Lost Ark dev spills on new Slayer class design philosophy

Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMO with some impressive combat chops, and a big part of the game's allure is its wide array of classes.

As part of its Q2 roadmap, Lost Ark is adding fresh classes including the Slayer and the Aeromancer. We caught up with Roxanne Sabo, Product Community Manager on Lost Ark, to talk a little more about the game's Slayer class' origins, and the best way to play it.

Community Manager breaks down Slayer and Lost Ark playstyle tips

As part of a wider interview, we asked Sabo for some context on the development of Lost Ark's Slayer class.

"When classes are added to Lost Ark, the goal is to create something that feels unique while at the same time fitting in well with the current roster of classes and the content in the game," she explained.

"Amazon Games and Smilegate RPG want players to have options to suit every kind of playstyle whether they want to play a support role, a high-damage dealing character, or something totally unique that rewards players for learning the deep mechanics behind its skill set.

"Of course, player feedback on what they'd like to see paired with data on what content players are interacting within the game plays a part as well."

The Slayer is a female version of the Berserker class and wields an absolutely huge greatsword. Landing attacks fills a Fury Meter, and that allows for the Berserker mode. It's similar to the Berserker, but the Slayer is more mobile.

"Everything about Slayer encourages players to jump into the fray of battle as she gets stronger the more damage she does," Sabo explains.

"During Berserker Mode, the Slayer's damage and movement speed increase even further, and she can use a unique Specialty skill called Bloodlust, which annihilates her enemies with powerful slashes and stabs from her massive greatsword.

"With Slayer, players are encouraged to be aggressive and leap into battle whenever possible, as this class is built for dealing damage and gets even more deadly with each enemy she cuts down," Sabo says, suggesting the Slayer is ideal for clearing mobs and additional threats to charge up in hectic clashes before unleashing big damage on a boss.