Lost Ark Unveils Server Merges, Early Events, and Major Upgrades

Smilegate responded to community feedback and clarified their moderation policies regarding the Style Book and Stronghold Portrait systems in Lost Ark.

They confirmed that showcases of cosmetics and skins for the free-to-play ARPG—including swimwear—are permitted, while uploads depicting sexual activities or using dyes to simulate nudity will be subject to penalties under Amazon Games’ Code of Conduct. The developers stressed their commitment to fostering a respectful environment while still encouraging player creativity within established boundaries.

The July update introduces a plethora of content and enhancements beyond what was previously revealed in the roadmap. Significant additions include the return of the Maharaka Festival featuring new swimsuit skins, a comprehensive overhaul of the Achievement system, four new hairstyles, and various beginner-oriented enhancements such as guide mission adjustments and lowered gear crafting requirements. Quality-of-life improvements will impact essential activities like Kurzan Frontline, Guardians, and Una’s Tasks. Additionally, in response to robust community demand, progression events like the Powerpass and Mokoko Challenge Express will be launched early, offering new and returning players the chance to participate ahead of the Valkyrie Advanced Class release in August.

Looking to the future, the team has announced a significant server merge slated for fall 2025, which will combine NA West and NA East into one unified North American region. This long-anticipated move aims to consolidate the player base but will necessitate considerable resources, resulting in the postponement of other initiatives such as API development.