Rank 2: Lost Ark – The Asia MMO that everyone in the West is waiting for
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: Smilegate| Platform: PC | Model: Free2Play
What is Lost Ark? Lost Ark is a game by the Korean developer Smilegate that merges the isometric perspective of ARPGs with MMORPG elements. The setting is a colorful mix of classic fantasy areas and industrial steampunk. It is already available for free play in Korea and Russia.
Lost Ark offers a vast world and an open ocean with many islands that you can explore with your ships. These activities play a significant role and can yield rare resources. Additionally, it features:
- 12 different classes, with 16 already available in Korea.
- Guardian Raids in which you fight against large boss monsters.
- Chaos Dungeons.
- PvP Arena with rankings and guild versus guild modes.
- Housing on your own island.
- Relationships with NPCs.
How has the development history been so far? Some players were able to enjoy Lost Ark long ago, as the MMORPG had its soft launch in Korea more than a year ago. However, the rest of the world currently does not look so good:
- By the end of 2019, the open beta phase also started in Russia, where the first major content update with new raids was released in the week of January 20. Meanwhile, more and more new content, such as 4 new classes and further continents to explore, is coming in Korea.
- Smilegate announced that in 2020 they would launch a significant offensive abroad to become a “world-renowned developer” and expand their localization team with specialists in English translation.
- Currently, there are rumors that Smilegate has halted their plans for a West release. We have asked the developer for a statement on this, but have not yet received a response.
The potential of Lost Ark is huge
What is Lost Ark at best? At best, Lost Ark is a solid Asian MMORPG. It receives large content updates regularly and does not have strong pay-to-win elements that hinder player progress.
Moreover, it can truly impress with the sailing content.
What is Lost Ark at worst? The rumors prove to be true, and Lost Ark will never be released in the West. Or it does come out here but becomes heavily pay-to-win.
When can you play Lost Ark? Smilegate announced that their “big offensive” will begin after the release of Lost Ark in Japan. So if the game gets a date for 2020, it won’t be until late in the year.
The opinion of the MeinMMO community
- N0ma: “After seeing Lost Ark live myself, the second rank is deserved.”
- Chips: “That top-down MMOs can work was proven by Albion Online. I am optimistic about Lost Ark.”
- Sevenghost: “Smilegate had their chance with Lost Ark to bring what many have been waiting for. But since Blizzard made an impressive announcement with Diablo 4, I doubt that Lost Ark can establish itself here as it could before the announcement.”
