Only interested in playing the best? You'll want to check out the Lost Ark tier list for launch. If there's one pressing question on everyone's mind whenever a new MMORPG launches, it's this: "What is the best class?" It's a common question, but the answer is rarely that simple.
The Lost Ark tier list below aims to grade each of the 15 available classes based on their role, ease of use, damage output, and their knack for either PVE or PVP combat. This ARPG fixes the glaring issues Diablo III arrived with more than a decade ago, and although games like Path of Exile have stepped in to make improvements, Lost Ark is constantly being put to the test by gamers known for their love of the grind.
Looking for more on Lost Ark? If you're looking for early access (or just some bonus content), we've graded each of the many Lost Ark Founder's Packs available for purchase. While it downloads, look at the Lost Ark classes list for a quick primer on their pros and cons.
Lost Ark PVE tier list - What's the best leveling class? (December 2022)
| Tier | Class |
|---|---|
| S | Gunlancer, Paladin, Bard, Gunslinger |
| A | Destroyer, Berserker, Artillerist, Sorceress, Wardancer, Arcanist |
| B | Shadow Hunter, Striker, Sharpshooter, Reaper |
| C | Scrapper, Death Blade, Machinist |
| D | Deadeye, Soulfist |
The preliminary Lost Ark tier list above favours survivability, sustainable DPS, and support first and foremost - rather than going hard on which of the Lost Ark classes available at launch put out the most damage. Between solo leveling, group endgame content, and PVP, there are a lot of variables regarding what makes one class good, great, or a little lacklustre.
Given it only takes around 14 hours to hit a point where group PVE content becomes the main activity, it's important to consider which classes are bound to be the most sought-after - which would generally be any support or heavy defence that can augment a damage-dealer's ability to perform well and stay alive.
- Get more tips: Lost Ark gear guide
Hybrid classes like the Gunlancer, Paladin, and Bard are some of the best Lost Ark classes for launch. For the technical player who seeks out perfection, the Gunslinger is a powerhouse that rewards dangerous play so long as you don't fall flat on your face.
In terms of raw damage, however, the Shadow Hunter strikes a good balance between solo and group play damage and survivability. If you're set on using guns in your high-fantasy ARPG, the Sharpshooter is a great high-damage option that's a fine choice for those who want a more technical class.
click to enlargeLost Ark PVP tier list - What's the best arena class? (December 2022)
| Tier | Class |
|---|---|
| S | Paladin, Death Blade, Bard, Summoner |
| A | Berserker, Deadeye, Gunslinger, Sorceress, Gunlance, Machinist |
| B | Destroyer, Sharpshooter, Artillerist, Soulfist, Reaper |
| C | Scrapper, Striker, Arcanist |
Similar to the Lost Ark tier list focusing on PVE content, the best class for PVP in Lost Ark has to be the Paladin. They're typically in short supply, can prop a team up exceptionally well, and can easily hold their own in 1v1 matches as well.
Though its damage is far from the highest, the Paladin's ability to spend its gauge on either buffing itself or its party depending on the situation makes it viable in both 3v3 brawls and 1v1 duels. Its helpful heals and naturally high defences make it a formidable force that any team will be happy to have tag along regardless of the content type.
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Other supports (like the Bard) are great for subduing the enemy team, but they tend to lack the durability needed to keep them from getting assassinated too early in less well-organised groups. That being said, they're so great at supporting the team that anyone who puts a lot of time into learning how to survive will absolutely climb the ranked ladder with ease.
When it comes to attackers, the best class for PVP in Lost Ark tends to be any that can reliably dodge while hitting hard, fast, and frequently with critical hits. For that, the Death Blade is a natural s-tier PVP DPS pick in the current Lost Ark PVP tier list for global.
click to enlargeWhat's the best DPS class in Lost Ark?
"What's the best DPS in X" is the kind of question that just undermines all the hard work a team of developers might put into their game, but it's easy to see why it's always such a popular one.
If you're only interested in putting out the highest number and letting everyone know they're not hurting the big bad as much as you, you'll want to go with the Death Blade or Striker.
- Master your game: Lost Ark bard build
The Death Blade is your typical assassin class. They require constant repositioning to climb the DPS charts, whereas the Striker is a complicated class that generously rewards those willing to put in the time to learn its optimal rotation.
If you're set on rolling the best DPS in Lost Ark, then Death Blade and Striker are the ones to go for.
When is the Lost Ark Artist release date?
Revealed in the 2023 roadmap in December, Smilegate and Amazon Games announced that the Artist class would be the first to arrive in the new year. It's currently set for April 2022.
When is the Lost Ark Summoner release date?
For those looking for another magic ranged-based class, you'll be glad to know that the end-of-year Lost Ark roadmap revealed in October that the Lost Ark Summoner release date would fall somewhere in December - just a month after the Reaper class arrives.
Wondering how Lost Ark leveling works? Click that link to speed things up. And for the collectors and skin-savvy players out there, check out our guides on Lost Ark skins, Lost Ark cards, and then complete your look with the Lost Ark mounts on offer.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Lost Ark , Guides , and MMOs pages.