Lost Ark News

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Heroes of Arkesia,[/h3][p][/p][p]The Valkyrie is about to descend upon Arkesia. Downtime will begin on August 20 at 2 a.m. PT (9:00 a.m. UTC) and is expected to last 4 hours.[/p][p][/p][p]This update introduces the new Valkyrie class, Trust Point System, Ebony Cube changes, two new progression events, the return of the Golden Frog, Prestige Shop and more. Check out the full list of new content, events, store offerings, and other changes here. Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in Arkesia![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]We caught up with Smilegate RPG for more insight into the Valkyrie class before she slashes through Arkesia on August 20.[/p][p][/p][p]The Valkyrie class is easy to pick up, but flexible in how players can showcase their skill. This flexibility extends to its ability to switch between damage dealer and support. From skills and combat animations to skins and class design, Valkyrie faithfully delivers the essence of a holy warrior, making her highly appealing to those who value immersive character visuals.[/p][p][/p][p]Q: The Valkyrie brings a fresh take on the holy warrior archetype to Lost Ark. What makes Valkyrie stand out from other classes as well as her male Paladin counterpart?[/p]

[p]A: Like the Paladin, Valkyrie uses a one-handed sword and channels her Faith Gauge as a resource. However, her combat design and playstyle introduce distinct differences. The most notable difference lies in her identity system. While the Paladin sustains allies through continuous healing and damage reduction via divine aura, Valkyrie utilizes two identity skills—Release Light (Z) and Light of the Faithful (X)—to offer situational support like offensive buffs or instant recovery.[/p]

[p]Another key distinction is her damage-dealing role through the Ark Passive. The Paladin focuses on steady back-attack-based damage, whereas Valkyrie delivers explosive bursts centered around the skill Final Splendor (X). Even though they share the same resource, the flow and feel of battle differ dramatically.[/p]

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[p]In terms of combat tempo and feel, Valkyrie offers a faster, flashier, and more agile experience than the heavier, grounded playstyle of the Paladin.[/p][p][/p]

[p]Q: Her armor and weapon designs are very distinct. What were the inspirations behind her launch skin visual design?[/p]

[p]A: We began the costume design with a focus on conveying the “sanctity” shared by the Paladin and their gender-locked counterpart, the Valkyrie. To express the clean and pure image that sanctity evokes, we drew inspiration from a bride in a white dress walking down the aisle. The off-shoulder design was also influenced by this concept. We chose white and gold, colors commonly used in bridal rings, as the main palette.[/p]

[p]The halo, which shines like the glow of the head avatar, further enhances the sense of sacredness. Additionally, to emphasize the keyword “Holy Warrior,” we incorporated armor elements into the costume. However, we avoided overly flashy or extravagant designs that wouldn’t suit a holy warrior, and instead based the design on traditional medieval armor.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Q: The Valkyrie's weapon design, alongside her ability to wield two swords, is quite striking. Can you share why the team opted for two swords instead of a sword and shield?[/p]

[p]A: From early development, a key goal was to differentiate Valkyrie's combat actions from those of the Paladin. While the Paladin projects a calm, defensive presence through his use of a one-handed sword and holy book, Valkyrie was designed to deliver a more aggressive and dynamic feel.[/p]

[p]To achieve this, Valkyrie was conceptualized to wield multiple sacred relic weapons, depending on the situation. One example is her skill that has her summon and wield a sacred sword alongside her normal sword and briefly engage in dual-blade combat. This symbolizes both her divine power and offensive potential.[/p]

[p]Weapons like the sacred shield, spear (used in Hyper Awakening), and sacred banner (used in Hyper Awakening) are featured throughout her skill set. These diverse weapon types create a more immersive and cinematic experience, breaking away from the monotony of single-weapon classes. The visual design of divine energy channeling through her sword also reinforces her core concept.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Q: What makes Valkyrie visually and functionally different in battle, especially as a support?[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]A: Valkyrie's skills are divided into three categories: Justice, Starlight, and Protection. Each has a distinct theme and purpose.[/p]

• [p]Justice Skills focus on minimal use of divine power, instead relying on refined swordsmanship to present a disciplined and knightly image. Motions like striking and holding posture emphasize composure and control.[/p]
• [p]Starlight Skills allow Valkyrie to summon a sacred sword in her left hand, wielding it like a dual blade, or infusing her one-handed sword with divine energy for powerful strikes. This category enhances her identity as a valiant and symbolic holy warrior.[/p]
• [p]Protection Skills use sacred shields to protect allies or weaken enemies. Some skills include impact animations to strengthen her presence as a defensive class.[/p]

[p]Unlike traditional ranged supports that provide stable backing from a distance, Valkyrie is designed to engage more actively in battle. Her hybrid structure shares some skills with the DPS Ark Passive, featuring many aggressive visuals. She dashes toward allies and supports them from close range, offering a more hands-on, proactive support experience compared to other support classes.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Q: Let's talk about sound. What went into designing the Valkyrie's divine audio?[/p]

[p]A: To fully capture Valkyrie’s identity as a wielder of a holy sword radiating divine energy, the team centered the sound design around the keyword “sanctity.” Special focus was given to her weapon design and supportive role in combat.[/p]

[p]Valkyrie’s skills incorporate a variety of divine weapons, including holy swords, shields, and throwing spears. Although these weapons serve different functions, their sound design was carefully crafted to maintain a cohesive sense of holiness across all skill types. As a support class capable of buffing allies, the team also balanced aggressive, impactful sound effects with softer, uplifting tones that convey the supportive nature of her skills. The goal was to ensure these effects harmonize smoothly.[/p]

[p]Above all, the team prioritized preserving the overall atmosphere of the game, while giving Valkyrie a distinct divine presence. Her sound design reinforces her role as a support class while also highlighting her strong and memorable identity.[/p]

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[p]Special attention was given to Final Splendor, one of Valkyrie’s identity skills. Unlike traditional buff skills, Final Splendor directly impacts her damage output. To reflect its raw power, the skill was designed with a bold, overwhelming sound profile that contrasts sharply with Valkyrie’s sacred appearance—emphasizing strength as much as sanctity.[/p]

[p]Striking the right balance between “sanctity” and “might” was a key challenge. The result is a unique audio identity that defines Valkyrie in both form and function.[/p]

[p][/p][p]We can’t wait for players to experience Valkyrie as part of the Rise of the Valkyrie update on August 20.[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Heroes of Arkesia,[/h3][p]Roxx returns with news on Rise of the Valkyrie. Beyond a new class, the August 20 update will include a Progression Event, the Mileage Shop, and more. This episode of Eye on Arkesia also covers your feedback on Korea’s support follow-up balance patch, plus a reminder about Ebony Cube changes.[/p][p]Let us know your thoughts on the more frequent cadence of Team Updates in the YouTube comments section of this month’s video. Are there any additional changes you’d like to see in our Team Update communications?[/p][p]Thanks for your support as we celebrate 50 milestones or major updates since starting development on the western version of Lost Ark! We’ll see you in Arkesia.[/p]

[h2][/h2][p][/p][p]We wanted to share some key information leading up to the August “Rise of the Valkyrie” Update, as we’ve locked in some policies and key changes we know you’ve been looking forward to! It’s been a fun few weeks watching players learn the new Paradise system, progress through the Mokoko Challenge Express, and help new and returning players learn the ropes. The August Update, featuring the Valkyrie Class, will also include a ton of other impactful updates. As always, some things may shift during ongoing development— make sure to checkout next week’s release notes for the final August details.[/p][p][/p][h2]Major August Update - Rise of the Valkyrie[/h2][p][/p][h3]Bonus Powerpass[/h3][p]In the August Update, we will also be granting all players an additional South Kurzan Powerpass! We saw an enormous amount of new and returning players begin or resume their adventures in Arkesia with the July Update, and want to provide a little boost to help them build out their roster or try out new classes/playstyles. No worries if you haven’t used the first one yet, they will stack.[/p][p][/p][h3]Rise of the Valkyrie Event[/h3][p]Heading toward the update, we wanted to share some topline information to help players best plan out how they plan to use the latest “road/path” style event. It can be paired with the Mokoko Challenge Express, or activated on another character. Key details:[/p]

• [p]Event Target Item Level: 1640 – below 1681 can start the event.[/p]
• [p]Honing Support Effects will be provided from Item Level 1660 to 1680.[/p]
• [p]Item Level Rewards will be provided for 1640, 1650, 1660, 1670 and 1680.[/p]
• [p]Players can earn the Item Level 1680 complete rewards and the chest will contain the 1690 and 1700 Rewards chests.[/p]
• [p]Challenge missions will include clearing Aegir and Brelshaza.[/p]
• [p]Rewards will include an assortment of Honing Materials and other Progression Materials. One notable reward will be four bound Tier 4 Lv. 7 Gems![/p]

[p][/p][h3]Ebony Cube Update Policy[/h3][p]As previously shared, In the August Update, we’re going to make a change to Ebony cube and how it interacts with Paradise. This change will double the rewards provided by Ebony Cube, but reduce the Cube Ticket drop rate by 50% (in all places, including the guild shop and dispatches). We think this change will make Ebony Cube more exciting to play, and will also help decrease the amount of homework content with the addition of Paradise. As some players have massive stockpiles of tickets, and others have been dutifully running cubes whenever they get a ticket, 2 tickets will combine into one ticket (with the new doubled rewards) when the update takes place to maintain a fair balance for all players. This will work in the following ways:[/p]

• [p]Players with Cube tickets in their inventories will have the tickets automatically converted.[/p]
• [p]Cube Selection Chests (across the roster in various storages) will be converted as well.[/p]

[p]The full policy will be shared in the release notes. Please note that the cube changes only apply to Tier 4.[/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, we will also be adding the ability to convert Ebony Cube Tickets into Hell Keys through the Paradise Exchange Vendor. Each exchange can be done on each character once a week, due to large stacks of cube tickets that currently exist in the wild that would disproportionally favor some players.[/p]

• [p]T4 (1640) Rare Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 1st Unlock x2[/p]
• [p]T4 (1640) Epic Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 1st Unlock x3[/p]
• [p]T4 (1640) Legendary Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 1st Unlock x5[/p]
• [p]T4 (1680) Rare Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 2nd Unlock x2[/p]
• [p]T4 (1680) Epic Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 2nd Unlock x3[/p]
• [p]T4 (1680) Legendary Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 2nd Unlock x5[/p]
• [p]T4 (1680) Epic Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 3rd Unlock x2[/p]
• [p]T4 (1680) Legendary Hell Key x1[/p]
  • [p]Cost - Ebony Cube 3rd Unlock x4[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Tier 3 Update[/h3][p]To ensure that players in Tier 3 can be competitive in the weekly Crucible rankings, and for new players/returning players building characters and learning new playstyles, we’re going to move the Hyper Awakening and Hyper Awakening Skills (T-Skills) to unlock in Tier 3. Full details of how this will be unlocked in Tier 3 will be available in next week’s release notes![/p][p][/p][p]With the Valkyrie Advanced Class, new skins, further support class balance changes and much more— the August Update will include a ton of content and impactful changes for all. The full release notes will be available before the update next week! In the meantime, we’ll see you in Arkesia.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Ratlympics returns![/h3][p][/p][p]Watch some of your favorite Creators race through Mordum Gate 3 Hard Mode starting on August 8, 12 p.m. PT. Hosted by Johnpal and Stoopzz, this community-driven event features a random draft format. Team captains will be given the option to steal teammates and protect players. Once the player selection is locked, the team with the fastest clear time or further progression will be your Ratlympics champion. Combat Score caps will be enforced based on in-game stats to ensure a more competitive competition.[/p][p]Whether you tune in for the triumphs or failures, you’ll receive Twitch Drop rewards for watching the event. Who will you support?[/p][p][/p][h2]Participating Creators[/h2]

• [p]Aphromoo[/p]
• [p]Strylander[/p]
• [p]Ellisramirez[/p]
• [p]Raifuu[/p]
• [p]Laur[/p]
• [p]DJDohrok[/p]
• [p]Ogufroggo[/p]
• [p]tyra_lca[/p]
• [p]Mattshew[/p]
• [p]Sharpiexdd[/p]
• [p]R0ckyshield[/p]
• [p]Fannsy[/p]
• [p]Snwynw[/p]
• [p]Xmusiiiq[/p]
• [p]Kappington[/p]
• [p]Goat_96TV[/p]
• [p]rebalance[/p]
• [p]Telleri15[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Twitch Drop[/h2][p]Hang out with Lost Ark Creators for 4 hours of cumulative watch time before August 20, 2025 to claim your rewards.[/p]

• [p]10 Collective Battle Item Chest[/p]
• [p]5 Legendary - Rare Card Pack IV[/p]
• [p]3 Legendary - Epic Card Pack IV[/p]

[p]If you haven’t done so already, make sure your Twitch account is linked to your Steam account. Twitch Drops can only be claimed once per account.[/p][p]Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in Arkesia![/p]