s where our ranking of subclasses comes into play.
Below is a list of the top subclasses for both the PvP and PvE meta of the game. This is just a quick reference and is further detailed in the PvP and PvE sections below. While curating the entire guide and placing each subclass at a suitable position, we have kept in mind their:
- synergizing style with teams
- combatting potency
- flexibility in levelling up
- engravings
Without further ado, here is a quick Lost Ark classes Tier list overview:
Best Classes For Lost Ark PvP Meta
- S Tier: Gunslinger, Deadeye, Paladin, Deathblade, Bard, Artist/Painter
- A Tier: Shadowhunter, Gunlancer, Glaivier, Destroyer, Sorceress, Berserker, Summoner, Aeromancer
- B Tier: Wardancer, Artillerist, Sharpshooter, Striker, Machinist, Arcanist, Reaper
- C Tier: Soulfist, Scrapper
Best Classes For Lost Ark PvE Meta
- S Tier: Berserker, Gunlancer, Bard, Destroyer, Summoner, Artist/Painter
- A Tier: Wardancer, Artillerist, Paladin, Arcanist, Glaivier, Gunslinger, Sorceress, Striker, Reaper
- B Tier: Deadeye, Shadowhunter, Deathblade, Sharpshooter, Machinist, Aeromancer
- C Tier: Scrapper, Soulfist
Stats for all the classes mentioned in this tier list:
| PvE Meta Class | Tier | Base Class | Weapons | Awakning Skills | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunlancer | S | Warrior | Gunlances | Guardian's Protection, Lance of Judgment | Defensive Stance, Battlefield Shield, Bash, Shield Bash, Leap Attack |
| Destroyer | S | Warrior | Battle Hammer | Big Bang, Terra Break | Dreadnaught, Gravity Impact, Heavy Crush, Power Strike, Jumping Smash |
| Berserker | S | Warrior | Greatsword | Berserker Fury, Chain of Vengeance | Assault Blade, Crime Hazard, Doubl Slash, Finish Strike, Shoulder Charge |
| Bard | S | Mage | Dual Blades | Flash Blink, Blade Assault | Surprise Attack, Wind Cut, Upper Slash, Blade Dance, Spincutter, Polestar |
| Summoner | S | Mage | Harps | Symphonia, Oratorio | Serenade of Courage, Serenade of Salvation, Sound Shock, Sound Wave |
| Artist/ Painter | S | Specialist | Brush | Masterwork: Spectacle and Masterwork: Efflorescence | Ink Shower, Hopper, Inkrise, Drawing Orchids, Butterfly Dream, Sunsketch, Upward Stroke, Sun Well, Crane Wing, Door of Illusion, and InkWell. |
| Aeromancer | A | Specialist | Umbrella | Storm's Approach and Narr's Blade | Strong Wind, Rainstorm, Whirlpool, Piercing Wind, Face to Face, Fly, Wiping Wind, and Spring Breeze |
| Gunslinger | A | Gunner | Guns | Eye of Twilight, High Caliber HE Bullet | AT02 Grenade, Meteor Stream, Hour of Judgement, Shotgun Rapid Fire |
| Artillerist | A | Gunner | Launchers | Missile Barrage, Heavy Turret | Firepower Meter, Barrage Meter, Enhanced Shell, Buckshot, Howitzer |
| Paladin | A | Warrior | One Handed Weapon | Alithane's Judgement, Alithane's Light | Sacred Executioner, Holy Aura, Light Shock, Sword of Justice |
| Reaper | A | Assassin | Dagger | Lunar Eclipse: Cadenza | Nightmare, Shadow Vortex, Spirit Catch, Piercing Blade, Phantom Dancer |
| Sorceress | A | Mage | Staves | Enviska's Might, Apocalypse Call | Arcane Rupture, Energy Discharge, Squall, Revers Gravity, Blaze, Inferno |
| Arcanist | A | Mage | Magick Deck | Deathbound, Prismatic Mirror | Corrosion, Joy, Mayhem, Twisted Fate, Cull, Clown, Star, Call of Destiny |
| Wardancer | A | Martial Artist | Light Gauntlets | Ultimate Skill: Fist of Dominance | Flash Heat Fang, Lightning Kick, Triple Fist, Phoenix Advent, Sweeping Kick |
| Glaivier | A | Martial Artist | Glaive and Spear | Yeon-Style Spear Tchnique: Spear Meteor | Chain Slash, Double Strike, Soul Cutter, Thorn Jab, Half Moon Slash |
| Striker | A | Martial Artist | Light Gauntlets | Ultimate Skill: Explosive Heat Awakening | Lightning Kick, Triple Fist, Moon Flash kick, Esotric Skill: Call of the Wind God |
| Sharpshooter | B | Gunner | Bows | Fnrir's Messenger, Golden Eye | Rapid Shot, Atomic Arrow, Arrow Wave, Arrow Shower, Blade Storm, Salvo |
| Deadeye | B | Gunner | Guns | Clay Bombardment, Bursting Flare | AT02 Grenade, Enforce Execution, Sign of Apocalypse, Hour of Judgement |
| Machinist | B | Gunner | Submachine Gun | Air Strike, Command: Final Explosion | Bullet Hail, Mobile Shot, Overcharged Battery, Strategic Fire, Backflip Strike |
| Deathblade | B | Assassin | Dual Blades | Flash Blink, Blade Assault | Surprise Attack, Wind Cut, Upper Slash, Blade Dance, Spincutter, Polestar |
| Shadowhunter | B | Assassin | Shadowblades | Gate of Eruption, Fallen Ruin | Demonic Slash, Nimble Cut, Slasher, Spinning Dive, Cruel Cutter, Howl |
| Soulfist | C | Martial Artist | Foci | World Decimation, Annihilating Ray | Venomous Fist, Energy Bullet, Magnetic Palm, Energy Blast, Energy Release |
| Scrapper | C | Martial Artist | Heavy Gauntlets | Mystrious Art: Blast of Ruination | Judgement, Death Rattle, Critical Blow, Shredding Strike, Charging Blow |
Lost Ark PvP Classes Tier List
The action-packed PvP arena of Lost Ark opens for players after hitting Level 50, concluding the entire initial story behind it. In the overview discussed before, you might have noticed how similar but also different the PvE and PvP rankings look. That’s because classes that are robust enough to ace the PvE setup don’t necessarily prove viable in the other.
In fact, pro-PvE classes might often become potential hindrances in the PvP meta! Having said that, included below is a definitive tier list of the best subclasses you can play in LOST ARK PvP settings.
S-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Gunslinger | Gunner | We already know Gunslinger’s famous property – she is a moving weapon arsenal capable of rendering long-ranged attacks no matter how far away her foe is.
Also, she is extraordinarily swift in moving, enabling your team to wipe off hard-to-catch enemies in just a few seconds. |
| Deadeye | Gunner | You will most often see Deadeye struggling in the PvE Arena (which is exactly why we have ranked him in Tier-B of our PvE tier list). Still, in the PvP meta, his exceptional performance as support has turned the tables around.
He is a sufficiently potent character who performs better crowd control than any other. If you want to have a decent mid-to-long-ranged character in your PvP team, Deadeye is for you. |
| Paladin | Warrior | The Paladin is the most balanced subclass of the PvP setup of Lost Ark who can easily inflict substantial damage while also performing very well in the support role.
Paladin is also a pretty tanky go-to for Lost Ark PvP if you’re interested in dealing damage while also having excellent healing capabilities onboard and the power to support allies with increased buffs. |
| Deathblade | Assassin | This best ARK PvP character is as expeditious as Gunslinger but with a difference of few weapons. Deathblade’s high movement actions will keep your opponent’s team nice and off-balance.
One drawback to Deathblade’s play, though, is its low base attack damage in the PvP arena. Anyway, the subclass makes up for the gap using its unmatched ability to strike repeatedly and rapidly, so no foe remains unbeaten. |
| Bard | Mage | Bard makes a great pick for players looking for an extra-efficient all-rounder who could take good care of the team with its healing buffs while also featuring quality offensive skills.
You will find him to be a must-have for 3v3 encounters as he dishes some mind-blowing damage and also coordinates well with allies. |
| Artist/Painter | Specialist | Employing a brush, the Artist, a.k.a Painter subclass, charges on enemies themselves as well as via the beasts it summons via painting. The damage isn’t too severe, but an Artist’s support potential is commendable. |
A-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Shadowhunter | Assassin | Shadowhunter shapeshifts into mighty demonic forms to unleash its full powers to reciprocate the PvP monster attacks in their style. To inflict damage to anyone who comes in its way, the subclass shoots a ray of death.
However, you need to bear Shadowhunter’s long charging spans in order to ensure more damage. |
| Gunlancer | Warrior | Though not as powerful as the Gunlancer you may experience in the PvE, he has got colossal attack and defense stats to take his spot on the A tier for PvP.
Gunlancer has a decent DPS strength but is a little too slow in summoning and executing shields. |
| Sorceress | Mage | Solid DPS character yet a squishy option thanks to the sprawling list of spells always at the ready.
Though it will take a while to learn how to maneuver Sorceress (the reason it’s not placed in the S-Tier), everything will seem nice and controlled once you achieve it. |
| Berserker | Warrior | Are you planning to launch a melee-focused brute force on the opposition? Berserker is a made-for-you Lost Ark Character, then! With him, you can easily face enemies in the PvP setup investing as little effort. |
| Glaivier | Martial Artist | In PvP, Glaivier turns into an aggressive melee-oriented class for any player who longs to have high mobility, damage, and push immunity. Glaivier has got agile combos coupled with massive AoE potential and, of course, the ability to close the distance. |
| Destroyer | Warrior | The Destroyer class isn’t elementary to master but know that an extra input of effort will only bring you a reward in the form of maximum damage if nothing else. |
| Summoner | Mage | You can expect something similar from Summoners as you’d do from any Mage class but add a more incredible punch of fun. The mythical creatures players can summon for wreaking havoc against the enemies provide the superb opportunity of rendering damage and greater control of Lost Ark than the rest. |
| Aeromancer | Specialist | Continuing the tradition of being a specialist, Aeromancer also makes use of the ancient Yoz race powers and elemental abilities to put up a great show of melee damage. The class cancels the fastest and provides the longest AFK alongside. |
B-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Wardancer | Martial Artist | He is a competitive opposition for your foes that, with its passive damage skills, will retain enemies from further advancement so they can be finally blown by some other high-damage subclass like the Paladin or Bard. |
| Artillerist | Gunner | Though many players will be excited to see Artillerists with their gigantic machine guns and probably expect massive damage too, the picture is quite different.
Artillerist lacks agility like Wardancer (a shortcoming associated with almost all Tier-B dwellers) and render attacks that are either too slow or low damage. |
| Sharpshooter | Gunner | Sharpshooter equips a unique bow and arrow weapon to cast long-ranged attacks and easily take a couple of characters of the opposing team down; however, availing this fascinating potency isn’t as easy as you might think.
Sharpshooter demands too much time investment to master that it’s much better to employ some other short-ranged hero instead. |
| Striker | Martial Artist | The Striker is very much like the Wardancer, following the same passive nature and dependence on support to prove more viable than it is actually on its own.
However, he has some worth witnessing aerial attacks that can prove troublesome for the opponent party. That’s pretty much all a Striker has got to manifest once an enemy gets in close. |
| Machinist | Gunner | The Machinist (Scouter) is not a regular gunner class equipped with a submachine gun. Instead, it utilizes robust damage-dealing drones as well as the ability to employ lasers by turning into an Iron Man. |
| Arcanist | Mage | This class is for the players who possess a little extra tolerance than most. Arcanist looks weak and difficult to maneuver at first but will prove highly fruitful if you input effort. The deeper you go into the game with an Arcanist class, the more rewarding it’s fast-paced mechanics start to feel. |
| Reaper | Assassin | Reaper isn’t as deserving of your attention in PvP as in PvE hence the low rank. The class boards about average durability, just enough ranged options, lacking damage output, and lacking progress given the similar learning curve as required in PvE (there it is rewarded at least). |
C-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Soulfist | Martial Artist | Despite a powerful burst attack, Soulfist languishes down on the C Tier for Lost Ark’s PvP arena due to its exceedingly slow cooldown and long charge.
Meaning its versatility is more like a curse than it could be a blessing as players are restricted to avail either option until the entire subclass is fully charged. |
| Scrapper | Martial Artist | The monk-type Scrapper is the slowest of all the Lost Ark sub-classes. This is due to the same drawback that almost every Martial artist suffers from the dead slow cooldown and charging. |
Lost Ark PvE Tier List
Now that you have been through the Lost Ark classes tier list for PvP settings, here’s a similar treatment for the PvE settings:
S-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Berserker | Warrior | Berserkers are a solid choice for beginners who want to enjoy a quick leveling up of their characters. Thanks to their two-in-one melee+DPS nature, Berserkers are also ideal for players who love dishing out solid damage while still being at a safe distance. |
| Gunlancer | Warrior | They are the best in tanking massive wrecking on the foe’s side while also helping allies heal. Most importantly, Gunlancers, with their high defense and HP stats, can block the same amounts of damage for their teams as they are specialized in giving off. |
| Bard | Mage | We placed Bard in the top tier for the PvP meta as well here as we think he is the best healer in Lost Ark who can deliver allies the best protection and cures in the game while also supporting them with some classic defensive skills.
Because Bards lack robustness in active role combat, don’t rely on them if you’re looking forward to a solo in Arkesia. |
| Destroyer | Warrior | As the name suggests, the Destroyer class is known for a great deal of damage it can do. Destruction (weak point) and a lot of stagger are also the class’s highlights, which are particularly beneficial for Legion Raids. Furthermore, layers also get good defenses via Endure Pain. |
| Summoner | Mage | As the name suggests, the Summoner class proficiently controls enemies with its vast range of summons. Thanks to their attacking spells, Summoners deal acceptable damage, ultimately proving themselves consistent DPS renderers during PvE raids. |
| Artist/Painter | Specialist | Like PvP, Artist employers will also love the speedy progress benefit of the class. Similarly, the onboard single-target healing effect and how Artists help the entire team damage enemies as if they are some mighty DPS is worth appreciating. |
A-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Wardancer | Wardancer’s buffs are awesome, bolstering a solid crit chance and attack speed for her allies. However, there’s very little that this subclass can actively boast in close battles that any other class can not match. In short, there’s nothing unique that Wardancer can show in the PvE meta. | |
| Artillerist | Gunner | The Artillerist is an all-rounder for composing a PvE roster. Though not exceptionally potent in any area, the Artillerist is more of a jack-of-all-trades who can do pretty darn well as a tank and shield support. You can use it in both conditions– support and DPS as needed. |
| Paladin | Warrior | Paladins are great alternatives to the S-Tier dweller Bards, though with a slight lack of healing powers which is also why they are ranked a Tier down.
Paladin warrior nature integrates higher defense and attack stats, proving them viable as active roles in close combat. |
| Gunslinger | Gunner | In search of a decent DPS class to accompany you through Lost Ark’s PvE setup? Gunslinger is for you. The subclass is a sturdy choice if you are playing solo, thanks to its 10% increased crit buff and swift movement speed. |
| Sorceress | Mage | Sorceress dishes massive DPS attacks with decent damage buff (6%) and a superb high burst radius using its mystical charms. The subclass is very mobile and a straightforward choice for those who know how to play Western RPGs. |
| Arcanist | Mage | Arcanist is very difficult to master but yet highly recommended for PvE. It features a fast-paced overall style and an extensive range of skill rotation hence suiting only the quick thinkers or players who can spontaneously act and decide. |
| Striker | Martial Artist | If you want to witness incredible damage through aerial attacks while playing Lost Ark’s PvE meta and also remain mobile, Striker may be the best subclass for you. So swift are this sub’s moves that it can literally impact enemies from almost any angle using Elemental Gauntlets. |
| Glaivier | Martial Artist | Glaivier is for you if you need a class that rewards the investment of mechanical efforts and also honors the player’s creativity.
The class comes with a lot of style and flexibility in how users want to play it. In PvE Lost Ark meta, the Glaivier class tends to stay in one stable stance before shifting to the other in order to max up the meter. |
| Reaper | Assassin | With a very high emphasis on teleports, stealth, and poison, Reaper is just like any Assassin class. Reaper is either built for inflicting an overall sustained damage effect or burst effect on the opponent side. Since the overall DPS output is the same, the final performance boils down to your preferred playing style. |
B-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Deadeye | Gunner | To be honest, Deadeye is a carbon copy of Gunslinger but without some cool stuff. Meaning he doesn’t equip a dozen different weapons as Gunslinger does; instead, Deadeye owns just three shotguns.
The biggest drawback, though, is Deadeye’s complicated learning curve making it one of the fiddlest classes to get to grips with. But once mastered can prove to be an excellent team investment like Gunslinger. |
| Shadowhunter | Assassin | A Shadowhunter’s best feature is their 12% additional damage buff, something that’s typically found in tier-S subclasses like the Berserker and Bard.
This subclass can also shapeshift from a regular character into a demon form to boast extra speed and HP, but the defense and attack stats will remain the same. |
| Deathblade | Assassin | An incredible subclass choice for fresh Lost Ark players. It has cool sword attack moves that are both versatile and potent enough to render a great deal of damage. |
| Sharpshooter | Gunner | The Sharpshooter is an archer of Lost Ark who manifests a strong stagger ability serious damage output, and adds a 6% damage influx to the allied party. But these stats are only valid when the foe is at a distance. |
| Machinist | Gunner | Also called Scouter in Lost Ark, the Machinist goes out of the box and employs a drone and Gunner’s class special–submachine. The unique weapon combo helps Machinist render massive damage. It can also turn into an Iron Man to wield lasers instead. |
| Aeromancer | Specialist | The specialist class Aeromancer uses its Umbrella to generate mystical illusion powers and summon the weather. The devastating effects of Wind, Storms, and Hail then do the job of defeating all targets, manifesting a spectacular fight show. |
C-Tier
| Subclass | Class | Short Description |
| Scrapper | Martial Artist | The Scrapper is a worthy subclass only because of the damage it renders with its unique Chi gauge (dual glove) equipment onboard. The subclass boasts a robust defense, coupled with moderate damage rated along 6% additional buff. |
| Soulfist | Martial Artist | The poor lad Soulfist sadly retains its drawbacks to this meta too. The subclass is too overly good to be versatile that it ends up seriously lacking in either one role. |
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Best Subclasses In Lost Ark For Arena & Overall Gameplay
If you’re looking for the best class for all game modes, including arena, then the following classes in Lost Ark are the best in our tier list.
Gunslinger
| PvP Rank | S-Tier | PvE Rank | A-Tier |
| Core Abilities | Bullet Rain, Peacekeeper, Dexterous Shot, Equilibrium, Spiral Tracker, Quick Step, Eye of Twilight, and High-Caliber HE Bullet | ||
One of the best female shooters in our tier list belongs to the Gunslinger class and undoubtedly is the femme fatale of Lost Ark.
Paladin
| PvP Rank | S-Tier | PvE Rank | A-Tier |
| Core Abilities | Heavenly Blessings, Holy Protection, Godsent Law, Holy Sword, Execution of Justice, Executor’s Sword, Alithanes’s Light, and Alithanes’s Judgment | ||
Belonging to the Warrior class of Lost Ark, Paladin is one of the best PvE and PvP classes in Lost Ark. Moreover, Paladin is a very balanced class and can act as good support in your team.
Shadowhunter
| PvP Rank | A-Tier | PvE Rank | B-Tier |
| Core Abilities | Howl, Demonic Clone, Demolition, Thrust Impact, Cruel Cutter, Gate of Eruption, Fallen Ruin, and Decimate | ||
It is fair to say that this class has made its mark in all the modes of Lost Ark, and is definitely the best arena class in our tier list. The demonic forms of Shadowhunter make it capable of attacking the monsters in PvE. Attacks of Shadowhunter are deadlier as compared to other classes like Deadeye in our tier list and can help you win the PvP matches of Lost Ark.
Sorceress
| PvP Rank | A-Tier | PvE Rank | A-Tier |
| Core Abilities | Seraphic Hail, Punishing Strike, Doomsday, Inferno, Blaze, Enviska’s Might, and Apocalypse Call | ||
Undoubtedly the best Mage class in our tier list, Sorceress is known for being one of the most powerful Supports in Lost Ark.
Community Poll
Lost Ark Tier List Criteria
We rank classes and subclasses separately for PvP and PvE performance. Our criteria prioritize unbiased evaluation, recognizing classes’ impact in both metals. Lost Ark is divided into two distinct metas, where success in one doesn’t guarantee the same in the other.
Our dedicated team, passionate about gaming, extensively tests and plays esports titles. For Lost Ark, we meticulously assess classes, collaborating with experts and dedicated players to compile an up-to-date Tier List.
Why Trust Us?
We’ve engaged with Lost Ark’s competitive metas since its launch, closely monitoring game adjustments. Our experience informs our tier list, ranking subclasses based on current gameplay tactics. We value your opinions and encourage discussion in the comments.
That is all by our side for you to know the best Lost Ark Classes for PvP & and PvE. Though it’s entirely your choice for whom to add to your team that’s contesting in the PvP field or whom to try at PvE, we still recommend sticking with both the S and A tiers as they will do better in your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re leveling up, go for classes that feature sustainability and survivability. Hybrid classes like Paladin, Bard, and Gunlancer are good options if you want to level up fast in Lost Ark. You can also choose Shadow Hunter class as it’s perfect for your group as well as solo endeavors.
When it comes to the difficult battles in the arena, the class you should go for in Lost Ark is Paladin. You won’t see them being used much, but they can balance their team very well in arena battles. They can also do great in 1v1 matches.
Powerful classes like the Striker or Deathblade are the best DPS units in Lost Ark. Deathblade being an assassin class, they can do very well in the DPS role as well. The same goes for the Striker class. Their consistent hits make them the best DPS unit in Lost Ark
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