Is Lost Ark pay to win?

In a world where micro-transactions are commonplace in games, there is always the question of whether or not you can pay your way to victory. Lost Ark, being a free-to-play MMO, has a few advantages to offer players who are willing to spend real-world money. However, spending money on any of these things does not technically make Lost Ark pay-to-win.

Beyond speeding up the grind, Lost Ark does not offer substantial benefits to paying players that it doesn't also offer to free-to-play players. That said, one thing that paying players do get is convenience. Lost Ark is a long and rewarding grind for those players who have the time and dedication, but not everyone has that time. Therefore, players who spend real money on the game can get access to some benefits that make the grind slightly quicker than those playing for free.

Related: What is Crystalline Aura in Lost Ark?

One of the things players can purchase with real money is called Crystalline Aura. This is sort of an in-game subscription item that binds the account with Beatrice’s Blessing. This blessing removes the Triport cost, reduces the ocean liner costs, increases life energy recovery, adds Bifrost slots, reduces the Song of Return cooldown, and unlocks pet functions like selling and repairing items, among other things.

Thus, Lost Ark is not technically pay-to-win, and while Crystalline Aura does make things more convenient, it won't actually make the game easier. In Lost Ark, there is nothing you can purchase with real money that makes enemies weaker or your character stronger. Free-to-play players will be able to keep up with paying players pretty easily.

For more Lost Ark guides, check out Lost Ark – How to change the AFK timer right here on Pro Game Guides.