Lost Ark features many classic MMORPG classes, but also flaunts some new and unique classes for players to enjoy throughout their gaming journey. The Striker class is one of these special types, as this class has a set of some impressive and agile skills. But, it can be tricky to level the Striker up at lower levels.
Striker Class Overview
The Striker is an advanced class within the Martial Artist main class and is a fantastic choice for any player who loves epic combo moves and miraculously lethal stunts. This is a high mobility class, equipped with tons of hard-hitting attacks as well as some AoE skills that will be amazing for clearing out mobs at higher levels.
Stronger bosses and elite monsters are an easy target for the Striker class, as this class is primarily single target-focused. Create two setups for you to switch between as you level up, and try to create a build for Chaos Dungeons and Cube as well as a build for Raids after you hit level 50.
Striker Abilities
The Striker is an excellent class to use in PvE and PvP settings, as this class provides a good damage burst in the form of combos and a ton of high single target damage, topped with the ability to provide an attack speed buff to the entire party.
This class can knock players off their feet and even prevent them from using certain abilities, in addition to flaunting ridiculously high movement abilities. However, this class does lack super armor and can become quite fragile once caught.
Striker Identity Skill
The Striker’s Identity gauge uses Esoteric Orbs, and striking enemies will fill these orbs over time. Unlike other classes that unleash an empowered force or go into a temporary enhanced state once their gauge is filled, the Striker class can spend orbs to cast certain skills.
When viewing the Striker’s skills, you will see that casting some skills will cost a certain amount of Esoteric Orbs. These skills may be referred to as ‘spenders’ by Lost Ark players, and they are far more powerful than normal Striker skills.
Managing the mechanics of these Esoteric Orbs will take some practice and patience. But, over time, you’ll be able to discern how many orbs to spend at various moments and which skills to use in certain instances.
Striker Awakening Skill
It will take some time and solid Lost Ark grinding before you can unlock the Striker’s Awakening skills. You will first need to complete the Main Questline until you reach Vern city, after which you will meet Beatrice who will ask you to visit her in Trixion.
Below are the Striker Awakening skills and how you can choose which Awakening skill would be best for your preferred Striker build:
Nova Blast
Unleashes a series of lethal strikes that deal massive damage to enemies, but the entire attack will cancel if the initial strike is missed. This skill could have quite a hefty downfall, depending on the player’s skill, but it can be fantastic for endgame bosses.
True Heavenly Awakening
Kicks twice in an arc, launching foes into the air and inflicting massive damage. This skill is faster and typically safer, as it’s more likely to be successful without the chance of canceling out completely, making it the go-to option for most scenarios and players.
Striker Leveling Guide
When it comes to leveling up the Striker class in Lost Ark, the entire process can be comparatively slow compared to many other classes. This is since the Striker class lacks high damage AoE skills at lower levels, which can mean it will take longer to clear out mobs and standard enemy groups.
However, this doesn’t remain the case for too long, as the Striker will eventually unlock some great AoE abilities later down the line. There are quite a few ways to speed up the leveling process and help you get these abilities sooner for a faster leveling experience.
Gear & Combat Stats
Focus on equipping the highest item level gear possible throughout the leveling process. Also, focus on Swiftness for even more movement speed, as well as reduced casting time and faster skill cooldowns.
Prioritize the Crit and Specialization Combat Stats, as this will increase the Striker’s overall damage and clear speed. Since the Striker will take longer to clear out mobs at lower levels, these stats will be crucial for increasing the speed of the entire leveling process.
Best Class Engravings
Unlocking the Striker’s Class Engravings will take some time and gameplay, but they’ll be incredibly valuable in the endgame. Below are the Striker’s Class Engravings as well as their uses:
Esoteric Flurry
The damage of any Esoteric Skills will be increased, and the cost of all spender skills is reduced to one Esoteric Orb. This Awakening skill is more suited to players wanting a high DPS Striker build.
It will allow consistent damage and will enable players to spend far fewer Esoteric orbs on skills to maintain great DPS throughout the entire battle. This build is typically more suitable for newer players who want to take advantage of any opportune moments throughout each battle.
Death Blow
The maximum number of Esoteric Orbs is increased to 4. Using an Esoteric Skill will use up all of the available Esoteric Orbs, but it will deal bonus damage depending on the number of orbs used.
Death Blow can be a great choice for many scenarios, as it enables massive burst damage. However, the cost of using all available orbs is quite harsh, and this build is more skill-intensive as a result. It’s more recommended for advanced players who have already gotten the hang of the Striker’s combat mechanics and Esoteric Orb system.
Generic Engravings
Generic Engravings can be acquired from Engraving Books, or from items such as necklaces, rings, or earrings. The Striker’s most suitable generic Engravings will depend on your playstyle as all of them may have certain pros and cons.
Below are the most beneficial generic engravings for the Striker class:
- Master of Ambush: This engraving will increase the Striker’s back attack damage, which is handy for this class as he can deal great back attacks quite often.
- Spirit Absorption: This engraving increases attack and movement speed.
- Keen Blunt Weapon: This engraving will increase the Striker’s crit damage but also has a chance to reduce non-crit damage. Still, considering the higher amount of crit damage dealt to enemies, it will still net you with more damage overall.
- Grudge: Increases the damage output and the damage taken. This engraving can be a fantastic option throughout the endgame as it’s quite effective for the Striker when it’s maxed out. But, since it’s not really worth it at lower levels, use an alternative if you only have lv.1 or lv. 2 Grudge.
- Heavy Armor: Since the Striker class is not as resistant to damage compared to other classes, he could do with some extra protection.
Continue The Main Story
Continuing the Main Questline will be the best way to get levels as quickly as possible in Lost Ark. You will have to face a ton of enemies and mobs along the way, which will reward you with some great XP.
In addition to the XP gained from enemy encounters, players can expect to receive some bonus XP for each quest after it’s completed. Completing the Main Questline is also vital for unlocking the Striker’s most powerful skills, as well as gaining access to some awesome in-game activities.
Skill Point Allocation
Allocate Skill Points to gain Tripods for the Striker’s most effective skills, depending on where you’re at in the game. You’ll be able to switch out skills as needed based on the needs of the encounter or the needs of your team.
Below are the most notable Striker Skill Tripods, as well as how you should manage them as you level up:
- Level 12: Violent Tiger (4 points) for damage; Moon Flash Kick (4 points) for Identity gauge gain.
- Level 20-21: Moon Flash Kick (20 points) for a gap closer; Esoteric Skill: Tiger Emerges (20 points) for damage.
- Level 25: Moon Flash Kick (48 points) for damage.
- Level 30-31: Esoteric Skill: Tiger Emerges (48 points) for damage.
- Level 35: Lightning Whisper (20 points) for Identity gauge gain and some AoE.
- Level 38: Sweeping Kick (20 points) for single target burst and some Identity gauge gain.
- Level 44: Sweeping Kick (48 points) for damage.
- Level 48: Violent Tiger (48 points) for damage, lower cooldown and gauge generator.
Players choosing the Striker class can also use Skill Points for Phoenix Advent and Sleeping Ascent Celebration, as these can be quite useful in many scenarios. Just remember to swap these back to main skills when they are needed.
Striker Gameplay Tips
Although every player’s experience with the Striker will vary depending on build, setup, and preferred playstyle, there are a few fundamental aspects that any gamer can use throughout their Lost Ark journey.
Dungeon Boss Fights With Striker
The Striker does really well with bosses as is, as this class deals significant single target damage. However, swapping out the Tier 2 Tripod of Moon Flash Kick with Single Strike will be excellent for bursting bosses in dungeons.
Mobility With Striker
The Striker class already has some solid mobility and movement speed, which can greatly aid the leveling process. You can traverse areas that require you to be dismounted, such as dungeons, and encounters even faster with the following skills:
- Storm Dragon Awakening
- Phoenix Advent
- Moon Flash Kick
Defeating Mobs With Striker
As said, the Striker class will only gain access to high-damage AoE skills later down the line, and he may struggle to clear out mobs at lower levels. His Identity gauge should be filled up as quickly as possible in these cases, as the Striker’s Esoteric Skill: Tiger Emerges can burst down mob packs and enemy groups.
Using Lightning Whisper before casting damage skills can also help you out when taking on many enemies, as this will debuff enemies and result in a higher critical strike chance. The following skills can help you get enough Identity gauge to use this skill:
- Moon Flash Kick
- Violent Tiger
- Sweeping Kick
While using Violent Tiger and Lightning Whisper can be extremely beneficial during battle, it’s important to not get interrupted. This is especially important if you’re trying to use these skills to gain Identity gauge for Esoteric Skills.
The most challenging aspect of the Striker class is learning how to manage his Esoteric Orbs for Esoteric Skills system, as well as getting the hang of landing his agile back attacks. However, once you get these under wraps, the Striker class can certainly dominate the battlefield.
