NC's mobile MMORPG 'Lineage M' has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in revenue across both major app stores for the first time in 210 days.

An NC official stated on the 4th, "A large-scale 9th-anniversary update, including a 'class' reboot for the 'Elf', is scheduled for June," adding, "Anticipation for the new content appears to have positively influenced the ranking shift."

Notably, since November 2025, 'Lineage M' has allowed direct PC payments, bypassing mobile in-app purchases that incur a 30% commission. With PC payments currently estimated to account for 20% to 40% of total revenue, this return to the top spot is considered more significant than in the past.

Recent content improvements and events also drove the revenue rebound.

Through a recent patch, NC addressed the issue of 'free-riding' in the Death Knight party dungeon. Users who do not contribute to the elimination of Baphomet in Phase 1 are now expelled from the party, while those who manually navigate to the underwater tunnel destination in Phase 2 receive additional rewards, such as 500 Honor Coins.

Starting the same day, transfers between the Talking Island/Windwood worlds and the Gludio/Gracia worlds were unlocked, allowing players to move for 900 Adena. A limited-time crafting event for the fourth week of May was also held, allowing players to craft items like Blessing Chests using 64 Growth Potions.

Expectations for future updates are also taking shape.

Last month, NC revealed some details of the 9th-anniversary update during its 'Standby M' broadcast. The core Elf class reboot includes the addition of high-tier fire-type spirit magic based on a magma concept, as well as improvements to ranged combat.

Additionally, the update will feature new narrative-driven hunting grounds, strategic matching-based PVP content, a revamp of the Temple of Void, and the addition of unique-grade weapons for all classes, including the Sword of Girutas.