Heroes of Arkesia,
We have seen a lot of community discussion over the past few months and wanted to take a moment to clarify our stance on bussing related topics and some policy adjustments. First, we’ll cover some details for the upcoming update, and then dive into policy adjustments built to make the party-finder tool a better experience.
February Updates
Wildsoul + Progression Events
The latest class— Wildsoul— will arrive alongside progression events built to support it, including a South Kurzan Powerpass, the latest Mokoko Express event, and a third event in the works (spoiler alert, expect some help with Advanced Honing). We typically see a higher volume of returning players for new class releases and progression events, and want to ensure that they are not only supported by in-game systems, but also the broader Lost Ark community.
Mokoko Bootcamp
To help further teach these players the ropes, or brush up on rusty raiding skills, we are bringing back the Mokoko Bootcamp Event. Community feedback coming out of the event’s debut was extremely helpful, and something we will continue to look at coming out of the second iteration of the event. We are looking into longer-term solutions to make the event a permanent system in the game, but weren’t ready to roll out those changes in time for the Wildsoul release and progression events. This version of the Mokoko Bootcamp will include players who had not logged-in within the last 60 days, or created a new account within the last 60 days, and who are under Item Level 1670. For the more permanent solution, we will continue to evaluate what defines a Mokoko. This event will run for a few months, similar to the initial iteration (with some refreshed and updated rewards) as we continue to monitor in-game data and player feedback on our path to making it a more permanent system.
Players will notice overhauls to the rewards, including a new special “Mokoko Legion Commander” title. We saw a lot of feedback on the volume of other available rewards, and will be juicing those up to ensure the event is worthwhile to all players. And, as we know you’re curious, while the event itself will not give away a Relic Engraving Selector, there will be one arriving for players elsewhere in the February update. We hope the special chase items along with increased honing and other progression materials will make it worthwhile for all.
We’re looking forward to seeing how this event helps support new and returning players joining for the February update, and will be monitoring your feedback as we look to solidify the future of Mokoko Bootcamp.
Party Finder Policy Adjustments & Reminders
Given the context discussed around supporting returning players and coupled with the return of the Mokoko Bootcamp, we will no longer permit the promotion of bussing and other services from the in-game party-finder tool. Our goal is to foster a better party-finder experience for new or returning players where they can better find learning groups with each other, or find a veteran party willing to show a Mokoko the ropes in exchange for Mokoko Bootcamp event tokens.
For the first two weeks (beginning tomorrow, February 18), players violating the new policy will receive a 15-minute suspension as a first time reminder and warning, with subsequent penalties beginning at 1 day, with escalating penalties (up to week-long and then month-long suspensions) for repeat offenses. After the two week period concludes, suspensions for violating the policy will begin at 1 day, and then follow the escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Spamming chat (such as Area Chat) with promotions will also incur the same penalty.
Bussing in Lost Ark has always been an “at your own risk” activity. Gold, items, or materials accepted from other players may be attached to a bad faith history, and subject for removal. Players may receive penalties if they receive illicit items, as it can be hard to verify the intention for payments that included gold generated from bots or past RMT, and will need to appeal the decision with appropriate evidence.
As a final note while we’re talking about making the Party Finder a more welcoming experience, we wanted to provide a reminder that offering piloting services is a serious offense and will incur corresponding penalties, including permanent bans.
Thank you for your continued passion, feedback, and for being part of the Lost Ark community. We will continue to listen and use in-game data to inform our policies, and appreciate your participation and role that your voice plays in shaping the future of Arkesia. We’re excited for the Wildsoul’s release later this month, along with new progression events and the return of Mokoko Bootcamp, and hope these policies help foster a better experience for the players in the community who need help learning and growing as they charge ahead on their adventures in Arkesia.
