Lost Ark News

Lost Ark's revolutionary Paradise mode headlines the free MMO's new roadmap

The Lost Ark Paradise mode is set to arrive this month, as Amazon Games and Smilegate lay out a fresh roadmap for the free-to-play MMO and ARPG. The experimental system aims to offer a more approachable way to play, with new activities and equipment designed to appeal to players who might have been turned away by the endgame-focused grind. Also included in the latest Lost Ark roadmap are the Valkyrie class, a female Paladin counterpart, and a limited-time event dungeon and eight-player raid.

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Mythic Desert Collection Store Showcase

[p][/p][p]Go behind the scenes with Smilegate RPG on the western exclusive Mythic Desert collection. This latest store showcase introduces the Onyx Mythic Desert skins, Quartz Mythic Desert skins, Mystic Chameleon pet, and the Kingstrider mount. How will you stand apart as a sovereign of sand across all of Arkesia?[/p][p]Check out the full selection throughout our interview below, plus the stunning desert temple Chrome Sanctuary wallpaper. From concept to creation, here’s how the Development Team crafted each cosmetic.
[/p][p]Q. What inspired the overall theme and aesthetic of this cosmetic set?[/p]

[p]A: The Mythic Desert cosmetics were inspired by the transcendent and ornate depictions of gods and priests found in ancient desert murals. From there, we explored ways to reinterpret the grandeur and mystique of ancient priesthood within the fantasy world of Lost Ark.[/p]

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[p]The defining features of this skin set are its symbolic patterns and visual effects. For the patterns, we drew from hieroglyphs and motifs seen in ancient desert artifacts, infusing them with our game's unique aesthetic.[/p][p]As for the accessories and effects, we focused on capturing the shimmering golden hues of desert sands under the sun. The silhouettes reminiscent of halos and wings further emphasize the divine nature of the design.[/p]

[p]Q. Were there any changes made during implementation compared to the original concept art? What challenges did you face in bringing the design in-game?[/p]

[p]A: One of the main challenges was preserving the unique feel of the emissive patterns and effects portrayed in the concept art. It was crucial for us to bring those visuals to life in-game with minimal loss in quality.[/p]

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[p]This required close and seamless collaboration between the concept, modeling, and effects teams, with constant communication and testing throughout the process.[/p][p]As a result, we were able to not only retain the beauty of the original concept but elevate its presence in-game. We believe the final product turned out to be a truly eye-catching piece.[/p]

[p]Q. What inspired the designs for the Mystic Chameleon pet and Kingstrider mount?[/p]

[p]A: The pet was inspired by desert chameleons—creatures that embody resilience in harsh environments. We reinterpreted their adaptability with a playful and whimsical twist.[/p]

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[p]Reflecting the chameleon's ability to change its color depending on the environment, we created a range of diverse and unconventional color variations.[/p][p]For the mount, we took inspiration from the griffin, a mythical creature revered in ancient mythology. Griffins—part lion, part eagle—symbolize both strength and divine authority.[/p]

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[p]To capture the image of a powerful keeper, we designed the mount with sturdy armor, while still aiming for a sleek and agile appearance to suit its flying movement.[/p]

[p]Q. Since this is global-exclusive content, did you take into account any aesthetic preferences unique to that region?[/p]

[p]A: Yes, we definitely considered the preferences of global players, especially their appreciation for clear visual direction.[/p][p]We incorporated strong visual contrast, bold effects, and iconic symbols of ancient desert civilizations to align with those tastes.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Additionally, we recognized that global users often value cohesive design and narrative depth, so we designed the costume, weapon, pet, and mount to share a unified backstory and symbolism. By doing so, each component contributes to a more immersive and cohesive worldbuilding experience through the cosmetic set.[/p]

[p]Q. How was designing a wallpaper like Chrome Sanctuary, which diverges from the existing in-game concepts, different from creating standard in-game environments?[/p]

[p]A: Unlike traditional concept art, which is usually grounded in the main storyline, the wallpaper for the global region allowed for much more creative freedom.[/p]

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[p]From the initial planning phase, the concept was shaped around the tastes of global users, and that direction made the process both refreshing and engaging.[/p][p]In-game environment concepts typically need to align with existing worldbuilding frameworks, which can limit creative flexibility. However, in this case, the ancient desert inspired fantasy theme was entirely new to us—giving us more room to experiment and explore freely.[/p][p]It was a fun and memorable experience, and we’d love to continue working on more content that caters to global tastes in the future.[/p]

[p]The Mythic Desert collection is available now in-game. Visit the in-game store \[F4] to find your next outfit.[/p][p]Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Arkesia.[/p]

Lost Ark 2025 Roadmap – Part 3

[p][/p][p]Heroes of Arkesia,[/p][p]Lost Ark team members Roxx, Matt, and Henry are back with the next installment of the Lost Ark roadmap, covering what’s in store for July, August, and September, along with a sneak peek at some of the major updates arriving before the end of 2025. As always, since Lost Ark is a live-service game, plans may shift, but we’re excited to reveal what’s ahead—let’s dive into the upcoming content and systems arriving in the second half of the year. Watch the Roadmap video update for the full discussion and deep dive, or find an express summary below the video.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]July[/h2][p][/p][p]New Progression System: Paradise[/p][p]Launching late July, Paradise is a new seasonal system designed specifically for the global version of Lost Ark to help speed up progression and give players new experimental, solo content. Paradise helps players earn valuable rewards through three interconnected activities:[/p][p][/p][p]Elysian[/p][p]Fight waves of monsters to collect Legacy of Paradise gear—a new set of upgradeable equipment (e.g. belt, cloak) that only applies within Paradise. Gear is tiered and can be upgraded through:[/p]

[p]Restoration – which boosts base stats[/p]
[p]Resonance – adds bonus effects once restoration thresholds are met[/p]

[p]Higher Paradise levels will unlock throughout the season, and all gear resets between seasons.[/p][p][/p][p]Crucible[/p][p]Take on bosses in a 1v1 battle with nearly all power coming from your Legacy of Paradise gear—making this content accessible for all classes, including supports. Since the recording of the roadmap video, we made the decision to simplify the name from “God’s Testimony” to Crucible, better matching the other one word activity names.[/p]

[p]Includes valuable first-time clear rewards, along with weekly class-based leaderboards reward players with Hell Keys. Every player who participates will receive some keys, with players who place higher receiving higher grade and more keys.[/p]
[p]Earn and equip the Orb, a special gear piece that carries power outside of Paradise and scales based on your peak seasonal progression.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hell[/p][p]Use your Hell Keys to descend through a 100-floor dungeon, earning better rewards the deeper you go.[/p]

[p]Clearing floors will be easy, like a chaos dungeon. It’s more about trying to hit some lucky effects and descend as far as possible.[/p]
[p]Loot includes gold, upgrade materials, Paradise gear, and the rewards are selectable at the end to give players a choice of what they need most between the available options.[/p]

[p]Solo Mode & Mokoko Bootcamp[/p]

[p]Solo Aegir joins the roster with an updated Tier 4 reward shop[/p]
[p]Solo Raid difficulty adjusted to be easier for new players[/p]
[p]Mokoko Bootcamp returns with:[/p]
- [p]Aegir (Act 1) Hard Mode[/p]
- [p]Brelshaza (Act 2) Normal Mode[/p]
- [p]Item level cap set at 1689 to ensure players can naturally progress without losing their status[/p]

[p]Quality of Life & System Updates[/p]

[p]Skin Book System: Manage, preview, and craft all skins in a new streamlined interface.[/p]
[p]Una’s Task Overhaul: Dailies transition to weekly rewards after reputation completion, reducing daily grind[/p]
[p]Balance Patch: Korean May & June class updates included[/p]
[p]Tripod & Epic Engraving Removal to simplify character systems[/p]
[p]Bound Gem Improvements: Swap damage/CD types more freely[/p]
[p]UI Updates:[/p]
- [p]Improved character profile[/p]
- [p]Accessory highlighting by refinement level[/p]
- [p]New Party Finder Lounge[/p]

[p][/p][h2]August[/h2][p][/p][p]New Advanced Class: Valkyrie[/p]

[p]The long-awaited female Paladin, named Valkyrie, arrives in August![/p]
[p]Choose between:[/p]
- [p]Support Build: Protect allies with divine shields[/p]
- [p]DPS Build: Summon holy swords to smite enemies[/p]
[p]Released alongside several progression events and a legendary class gift[/p]

[p]Prestige Shop Launch[/p]

[p]Earn Prestige Points equal to 10% of Royal Crystals spent in the in-game shop[/p]
[p]Redeem for cosmetics like exclusive skins, MVP backgrounds, and more[/p]
[p]Retroactive tracking included—no lost points![/p]

[p][/p][h2]September[/h2][p][/p][p]Limited-Time Raid Event: Assault – Rimeria[/p][p]The frozen continent of Rimeria faces a new threat: Abyssal Beasts have emerged, and it’s up to you to stop them. This limited-time event includes two types of content:[/p][p]1–4 Player Event Dungeon - Abyssal Wrath, Narhash[/p]

[p]Difficulty scales with party size[/p]
[p]Weekly clear per character[/p]
[p]Rewards: Event Medals (spend in a special shop)[/p]
[p]Item Level: Normal (1660+), Hard (1700+)[/p]

[p]8-Player Raid – Flame of Darkness Tarkal[/p]

[p]One-gate boss fight[/p]
[p]Item Level: Normal (1680+), Hard (1720+)[/p]
[p]Weekly Tier 4 Endgame entry[/p]
[p]Rewards:[/p]
- [p]Ancient-grade accessories[/p]
- [p]Honing materials, Destiny Stones[/p]
- [p]Dawn Defender’s Chest - Gold reward chest (up to 500K in Hard Mode)[/p]
- [p]First time clear rewards[/p]
[p]Hard mode: no Epic loot (minimum gold: 38,000), Random Relic Engraving Chests[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Q4 2025[/h2][p][/p][p]Kazeros Raid[/p]

[p]Battle the Lord of the Abyss in an epic endgame raid[/p]
[p]Set to be one of the most ambitious fights in Lost Ark history[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Final Thoughts[/h2][p]With Paradise, Valkyrie, and Rimeria: Assault on the horizon—and Kazeros still to come—the second half of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest chapters in the history of Arkesia. There’s a lot on the horizon, and we’re looking forward to joining you on all the adventures ahead. We’re eager to see your feedback and continue to work alongside the community to build a better future for Lost Ark![/p]

Steam Summer Sale

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Heroes of Arkesia,[/p][p]Prepare for the looming threat of Kazeros with discounted rates on all Support and Founder’s Packs. Valuable rewards, including special cosmetics, highly desirable T4 items, and more are available for 33% off now until July 10. How will you play your part against the Lord of the Abyss?[/p][p]Whether you plan to stock up on essential materials, boost your progression, or travel across Arkesia in style, each pack can only be purchased once. Check out the full selection of Steam Summer Sale discounts below.[/p][p][/p][h3]Abyssal Support Pack - 33% Discount[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]The path through Arkesia grows more treacherous with each new challenge, but with this comprehensive support pack, you'll have the resources to strengthen your character and overcome any obstacle. Stock up on essential materials, boost your progression, and travel in style as you continue your quest through Arkesia.[/p]

[p]Royal Crystal x 2,200[/p]
[p]Ebony Cube Entrance Ticket Selection Chest x 20[/p]
[p]Legendary Rare Card Pack IV x 15[/p]
[p]Exclusive Mount/Pet[/p]
[p]T3 | T4 Leapstone Selection Chest x 20[/p]
[p]T3 | T4 Support Material Selection Chest x 3[/p]
[p]T3 | T4 Fusion Material Selection Chest x 15[/p]
[p]T3 | T4 Shard Selection Chest x 10[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Platinum Founder's Pack - 33% Discount[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]The biggest and baddest T4 Founder’s Pack, filled to the brim with valuable T4 items, special cosmetics, along with key in-game currencies. Time to ignite your game with this treasure trove.[/p]

[p]2,700 Crystals[/p]
[p]8,050 Royal Crystals[/p]
[p]Crystalline Aura Plus x90-Days[/p]
[p]Street Glitter Skin Chest[/p]
[p]Royal Cahni Wagon Selection Chest[/p]
[p]Bumblebee Pet Selection Chest[/p]
[p]Silvery Pheon Chest[/p]
[p]Card Pack Chest[/p]
[p]T4 Honing Material Chest I[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Gold Founder’s Pack - 33% Discount[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Supercharge your T4 journey with this premium collection of valuable progression items and in-game currencies. A powerful package designed to give you a significant head start in Tier 4.[/p]

[p]1,500 Crystals[/p]
[p]4,200 Royal Crystals[/p]
[p]Crystalline Aura Plus x60-Days[/p]
[p]Ancient Platinum Coin x125[/p]
[p]Any Card Pack IV x10[/p]
[p]Legendary Card Pack IV[/p]
[p]Legendary - Rare Card Pack IV x10[/p]
[p]Legendary - Epic Card Pack IV x5[/p]
[p]T4 Honing Material Chest II[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Silver Founder's Pack - 33% Discount[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Jump into T4 with confidence using this carefully curated selection of progression materials and valuable currencies. Your path to power starts here.[/p]

[p]700 Crystals[/p]
[p]2,000 Royal Crystals[/p]
[p]Crystalline Aura Plus x30-Days[/p]
[p]Ancient Platinum Coin x50[/p]
[p]Any Card Pack IV x4[/p]
[p]Legendary - Rare Card Pack IV x4[/p]
[p]Legendary - Epic Card Pack IV[/p]
[p]T4 Honing Material Chest III[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Bronze Founder’s Pack - 33% Discount[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Begin your T4 adventure with essential boost materials and helpful currencies to boost your initial journey. A perfect starting point for your next chapter in Arkesia.[/p]

[p]420 Crystals[/p]
[p]1,000 Royal Crystals[/p]
[p]Crystalline Aura Plus x30-Days[/p]
[p]Ancient Platinum Coin x30[/p]
[p]Honing Shard Selection Chest III x5[/p]

[p]Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in Arkesia![/p]

The Lost Ark June update opens up a new island and makes two raids easier

The Lost Ark June update is here, and it introduces a new location to the free-to-play Amazon Games MMORPG, along with some extra story following on from its newest raid. The patch also makes several previous raids easier, with difficulty nerfs and the introduction of a resurrection system, and introduces a style book that helps you manage your character customization. It's the latest in an ongoing series of changes as Amazon attempts to spice things up in an attempt to win players back.

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