Wildsoul Design Process - Behind the Scenes
Heroes of Arkesia,
We sat down with the Smilegate RPG development team to explore how they crafted the latest Lost Ark Advanced Class: Wildsoul. A mischievous shapeshifter with a deep connection to nature, Wildsoul blends illusion magic, animal transformations, and raw combat power into a fast-paced, strategic playstyle. From her dual-animal spirit magic to her playful yet powerful sound design, here’s how Wildsoul was brought to life.
Q: Wildsoul is a really unique addition to the game. What makes her stand out?
Dev Team: Most Yoz inherit a single animal spirit, which shapes their abilities and even their physical traits. Wildsoul? She’s an exception—a once-in-a-century phenomenon who possesses two spirits: the raw power of a bear and the cunning agility of a fox.
This dual connection makes her incredibly powerful but also unstable, which is why she seals her abilities inside a mystical scroll. It’s the only way she can contain her magic—until she needs to unleash it in battle. That’s when things get really interesting.
Q: Let’s talk about that magic—how does Wildsoul’s power actually work?
Dev Team: She has two core abilities: illusion magic and shapeshifting. Illusion magic lets her summon spectral beasts—a massive bear charging through enemies, a fox darting between attacks, or a murder of crows creating pure chaos. These summons feel like living creatures, acting as an extension of her spirit.
She doesn’t just summon animals—she becomes them. In bear form, she’s a force of nature, dealing heavy, ground-shaking attacks. In fox form, she’s lightning-fast, weaving through enemies and striking with deadly precision.
What makes her fun to play is that she can seamlessly switch forms mid-battle, adapting to whatever the situation demands. One moment she’s evading, the next she’s overwhelming enemies with sheer strength.
Q: Her design feels really distinct—what were the inspirations behind her look?
Dev Team: From the start, we wanted Wildsoul to fully embody the spirit of the Yoz—a culture deeply connected to nature, illusion magic, and spiritual energy. Her look had to reflect that, but in a way that made her feel truly unique.
We drew inspiration from a variety of cultural aesthetics and traditions, blending these elements to create a character with a rich and distinctive identity. Her clothing and accessories incorporate natural materials, layered fabrics, and intricate patterns, all designed to reflect her deep connection to the land.
Since Rimeria, the homeland of the Yoz, is close to Anikka, we also wove in subtle Eastern influences to show the cultural exchange between these regions. The result is a character that feels like she truly belongs in the world, while still standing out as one of its rarest warriors.
Q: Let’s talk about sound—what went into designing Wildsoul’s audio?
Dev Team: We wanted her sound design to reflect her playful but powerful personality. She’s mischievous, a little unpredictable, but never to be underestimated.
For example, in her “Ursine Windup” attack, she lets out a slight struggle sound as she swings her arm—because let’s be honest, swinging a giant bear claw isn’t easy! But when she lands the hit? Boom. The impact makes it clear—this is a character who hits hard.
Her “Swish Bear” transformation starts with a soft, mystical hum, which then deepens into a low, resonant vibration once she fully shifts. Meanwhile, her fox form is all about quick, sharp sounds, emphasizing her agility. Even her animal cries—from the fox’s call to the crow’s caw—were carefully tuned to feel real but slightly magical.
We wanted every sound to reinforce the idea that Wildsoul is skilled at illusion and a powerhouse, and we’re really happy with how it all came together.
Q: Finally, why should players be excited to play Wildsoul?
Dev Team: If you love fast-paced, strategic combat, Wildsoul is for you. She’s not a straightforward tank, nor is she a typical rogue—she’s a shapeshifter and an illusionist, all in one.
It has been an exciting several weeks since the Wildsoul’s launch in Arkesia, with players leveling up and battle the Demon Legions in new ways with Wildsoul. Now’s the perfect time to take part in the ongoing progression events and make the most of her arrival. From the Powerpass to Mokoko Challenge Express, these events offer valuable rewards, boosts, and resources to help you level up your Wildsoul and enhance your journey. We’ll see you in Arkesia!
