Lost Ark is a relatively new RPG and there is a lot to do in it. One might even argue that there's too much to do in this game. It is with a practiced hand and a good amount of time spent on this game that I have decided to help the newcomers with several pieces of advice to make your Lost Ark experience more robust and enjoyable.

 

Tip #1: Side Quests are Just as Vital as Main Quests

The bulk of experience points, the means by which you can become more powerful, is acquired from questing. This game is distinct in that the side quests pay off almost as much as main quests do, yet some of its side quests can be accomplished in less than a minute. To be blunt, never pass up a side quest.

 

Tip #2: Get Acquainted with the Adventurer's Tome

Pressing the N key on your keyboard will bring up this aspect of your character, showcasing everything you have seen, done and slain. While there are plenty of things you can do in every zone, taking a rigorous approach to going zone-by-zone will do wonders for completing the game and help guide you in the right direction, be it hunting for Mokobo seeds, finding elite bosses, plumbing through secret dungeons or whatever else strikes your fancy.

 

 

Tip #3: Potions and Plumes Are Not Starter Items

While every player will begin with a handful of potions and Phoenix Plumes, the general rule is that these items are only suitable for end-game uses. Unless you are in a dungeon and desperate to finish off the boss when your health is critical, it is better to let those beginner items sit around in your inventory for the late game. Because these sorts of items are incredibly challenging to craft, it is better to keep the ones you start out with for as long as you can than to blow them off in the early stages of play and be left without them during the truly challenging areas.

 

Tip #4: Build Rapport Often and As Early As Possible

This game is littered with NPCs that will have hearts floating above their heads. These are characters that you can build relationships with by talking to them, gifting them things and engaging in other forms of interaction. Memorize these characters's locations and be sure to visit each day. Since much of the late game experience involves building rapport with characters, the sooner you can max out rapport with a character before that point, the better.

 

 

Tip #5: Hold Off On Interacting With the Cash Shop

The cash shop has a lot of items that can tempt you into putting down real money but you should do your best to avoid engaging with it until you hit level 50 and have a feel for what you might want to improve with real money. No one wants to discover that something they thought was amazing at the time of its purchase winds up becoming quickly outclassed just five or 10 levels down the line.

 

Tip #6: Make Use of the Game's Equipment Preset Options

When a game gives you the option to have more than one full kit of gear available with the click of a button, chances are good that the developers understand it will be needed. Once you have a feel for how the game works, you can create different sets of gear for different scenarios; DPS characters, for example, might have one suite of gear for dealing with bosses and a separate preset for dealing with groups of enemies.