Since its release, Lost Ark has taken the world by storm, quickly rising to the top of streaming services like Twitch and becoming one of the biggest games on Steam in terms of player count.
But why is it so popular?
In this article, we're going to answer that question, exploring everything about this game that makes people love it so much. From the unique gameplay to the riveting story, there's a lot to talk about, so let's jump straight in.
What is Lost Ark?
Lost Ark is a brand-new 2.5D MMO game from Smilegate and Amazon Games, and it's an excellent entry into the genre that's packed chock full of things to do and people to meet.
It was fully released around the world on February 11th, 2022, and immediately became a massive hit, receiving many positive reviews from a variety of publications. And it's free-to-play, meaning anyone can pick it up and give it a go. If you're new to MMOs and are considering trying one out, trust us when we say this is the one.
The gameplay of Lost Ark
Arguably one of Lost Ark's biggest selling points is its gameplay, which is excellent in so many ways you wouldn't even believe. One especially great part is the combat, which just feels so fluid and satisfying every time you play.
This MMO game caters to all kinds of different play styles, too, giving you a range of different classes to choose from, all boasting unique equipment and abilities. We've summarized the 5 main classes and their sub-classes below:
-
Assassin (Shadowhunter & Deathblade): Assassins are deadly killers, able to channel dark forces into their attacks to deal massive amounts of damage.
-
Gunner (Gunslinger, Artillerist, Deadeye & Sharpshooter): Gunners use special ranged weapons to deal damage from afar. Whether you want to sacrifice maneuverability for power or prefer being as agile as possible, there's a gunner sub-class here for you.
-
Mage (Bard, Sorceress): Mages channel magic in different ways. Bards offer healing and support, while sorceresses control the elements to cause havoc across the battlefield.
-
Martial Artist (Striker, Wardancer, Scrapper, Soulfist): If you like getting up close and personal with your enemies, then this is the class for you. With the speed you'll possess, your enemies won't even know what hit 'em.
-
Warrior (Berserker, Paladin, Gunlancer): Warriors aren't the nimblest fighters, but what they lack in speed, they make up for heavily in power.
Each class brings something new to the table, and if this amount of gameplay variety doesn't impress you, we don't know what will.
What you can do in Lost Ark
Now, you're probably wondering what exactly you can do in the world of Lost Ark, so let's talk about some of the more interesting aspects of the game.
First and foremost, there's the excellent campaign, which takes you on an epic journey across a war-torn landscape, where you'll take on enemies in strategic PvE combat and discover the secrets of the enormous in-game world. The content is ever-expanding, too, so expect many more quests and challenges to appear later down the line in future updates.
Next, let's talk about all the co-op features, which are a big part of the MMOARPG experience. You can do most of the story missions with a friend, which is awesome, and there are even raids, dungeons, and various other PvE activities you can take part in with others. Not only are they a blast to do, but they're also great ways to earn new pieces of gear, so be sure to give them a go.
And lastly, it's worth noting that there's also a whole section of the game dedicated to PvP, so if that's something you enjoy, you're in luck. There's the option for 1-on-1 fights, but if you prefer teaming up with others, you can also try out some of the 3-vs-3 game modes. Lots of fun to be had here.
The secret to Lost Ark's popularity
Lost Ark is popular for a whole host of reasons, including its excellent gameplay and visuals, but we don't think it would be anywhere near as popular as it is if it wasn't free to play. By making it accessible to everyone, the growth potential becomes unlimited, and in our eyes, that's the secret to the game's stunning popularity.
Check if you can run it with SysRqmts
Lost Ark can be quite graphically intensive at times, so we'd recommend using the SysRqmts tool to see if your computer can run the game before you download it. The tool is free, quick, and easy to use, so be sure to check it out. You can even check your PC specs against various other popular titles including Elden Ring, Destiny 2, and FIFA 22.
