Source: Smilegate

Smilegate announced on the 5th that its flagship MMORPG, Lost Ark, has been updated with a new Shadow Raid featuring the 'Preceptor of Death,' Belgardin.

This raid serves as a continuation of the story from the Kadarum Islands. The narrative structure follows Belgardin’s arrival on the islands, with the prologue to this conflict having begun in a pre-event quest on July 29.

Belgardin, who wields the souls of the dead, is an endgame challenge designed for eight players. The raid is divided into three difficulty levels—Normal, Hard, and Nightmare—with required item levels of 1,750, 1,770, and 1,780, respectively.

The raid consists of two gates. The first battle takes place in the Sanctuary of Holy Rest, where players must withstand Belgardin’s onslaught using sarcophagi and swords as weapons. In the second gate, players face a more powerful entity dwelling within Belgardin: Phetus an Kragma (hereinafter 'Phetus'), the Forger of Death. Phetus unleashes erratic attacks with four arms and deals massive damage through rituals involving fanatics. Additionally, a new 'Holding Just Guard' system has been introduced, allowing players to gain counterattack opportunities by blocking enemy strikes with precise timing, adding to the intensity of the combat.

The rewards are also noteworthy. Regardless of difficulty, adventurers who clear the second gate for the first time will receive a new Epic grade equipment piece, the 'Vambrace.' The Vambrace can be upgraded using resources obtained by defeating Belgardin; it boosts specific stats without affecting the overall item level.

Smilegate has also prepared events to celebrate the update. The 'Belgardin Conquest' runs from August 5 to September 16, offering rewards for completing various missions within the raid. Notably, completing missions on Nightmare difficulty grants special rewards, such as a Relic grade Title and a Party Lounge background.

A Chzzk Drops event will also be held from August 5 to 19. Players who watch Lost Ark live streams on Chzzk will receive various growth resources based on cumulative watch time. Furthermore, adventurers who claim at least one Drops reward will be entered into a raffle for mobile chicken set coupons.

The update also adds new stages to various in-game content, including Chaos Rifts and Guardian Raids. Detailed information about Lost Ark can be found on the official website.