Lost Ark’s class design is outstanding, and it can’t wait to prove it

polygon.com:

Few things in an action RPG are as important as good class design, but giving players unique options to fit their own play style isn’t easy. And that’s exactly what makes the classes in Lost Ark special. The new(ish) MMOARPG from developers Tripod Studio and Smilegate RPG is not only full of great classes and fantastic combat, but it also shows those classes off better than most games. It gives players plenty of ways to create new characters without excessive grinding.

As a top-down ARPG similar to Diablo, Lost Ark features five classes, with a total of 15 Advanced Classes. Classes here are more like categories (Gunner, Berserker, Martial Artists, Sorcerer, and Assassin), while the advanced classes are ones with specific identities and abilities — Gunslinger, Bard, Sorceress, Gunlancer, Scrapper, Wardancer, Sharpshooter, etc.

Unlike other MMOs, there are no strict tanks or supports in Lost Ark. There are tankier characters (like the Gunlancer, who can grant himself a personal shield, but he lacks the dodge that other players have) and there are characters that can help allies (like the Bard and Paladin, who can grant bonus damage or shields to their teammates). But everyone in Lost Ark can still deal their fair share of damage.

Still, every subclass feels like it fills a specific niche. Gunslingers deal massive damage, but they’re vulnerable while attacking and offer almost no utility for their team. All four of the Martial Artist’s advanced classes are designed for damage, but also offer additional benefits like the ability to stagger bosses or more buffs for teammates.

Sadly, among the game’s most annoying quirks is that subclasses are limited by character gender. There can only be male Scrappers, but to play a