Lost Ark saw some huge updates in October with the inclusion of Tier 4, a new Ignite server and a ton of new content to boot. We had a chance to ask the Community Lead for Lost Ark, Roxanne Sabo, some questions related to the huge update—but that’s not all, she also gave us some insight into what’s to come.
MMORPG: In the October Update we’re going to see a lot of new changes and content, which includes a new tier. In your estimation, what are the major benefits players can look forward to with Tier 4?
Roxanne: Tier 4 and the October update are jam-packed with content, so it’s hard to call out just a few big benefits! One of them is definitely going to be the Ark Passive System, which will introduce entirely new ways for players to build their characters and come into massive power spikes. This system is also tied to the release of Hyper Awakening Skills, which are powerful new skills that will allow players to inflict massive damage and change the tide of battle with these epic attacks.
MMORPG: Players will be able to equip 5 combat engravings. Can you explain a little about how players can expect the engraving system to change, and how it will directly affect their character?
Roxanne: Like you mentioned, in Tier 4 players will be able to equip five combat engravings, and level them up individually with Engraving Recipes, which now directly impact the bonus that the engraving provides. Relic engraving books have also been introduced, which give the highest value increase to power and effectiveness.
MMORPG: Will anything change in regards to class engravings?
Roxanne: Class Engravings will be moved into the new Ark Passive System which functions similarly to a skill tree. Players can choose between a variety of impactful options that will further customize their Class’s playstyle. Players will still be able to switch between the T3 and T4 engraving system by turning the Ark Passive off and on.
MMORPG: Engravings are a big part of endgame for Lost Ark, and a new tier has been added. Will balance to engraving sets be part of the changes to engravings?
Roxanne: We have more balance changes for classes in the pipeline in order to make sure new damage levels feel both powerful and fair for all!
MMORPG: The new system for Tier 4 accessories feels very different than how things currently work in Tier 3. Now players will have accessory polishing and Enlightenment points. How will players be introduced to this – and will we see any precursor to this in Tier 3?
Roxanne: These changes to accessories will only impact players once they reach Tier 4, and players will be able to learn about these systems through in-game introduction and support. While these are a lot of changes, ultimately many of them will actually end up simplifying the systems that players interact with!
MMORPG: Along with this new update you’ll be spinning up a new Ignite server, which kind of helps new players along. Are you noticing an uptick in new players or a return of lapsed players when ignite servers are launched?
Roxanne: We’ve definitely seen a lot of heroes return to Arkesia or enter it for the first time with the release of Ignite Servers! We’re excited to be able to support these players in their journey through Arkesia, and are equally as excited to see them arrive in Tier 4 in the coming weeks.
MMORPG: Will players on an Ignite server that don’t have an existing roster be able to transfer to a different server if they have friends they want to join?
Roxanne: Absolutely! When transfers open up on October 23rd, players will be able to select the Legacy server of their choice when moving their character over, even if they are a new player without an existing roster.
MMORPG: What can existing players on current servers expect in terms of benefits to returning to the game?
Roxanne: The Ignite Servers are also helpful to existing players, as they can use it to get a new character up to 1620 to add to their Roster, and reap the generous transfer rewards once they move from Ignite to Legacy servers. This ensures they will have what they need to enjoy the new end game content and systems that have unlocked with Tier 4.
MMORPG: Has any feedback of the KR version of Lost Ark changed how you’re handling the content of the October Update – including how Tier 4’s content is handled?
Roxanne: In the West, we introduced Hyper Awakening and Ark Passive “Leap” tab together along with the T4 gear update. In Korea, Hyper Awakening and Ark Passive weren’t introduced until seven weeks after the T4 launch. The decision to launch these all together in the West was a direct result of hearing not only requests from fans in the West, but also Korean players who had experienced the initial roll out of these systems as well.
We’re constantly ingesting feedback and, with this feedback in mind, the game iterates on not only a Western but also a global level.
MMORPG: Korean servers are now seeing the Kazeros Raid Act 2 – which means this is coming down the pipe in a post Tier 4 world. Will Tier 4 be needed for that upcoming content and are there any internal roadmaps detailing when we might see this (as we don’t see this listed on the roadmap through November).
Roxanne: We’ve got plans shared through November so far, but players will have to tune in towards the end of the year for our next roadmap update and to see what’s to come! For now, we’re fully focused in on Tier 4 and celebrating this new era in Arkesia.
Looking ahead, though, while there’s no specific requirement of utilizing T4 for Kazeros Raid Act 2, considering the HP of the Raid bosses we definitely recommend players activate the Ark Passive system before taking it on!