Free-to-play MMO Lost Ark totally reworks the grind with bold new Paradise mode

The Lost Ark Paradise update is here, and it's changing the free-to-play MMORPG forever. The biggest game on Steam back at its global launch in February 2022, Lost Ark has dropped down the Valve charts since. In an attempt to win back some of that audience, Amazon Games has been working with Smilegate to build a new mode specifically designed for the game's worldwide audience. It's an experimental, solo-focused way to play that totally overhauls progression, offering a fresh spin on the mechanics of Lost Ark that's accessible to all players, circumnavigating its notorious catch-up process and endgame grind.

I enjoyed my time with Lost Ark, and I'm frequently tempted to return. The world is stunning, the combat is a really satisfying, class-driven spin on ARPGs such as Path of Exile and Diablo, and the story gets extremely weird in a way that I ended up enjoying more than I initially expected. However, the intense gear grind and a need to constantly check in to try and keep up with the rest of the player base meant I eventually dropped off, even though it earns a spot among our best MMORPGs, and is a free Steam game on top of that.

Paradise mode is the answer to those grind frustrations. It's been created specifically for the global version of Lost Ark, and aims to increase the speed of progression through multiple new activities, most of which are focused around solo play. It's easy and accessible for any player to jump into, and the first season runs from today, July 23, through until Wednesday November 12.

The base gameplay starts in Elysian, where you'll be set against waves of monsters that you'll need to clear out, and you'll earn the new 'Legacy of Paradise' gear for playing along with other useful materials. These drops form the basis for Paradise; once you've established a solid build, you can take this into the Crucible to face bosses in one-on-one showdowns. The gear bonuses supply the bulk of your power in this mode, and mean that even typical support classes will be capable of going toe to toe with these threats.

Your success in the Crucible grants you keys to Hell, a 100-floor dungeon reminiscent of the original Diablo. Based on the grade and rank of your key, you'll be able to descend a set amount through this zone, with additional effects stacking up as you progress. At the end of a Hell run, you're awarded rewards based on how far you progressed, with the ability to choose between chests of various payout types depending on what you need most.

Paradise mode is certainly something I'm interested to try, but it's far from the only notable addition in the hefty Lost Ark July update. Solo mode has been given an overhaul, designed to create "a good tutorial for new players who can use it to learn how to play their class, practice their rotations, and develop a baseline understanding." The two-gate Aegir raid from Kazeros has been made available as a solo encounter, and the solo mode exchange is expanded to include tier four materials and gems.

There are plenty more events to look forward to, including the summertime Maharaka Festival, the return of Mokoko Bootcamp (designed to reward veterans for helping out newcomers), party finder upgrades, and a wealth of UI improvements including new ways to organize your character profile and skin collection.

The Lost Ark July update is out now. You can play for free on Steam. Read the patch notes courtesy of Amazon Games and Smilegate for a complete rundown of all the changes.

If you enjoy the top down perspective but aren't as fussed about the MMO side, try another of the best games like Diablo in 2025. You might also want to consider upgrading to the best gaming mouse for PC to make sure you never miss a click.

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