Best Lost Ark Bard Build For PvE and PvP

March 26, 2022: We're going to make a start updating this Lost Ark Bard build with the latest meta developments.

If you want to up your support game, you’ll need the best Lost Ark Bard build. The Bard is a unique class that, despite being built to buff and heal, still has a few potent DPS options at its disposal.

This Lost Ark Bard build guide is subject to change as we get more experienced with how the class performs in various circumstances and throughout the endgame content. For now, though, these leveling, PvP, and PvE guides should help see you through any challenge Lost Ark throws your way, including tough endgame Raids.

If you're just getting started in Lost Ark, check out our Lost Ark classes guide for an overview of what to expect in each class. Before you make your decision, though, read up on the Lost Ark tier list and the Lost Ark gender lock system to reduce your risk of ultimately being disappointed by your choice of character, class, or role.

Lost Ark Best Bard Leveling Skills

Skill Point Priority
Level
Runes
Effect
Sound Shock
10
Maintained Explosion, Shock Enhancement, Rapid Fire
Basic AoE attack
Dissonance
10
Melody Increase, Law of the Jungle, Harmony Enhancement
Sustained damage and movement speed debuff
Stigma
10
Sustain Enhancement, Brilliant Stigma, Pain Brand
Continuous damage at the Stigma's location
Sonic Vibration
1
N/A
Lift and slam foes
Soundholic
10
Sound Concentration, Sustained Enhancement, Focus Fire
Damage foes multiple times
Prelude of Storm
1
N/A
Damage and stun foes
Heavenly Tune
4
Quick Prep
Damage foes, increase attack and movement speed for allies
Prelude of Death
10
Passionate Applause, Death Amplification, Aria of Death
Initial damage, then continued damage from death mark

As with most, the Lost Ark Bard build for leveling focuses on skills to help complete main story missions. Support options aren’t quite as important here, since the goal is keeping your Bard alive and giving them an edge in boss fights.

Soundholic and Prelude of Storm deal continued damage and briefly stun enemies, respectively, which gives you a chance to retreat if needed.

  • Check out: Our Lost Ark Knowledge Transfer primer to speed up your leveling

Stigma is handy for dealing with distant foes, while Prelude of Death deals heavy damage over time, making it particularly useful for tougher enemies and bosses.

Make sure to use the Bard’s Identity Skill Serenade of Salvation to restore health. After using normal attacks enough, you’ll have three charges of it and can strike a good balance between recovery and offense.

Best Lost Ark Bard Build For PvP

Skill Point Priority
Level
Runes
Effect
Rhapsody of Light
10
Quick Prep, Stabilized Light, Shining Protection
Heavy ranged damage
Sonic Vibration
10
Tenacity, Chain Vibration, Wide Angle Attack
Lift and slam foes
Rhythmic Buckshot
7
Shock Enhancement, Tenacity
Damages foes and pushes them away
Soundholic
10
Raid, Sustain Enhancement, Focus Fire
Continuous damage
Prelude of Storm
10
Quick Prep, Wide Angle Attack, Lightning Concentration
Damage and stun foes
Heavenly Tune
10
Agile Cast, Tough Tune, Intense Tune
Deals damage and buffs party attack and MP
March
7
Cheerful March, Impaired Mobility
Homing attack that reduces enemy movement
Guardian Tune
10
Tenacity, Endless Protection, Wind of Protection
Buffs party defense

The Bard’s PvP build focuses on heavy-hitting skills designed to keep foes at a distance, assuming they survive the first onslaught.

The standout mentions here are Rhythm Buckshot, Guardian Tune, and March. Buckshot knocks targets away after dealing significant damage, so use it if your party needs some breathing room. Guardian Tune buffs the party’s defense, while March summons notes that follow enemies and deal damage over time.

Make sure to alternate between both Serenades to heal and buff as needed. The Awakening skill Symphonia is also a good choice, as it shields and damages simultaneously.

A bard wears white armour and looks at the camera
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What are the Best Bard Raid Skills?

Skill Point Priority
Level
Runes
Effect
Sound Shock
10
Maintained Explosion, Sacred Shock, Rapid Fire
Ranged attack
Rhapsody of Light
10
Quick Prep, Stabilized Light, Shining Protection
Heavy ranged damage
Wind of Music
10
Quick Prep, Melody Increase, Wind of Protection
AoE attack that pushes foes
Sonic Vibration
10
Tenacity, Brilliant Wave, Wide Angle Attack
Lifts and slams foes
Soundholic
10
Sound Concentration, Sustained Enhancement, Focus Fire
Heavy continuous damage
Prelude of Storm
10
Quick Prep, Melody Increase, Powerful Prelude
Damages and stuns foes
Heavenly Tune
10
Quick Prep, Tough Tune, Intense Tune
Damages foes and buffs party attack and MP
Guardian Tune
10
Mind Enhancement, Endless Protection, Wind of Protection
Buffs party defense

The Bard’s Raid build is a mix of the PvP and Leveling builds, emphasizing powerful skills and those that keep your Bard safe from harm. As always, opt for Desperate Salvation for the Engraving to get that extra healing boost.

That's all we have to say on the Lost Ark Bard build set right now. If you're looking for another support class, the Lost Ark Paladin build set is worth a look. Beyond that, go test your support skills by fighting Lost Ark boss battles around its open world. We have guides on the Lost Ark Rovlen fight and Lost Ark Rudric battle as well.

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