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?
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.
Q. What inspired the overall theme and aesthetic of this cosmetic set?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
This required close and seamless collaboration between the concept, modeling, and effects teams, with constant communication and testing throughout the process.
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.
Q. What inspired the designs for the Mystic Chameleon pet and Kingstrider mount?
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.
Reflecting the chameleon's ability to change its color depending on the environment, we created a range of diverse and unconventional color variations.
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.
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.
Q. Since this is global-exclusive content, did you take into account any aesthetic preferences unique to that region?
A: Yes, we definitely considered the preferences of global players, especially their appreciation for clear visual direction.
We incorporated strong visual contrast, bold effects, and iconic symbols of ancient desert civilizations to align with those tastes.
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.
Q. How was designing a wallpaper like Chrome Sanctuary, which diverges from the existing in-game concepts, different from creating standard in-game environments?
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Mythic Desert collection is available now in-game. Visit the in-game store [F4] to find your next outfit.
Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Arkesia.