Heroes of Arkesia,
The Wreck the Halls December Update recently released a ton of new content in Arkesia with the Summoner Advanced Class, Brelshaza Legion Raid (Normal), and new holiday events— but we know players are eager to learn what’s arriving in early 2023. The content and updates found below are some of the highlights we know players are eagerly awaiting, but it’s not a comprehensive list of every change arriving in Arkesia over the next few months. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for future release notes including the full list of new content, cosmetics, balance changes, events, bug-fixes, and more included in our major monthly updates.
January
Witcher Event
A beautiful island’s festivities have been interrupted by a mystifying vortex. Uncovering the mysteries will lead to encounters with iconic characters from The Witcher on an all-new island and in new event quests! New Witcher themed cosmetics will be available in the store, and new character customization scars, Cards, Stronghold structures, Emojis (and more) await adventurers who participate in the event.
QoL Updates
A quality of life update with improvements to guild systems, guild PvP, Una’s Tasks, and more, will accompany the Lost Ark x Witcher event.
February
Anniversary Celebration
February marks the one-year anniversary of Lost Ark launching in the West! We have a few special events planned to celebrate.
Rowen Continent
Rowen is a continent that is located east of Shushire, filled with Sylmael, the crimson jewels that are a precious resource in Arkesia. After a prosperous ancient civilization disappeared, Rowen was forgotten from Arkesia's history. However, when rumors about the abundant crimson jewels covering the land spread, factions coveting the jewels have began mustering their forces in Rowen.
Item Level 1445 is required to begin Rowen's world quest. Strange tensions linger between the factions, and the barbaric nomads assault those who have dared to set foot on their lands. Who will succeed, and who will perish in this war-torn land? Where does the fate of Rowen lie? At the end of the Rowen world quests, a faction can be chosen for open-world PvP. The neutral ground Eliyabeck has lost balance, and now the land is divided into two competing factions: Preigelli and Liebertane.
- Preigeli was formed under the belief that the chaos in Rowen was due to its indulgences, and that strict rules are needed in Rowen. They were formed by a group of mercenaries who are good at utilizing machines. "Order defeats Chaos every time."
- Libertane was formed under the belief that the chaos in Rowen was due to overly strict rules and restrictions. This group of pirates and mages values freedom and passion. "We have a simple rule. Take as much as you can."
You must choose a side and partake in the war over Rowen. Once a faction is selected, you will enter a PvP mode against the opposing faction. Ranks for the Factions are divided into 15 tiers and can be earned by participating in activities to get Faction XP, such as killing the opposing faction's members and participating in daily, weekly, and co-op quests. In February, the war between Preigelli and Liebertane will begin— but the competition heats up further in March, when the Tulubik Battlefield releases.
March
Tulubik Battlefield
A new type of PvP activity arrives with 96-player (48 v 48) RvR Tulubik Battlefield. With bases to capture, special secondary objectives, not to mention dozens of players to fight on the other team, there’s no shortage of action in the Tulubik Battleground. Matches are held at specified times during the week. There are two types of matches that can occur:
Regular Match: consists of 48 players on each side.
Friend Match: Held when there are more than 40 players in waiting after the Regular Match’s opening time has ended.
Faction Rank 5 and Item Level 1490 is required to participate in the Tulubik Battlefield, and Faction XP can be earned by all those who answer their faction’s call to action.
General Updates
The next major batch of quality of life updates will arrive in March along with balance changes, new events, and the third Arkpass! We’ll have a lot more specifics on what players can expect closer to the update, so make sure you stay tuned.
April
Artist Advanced Class
The Artist is capable of tactical versatility with illusion powers from her brush, and specializes in supporting her team. With her magical brush and flowing ink, the Artist can either choose to attack foes directly or summon holy beasts by painting them. While the Artist's attack power is on the low side, she is capable of providing strong support to allies, and rescuing them from peril with her illusion powers— making her a welcome member of any party. The Artist’s Class Identity is Moonfall & Sunrise. The Artist can fill the Harmony Meter by landing skills on foes, and when the Meter is full, she can create up to 3 Harmony Orbs. Harmony Orbs can be used to cast Moonfall and Sunrise. Moonfall can strengthen multiple party members immediately with the power of Stroke, and Sunrise, with the power of Paint, can create a Sun Marble which refills a single party member's HP. The Artist is the beginning of an entirely new class category; Specialists, who will have more than one appearance in 2023.
We know there’s been a lot of speculation in the Lost Ark community on how the Artist Class would arrive in the Western version of Lost Ark, and we want to be transparent with players excited for its release. Previously, we’ve stated that there may be some content in the original version of the game that gets adapted for Western audiences. While our goal is to preserve the authenticity of the original game, we also work with Smilegate RPG to make localization updates to ensure the game feels approachable and representative of our Western players. Nothing gameplay-related will change for the Artist Class, but some skins will be modified to better fit Western norms. Specifically, skins with short skirts will have shorts added underneath the skirt, and other skins will have adjusted pant lengths or tights added. We will be working to preserve the original spirit of the skins when applying these changes to ensure players will have a variety of compelling customization options for this uniquely versatile class.
Brelshaza Hard Mode
The Phantom Legion Commander will return in a more challenging version of the 8-player Legion Raid. Hard Mode will increase the difficulty and increase the rewards, introducing the new Ancient quality of gear & accessories. Brelshaza Hard Mode will require Item Level 1540 for gates 1 & 2, 1550 for gates 3 & 4, and 1560 for gates 5 & 6.
Hanumatan Guardian Raid
The Solar Guardian Hanumatan is hallowed in Anikka. The martial artists of Anikka followed Hanumatan's movements to develop a martial art. A powerful force of destruction in the Chain War 500 years ago, Hanumatan has sensed chaos looming in Arkesia and has woken from a long slumber. After spectating the state of the world with dispassionate eyes, he has come to a conclusion: Humans are the enemies endangering Arkesia. Hanumatan must be stopped, before his cold and furious wrath destroys every life form on Arkesia. Challenging Hanumatan in a Guardian Raid will require Item Level 1540, and like Brelshaza Hard Mode, Ancient accessories can be earned by successful parties.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to witness players experience the unique events, explore new parts of Arkesia, battle in new PvP gamemodes, and prepare for the challenging Brelshaza Hard Mode experience over the coming months. In the meantime, stay tuned to our website, social channels, and the release notes for the full list of new content, store updates, events, bug-fixes, and more over the coming months. Happy holidays and we’ll see you on Festivity Island in Arkesia!