Lost Ark launched on February 8 for pre-order players. Today, on February 11, Free2Play players can also explore the world of Arkesia. However, new players can only create their characters on certain servers for now. Particularly, the server Asta, where many German communities gather, cannot be selected.
Update from February 12: During the night, the developers announced that they will partially reopen the servers. They are paying close attention to the queues. What you need to know about the server openings in Lost Ark, you can find out on MeinMMO.
Update: The developers have now announced that many contents of the Founders Packs can be taken to another server as a one-time additional package. Also, 6 new servers for Europe have been announced for the Free2Play launch (via Lost Ark Forum).
What is happening with the servers? In a forum post, developer Sandovall stated that there will be restrictions on server choice.
Since February 10, at 10:45 PM, players can no longer create new characters on some servers. This applies only if you have not previously had at least one character on that server. You can continue to have up to 12 characters on that server.
This is particularly frustrating for players who want to start with Lost Ark on February 11 at 6:00 PM. Because at that time, the game opens for all Free2Play players. They cannot create characters on the servers.
Which servers are affected? In total, five servers from Europe can no longer be selected by new players:
- Asta – the “German server”
- Kadan – the PvP server
- Trixion
- Thirain
- Zinnervale
- Four servers from NA East and two servers from NA West are also affected.
The restriction is expected to remain “for the foreseeable future.” The developers will provide an update as soon as the restriction is lifted.
New servers should provide relief
Where can new players go? In Europe, there are still 6 more servers where players can spread out. Additionally, another server will be opened at night: Beatrice.
The developers also emphasized that there could be further server openings around the Free2Play release.
However, the situation with new servers is complicated.
- On the one hand, there is still no possibility for a server transfer.
- On the other hand, any rewards from pre-order packages or Twitch Drops can only be redeemed on one character. If that character is on the wrong server, you won’t get those items and skins on another server for the foreseeable future.
How bad are the queues? In recent days, it has been nearly impossible to join the queue for the server Asta after 6:00 PM and be able to play before 11:00 PM. It has reportedly been similar on Zinnervale and Kadan.
However, it seems that Amazon is also planning something in this regard. They stated:
While the restrictions on character creation and opening new servers are just a small part of managing this complex situation, we will provide additional information throughout the day regarding the numerous steps we are taking for you, the players. We thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this situation.
via Lost Ark Forum
What this specifically means, we will probably see throughout Friday.
What do you say about the server situation in Lost Ark? Have you also been in hours-long queues?
As the Free2Play launch approaches, we will keep you updated in our live ticker:
