Lost Ark has taken the PC-gaming world by storm since its Western release. It's been in the top tier of Steam's most-played list for months, with players totally immersed in the gameplay. Players can take on the adventure solo or join up with others in co-op mode to take on the most challenging raids. However, they'll have to create their character before they do anything.
One of the classes in Lost Ark is the Bard. The Bard is an advanced Mage class, and her main weapon is her harp, with her attacks generally ranged. She is most suited to a support role and kept to the rear of the party, out of the direct line of fire. There are a variety of skills available to the Bard. Here's a look at the best.
Heavenly Tune
The Heavenly Tune skill is an all-around great asset for any Bard to have and is available to the character once she reaches level 24. Players can inflict massive damage in a radius around their Bard while boosting all allies who fall within 24 meters of her. Allies will receive +3.5% attack speed and +12% MP for 8 seconds. This skill requires 123 MP and has a cooldown of 30 seconds.
The first tripod players will want to add to this skill is Quick Prep to reduce the cooldown time. The second tripod is Tough Tune which will provide the Bard with an attack speed boost of +8%, allowing for much faster attacks. The third tripod players need to add is Intense Tune. This tripod increases the total party's attack power.
Sound Shock
Sound Shock unlocks at level 10 and allows the Bard to wield her harp to send an orb flying to her enemies, where it will explode in their general direction. This seemingly small attack generates significant damage, depleting a massive chunk of enemy HP. It has a small MP cost of 61 and a low cooldown of 6 seconds.
The first beneficial tripod players will need to get is Maintained Explosion, which will leave debris behind that continues the damage inflicted by the blast. At this tripod's maximum level, damage output is increased by 60%. The second tripod is Sacred Shock, which imbues a 10% damage buff to all allies for enemies hit with Sound Shock, making it more effective in raids.
Wind Of Music
Unlocked at level 12, Wind of Music unleashes a wind that will damage the player's enemies and cause them to be knocked back. The skill's cooldown period is 18 seconds, which is average but could be better.
The first tripod players will want to get is Quick Prep to decrease that cooldown time. The second tripod is Melody Increase, which has a serious impact on the serenade meter. At its maximum level, it increases it by 225%. The third tripod recommended is Wind of Protection which, at its base, will provide a 25% damage absorption based on the Bard's max HP.
Soundholic
Soundholic is an effective skill to have because it can unleash damage ten times with one attack. It unleashes a brilliant light at enemies that it repeatedly flashes for three seconds, dealing damage each time. Players have the autonomy to change the direction the light is flashing. This skill is unlocked at level 18.
The first tripod to add to this skill is Sound Concentration, which increases the damage output. The second tripod is Sustain Enchantment, which, as the name implies, increases the duration of Soundholic's effects. The light will continue to flash for an additional 1.5 seconds and five additional times, increasing the damage dealt. The only downside to this is that the cooldown will slightly increase with leveling this tripod. Melody Increase is the third tripod that works to increase the gains made on the serenade meter. When fully maxed out, it will boost it by 300%.
Prelude Of Storm
Prelude of Storm unlocks for the Bard Class at level 20. This skill summons a storm that deals massive damage to the enemy party. In addition, the storm will also stun the enemies, allowing the primary DPS members of the party to swoop in and crush them.
While its cooldown is only 16 seconds, the first tripod this skill will benefit from is Quick Prep. The second tripod is Melody Increase, which will allow players to regain a part of their serenade meter by attacking their enemies. The third recommended tripod is Powerful Prelude, which summons an electrical field that continuously damages enemies.
Rhythm Buckshot
Unlocked at level 16, Rhythm Buckshot allows the Bard to play a note on her harp that will explode on her enemies. Despite being a simple attack, it deals massive damage and has a shorter cooldown period of only 16 seconds.
The first tripod for this skill is Melody Increase to boost the player's Serenade Meter gains. Tenacity is the second recommended tripod because it will allow the players to have greater immunity when attacked by their enemies. The third tripod is Agile Cast, which increases their casting speed by a flat 20% and their Crit Rate starting at 50% with level 1.
Lost Ark is available now on PC.