The Rundown: Lost Ark Hunter Edition

Welcome to The Rundown series, where I provide the key identity of each class that players may find fun or interesting. This one focuses on the Hunter classes in Lost Ark.

Yes, it is true that not all Lost Ark classes are created equal. Some are naturally more efficient and, if your goal as a player is to pick the highest performing, there are certain classes you should prioritize over others. With that being said, if you ask the question “what is the best class in Lost Ark?” the wisest answer is “whatever is the most fun.” Even with Smilegate streamlining the enhancement process, the optimization grind for items in Lost Ark is a grueling process. How nihilistic would it all feel when you have spent all that time strengthening the class, only to realize that you’re really not enjoying its mechanics?

With that being said, this article is not for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each class. Instead, I will focus on what I think the unique flair of the classes is while listing positive class-defining features. Due to their sheer number, I will divide them according to their big, five categories: Warrior, Martial Artist, Hunter, Mage, Assassin.

Here is my rundown of the three Lost Ark Hunter classes: Gunslinger, Deadeye, Artillerist, and Sharpshooter.

Gunslinger

Gunslinger does not have a designated Identity skill that can be activated like most other classes. Her identity skill commands instead allow her to switch between her three guns. Each gun has unique abilities that play around the gun’s range of attack. Pistols provide the most mobility out of the three, while the Shotgun and the Rifle provide the Gunslinger with close and mid-range options, respectively. Gunslinger is for anyone who wants a challenge in mastering one of the most complex classes in Lost Ark. Once you master her kit, you will be flying around the battlefield like Dante from the famous Devil May Cry series.

Deadeye

Deadeye is the thematic brother of Gunslinger. If Gunslinger has more emphasis on her Rifle stance, Deadeye’s emphasis is on his Shotgun stance. Deadeye can be a formidable menace that mows down enemies with his explosive slugs. He currently suffers from being underpowered compared to Gunslinger. However, players that prefer a closer, more aggressive playstyle should choose Deadeye anyway. After all, Smilegate is very good with buffing characters with low popularity. Again, don’t worry too much about the power balance in Lost Ark.

Artillerist

Artillerist is for players who dream of playing a military-themed character. He wields a rocket launcher, flamethrower, grenade launcher, and even a sentry turret that he can deploy once his Identity skill gauge is filled. Artillerist makes up for his low mobility with large AoE nukes and high defense. If you want to rain missiles onto mere brutes wielding swords and staffs, Artillerist is your best choice.

Sharpshooter

Sharpshooter is different from the other Lost Ark Hunters in that he wields a bow. His identity skill can be used to summon a hawk that additionally assists him with impressive attacks to easily mow down enemies. He can also cast Fenrir’s Spirit to shoot an arrow imbued with the spirit of the legendary wolf. Sharpshooter is also one of the two true long-range DPS characters that can always deal damage as long as they position properly. With constant buffs and the meta requiring long-range DPS characters in raids, Sharpshooter has been gaining popularity in Korea. If you love the marksman playstyle that you can often find in other MMORPGs, Sharpshooter is for you.