The Lost Ark gender lock system isn't something we're excited to see in this day and age, but it's an issue that we're all going to have to deal with at launch. Lost Ark plays a somewhat archaic game by disallowing certain genders from rolling as particular classes, and we're going to list how that will affect your character creation dreams below.
Some upcoming classes already available in South Korea are lightly tweaked versions of pre-existing classes designed specifically with the opposite gender in mind. So if you'd rather hold off on a class until the specific Lost Ark gender lock is freed up with an alternative advanced class, keep that in mind.
Looking for more Lost Ark content? If you haven't even looked at the available options yet, check out our Lost Ark classes list for a brief explanation of what each option brings to the table. We have a preliminary Lost Ark tier list as well. Wondering whether to get one of the many Lost Ark Founder's Packs? We've compared the lot to make that decision a little easier.
Lost Ark Gender Lock - Which Genders Can Play Which Classes?
Right out of the gate, Lost Ark features five different classes that all grow into a selection of advanced classes at a certain level.
We would typically suggest picking your class based on whichever you think is the most fun to play - gameplay is the most important aspect, after all - but we understand that some people want to play characters that either match their gender or are the complete opposite.
With how Lost Ark gender locks certain classes, you're going to be limited in your options if you're set on specifically playing a male or female character. Here's how it works.
Lost Ark Warrior Classes By Gender
Male | Female |
|---|---|
Berserker, Gunlancer, Paladin, Destroyer (unreleased) | N/A |
Warriors have three different advanced classes to choose from, but they're locked to male avatars. If you're hoping to swing a massive axe with the Berserker, carry a cannon disguised as a lance with the Gunlance class, or protect your teammates with holy power as a Paladin, you're going to have to play as a boy.
Even the upcoming Destroyer class is male-only, making the first post-launch class unable to give females a bigger weapon to wield.
Lost Ark Mage Classes By Gender
Male | Female |
|---|---|
N/A | Bard, Sorceress, Arcanist (unreleased) |
Able to pursue the Bard or Sorceress advanced class down the line, the last one there is the key giveaway - you're going to have to settle as a female character if you want to support your friends with song or blow away the competition as a master of the arcane arts.
Even the upcoming Arcanist class fits into a female-only role with this one. Gandalf roleplayers will need to wait.
Lost Ark Martial Artist Classes By Gender
Male | Female |
|---|---|
Striker | Scrapper, Soulfist, Wardancer |
Here's where things get complicated. The Martial Artist isn't a gender-locked class in the strictest sense. In Lost Ark, you're free to choose either a male or female character if you're hoping to punch demons into the floor.
- Check out: Our in-depth Lost Ark Paladin build guide
How you go about that, however, will differ depending on whether you opt for a male Martial Artist or a female Martial Artist, as the advanced classes are, in fact, affected by the Lost Ark gender lock system.
Yes, you're reading that right. If you opt for the male Martial Artist, you're only going to be able to access a single one of its advanced classes - the Striker. On the other side of the fence is the female Martial Artist, who gains the option to go down the path of the Scrapper, Soulfist, and Wardancer.
Lost Ark Gunner Classes By Gender
Male | Female |
|---|---|
Deadeye, Sharpshooter, Artillerist | Gunslinger |
On a similar note to the Martial Artist class, the Gunner is slightly more forgiving than the Warrior when it comes to Lost Ark gender locks - it just works the other way around.
If you're planning to roll a male character, you're free to take up the mantle of the Artillerist, Deadeye, and Sharpshooter. That's a lot of different guns. Sadly, that leaves the female Gunner with only one advanced class to walk down - the Gunslinger.
Lost Ark Assassin Classes By Gender
Male | Female |
|---|---|
N/A | Death Blade, Shadow Hunter |
Lastly, we have the Assassin class. Just like with the Warrior, this particular gender lock situation leaves female characters as the only ones able to go down the advanced class path of the Death Blade and Shadow Hunter. So if you're banking on sneaking up and dealing heavy back damage or building up a gauge so you can go ham as a demon, you're going to have to stick to a female avatar.
And that's it for our Lost Ark gender lock guide! While you're here, why not check out our Lost Ark skills guide or list of Lost Ark quests? We've also got an article on everything you need to know about Lost Ark boss challenges.