Lost Ark is Smilegate RPG's free-to-play action ARPG/MMO hybrid with isometric combat, a massive roster of classes, and endgame Legion Raids that require precise team coordination. The game features 20+ advanced classes each with unique playstyles, a horizontal content system (islands, collectibles, rapport NPCs), and vertical progression through gear honing. While the leveling process is linear, the endgame opens into one of the deepest raid experiences in any MMO.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relic Accessories | S | All classes — endgame progression | Tier 3 endgame accessories with 2 engraving slots each. |
| Grudge Engraving | A | All DPS classes at Level 3 only | The most impactful damage engraving: +20% damage dealt, +20% damage received at Level 3. |
| Cursed Doll | A | All DPS classes | +16% attack power at Level 3 but -25% healing received. |
| Keen Blunt Weapon | B | High-crit DPS builds (60%+ crit rate) | +50% crit damage at Level 3 but non-crit hits deal -20% damage. |
| Raid Captain | B | Swiftness-based classes (Reflux Sorc, Swiftness builds) | Damage bonus based on your movement speed bonus (up to +18% at 140% movement speed). |
S-Tier: Relic Accessories
Tier 3 endgame accessories with 2 engraving slots each. A full set of Relic accessories with correct engravings defines your build. Quality affects bonus stats. Acquiring a 5x3 engraving setup from Relic accessories is the primary gearing milestone.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | All classes — endgame progression |
| Key Mechanic | tripod system |
| Recommended Build | Berserker |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Relic Accessories: Pairs naturally with Berserker thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Grudge Engraving
The most impactful damage engraving: +20% damage dealt, +20% damage received at Level 3. Nearly mandatory for endgame DPS builds. Running Grudge below Level 3 is actively harmful (+20% damage taken without enough damage bonus). Never run Grudge at Level 1 or 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | All DPS classes at Level 3 only |
| Key Mechanic | engravings |
| Recommended Build | Sorceress |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Grudge Engraving: Pairs naturally with Sorceress thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Cursed Doll
+16% attack power at Level 3 but -25% healing received. Strong damage increase with a manageable downside for skilled players who avoid damage. A staple in most DPS builds alongside Grudge.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | All DPS classes |
| Key Mechanic | island content |
| Recommended Build | Bard |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Cursed Doll: Pairs naturally with Bard thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Keen Blunt Weapon
+50% crit damage at Level 3 but non-crit hits deal -20% damage. Only worth running if your crit rate exceeds 60%. Check your crit stats before committing to this engraving.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | High-crit DPS builds (60%+ crit rate) |
| Key Mechanic | legion raids |
| Recommended Build | Gunlancer |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Keen Blunt Weapon: Pairs naturally with Gunlancer thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Raid Captain
Damage bonus based on your movement speed bonus (up to +18% at 140% movement speed). Works best with Swiftness-stacking classes that naturally reach high movement speed. Often paired with supports who buff movement.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Swiftness-based classes (Reflux Sorc, Swiftness builds) |
| Key Mechanic | honing system |
| Recommended Build | Deathblade |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Raid Captain: Pairs naturally with Deathblade thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Vern
- Grudge Engraving → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Cursed Doll → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Relic Accessories → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Complete island quests for honing materials — Una's Tasks (dailies/weeklies) and island rewards provide massive amounts of upgrade materials. Islands are more efficient than chaos dungeons early on.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Lost Ark Guides
- Lost Ark Lost Ark Overview
- Lost Ark Best Builds
- Lost Ark Tier List
- Lost Ark Walkthrough
- Lost Ark Beginner's Guide
- Lost Ark Tips & Tricks
- Lost Ark Combat Guide
- Lost Ark Boss Guide
- Lost Ark Maps & Locations
- Lost Ark Crafting Guide
- Lost Ark Classes & Characters
Similar Games
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- New World: Aeternum Weapons Guide — mmo game with similar mechanics
