What's next for Lineage 2? NCSoft developers answered questions from players in Russia.

A meeting with Korean developers NCSoft, creators of the legendary game Lineage 2 , took place in Russia for the first time . Russian localizers from 4Game, media representatives, and players themselves participated in the event.

The event lasted approximately five hours, with a significant portion of it broadcast live. The developers shared their plans for the game's development, answered questions from viewers, and actively engaged with the audience.

The Lineage 2 team's meeting with players demonstrated a key point: the developers are ready for open dialogue and are attentive to community feedback. Despite differences in opinion on a number of issues, the discussion was rich and touched on key issues in the game, from class balance to the future of the project.

One of the main development vectors will be improving existing systems without radical changes. The team will focus on deepening current content, adding new gameplay activities, reworking classes, and developing PvP. At the same time, the developers acknowledged balance issues and a significant gap between players, particularly in the PvP segment, and confirmed that work on these issues is already underway.

Special attention was paid to new and returning players. Lineage 2 Main plans include making progression smoother, especially after level 105, and introducing content that will help bridge the gap between different player categories.

Community questions revealed a strong interest in nostalgic content—old locations, mechanics, and classic versions of the game. The developers haven't ruled out the return of elements from the past, but emphasize that they will be reworked and adapted to modern realities.

The topics of monetization and pay-to-win were also discussed. Team representatives acknowledged the existing gap between players, but noted that it is impossible to completely eliminate it. However, options for providing more opportunities to players without large investments are being discussed.

Other important topics include:

• possible launch of classic servers;

• development of PvE and PvP content;

• improving game systems (including reconnection and game usability);

• refinement of old classes and mechanics;

• combating imbalances and technical problems.

It's worth noting that the team is considering expanding the Lineage 2 universe beyond the game—ideas for creating films, TV series, and other media content are being discussed.

The main outcome of the meeting was that the developers heard the players and are ready to continue the dialogue. Many decisions are still under discussion, but the direction for development has been outlined: greater attention to the community, gradual improvements, and an attempt to preserve the unique atmosphere of Lineage 2, which has captivated players for over 20 years.

If you missed this important and historic event, we invite you to read the full text version of the meeting below.

Below is the text of the audio recording of the event.

Today we've gathered to discuss our favorite game, to share emotions and memories—for some. Please raise your hands if you've played it at least once. That's already good, good. Today we've gathered those united by emotion, team spirit, and genuine love. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet, share impressions, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. We're so glad to see you.

We'll now invite our speakers to the stage, who will also tell you interesting things and answer your questions—your questions, of which we've received more than 700 on our social media.

And let me introduce the participants of our event today:

David Akopyan (4game): Well, hello again everyone, it's great to see you all. Thank you so much for coming this Friday evening and spending it with us. A big thank you to the NC developers for coming. They probably don't show it, but they're really excited. So please give them a warm welcome and support. Thank you, have a great evening!

Andrey Mayakin (4game): Hello everyone! I'm so glad to see you all. I know many of you—some remotely, some in person. I missed you. I've been working at the company for over 17 years, and I've dedicated most of them to Lineage 2. It's an important part of my life. We've been developing the project together with the guys who came to visit us, and we've invested a lot of effort into it. We've been not only partners but also friends for a long time now. Thank you for coming.

Han Yun-hong (NC, Lead Producer): We came to talk to you and build trust. I came to Russia to meet you in person and listen to your stories. We want to hear your opinions, correct what needs to be corrected, and explain anything you need. I hope this will help build trust between us all.

Kim Qunyong (NC, Global Manager): Hello, my name is Kim Qunyong, and I'm the Global Manager for Lineage 2. I want to hear your voice, give you feedback, show you how we're moving forward, and build your trust. After all, Lineage 2 is a game you're creating. Thank you.

David Akopyan — Project Manager for Lineage 2;Andrey Mayakin — Director of Operations for 4game;Han Yun-hung — Lead Producer for Lineage 2;Kim Kyung-yong — Global Manager for Lineage 2

❓ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Block 1 - Prepared Questions

❓ Question 1: How do you see the future development of our favorite game?

✅ Answer (Han Yun-hoon / Kim Kyun-yong, NC): This year, we decided to focus on in-depth development based on the existing system and content. Our goal is to maintain the solid foundation of the existing structure, add new elements to the gameplay experience, and deliver an even richer gaming environment.

Specific plans:

Adding a new end-game boss, Fafurion, and the third of the four demons.Accelerating character progression.Class skill changes and balance improvements.New hunting zones focused on group play.Large-scale 50v50 PvP content with random matchmaking.Developing the Dark Fortress content.Creating new classes with full reworks, not just rebalancing.Addressing gameplay inconveniences—small but noticeable issues.

Question 2: Lineage 2 was one of the first games that helped Russian players socialize, find friends, partners, and even love. Now the market is brimming with alternative projects. How can we preserve and support that same value in today's world?

✅ Answer (NC): We still believe Lineage 2 is a fairly competitive game. You've been playing it for a very long time, and we'll continue to work to ensure it remains competitive. To do this, we'll communicate with you and learn what specifically needs to be improved.

❓ Question 3: Is there a plan to migrate the game to a newer Unreal Engine or another engine?

✅ Answer (NC): This will be a very important moment, because many will love this change, while others will not. And, of course, it will be very expensive. It really depends on you. (The answer was considered vague, and no specific timeframe was given.)

❓ Question 4: When will the 1v1 Olympiad return? It was more interesting, and the 3v3 Olympiad didn't meet the expectations of many players.

✅ Answer (NC): The 1v1 Olympiad had many problems: imbalance, too much influence of the winner. We switched to the 3v3 format to address these issues. There are no plans to return to the 1v1 Olympiad.

Our development team is receiving the most comments about the return of the 1v1 Olympics from Russia. It's difficult to say at this point whether there will be any follow-up, but we'll definitely share your thoughts. Perhaps something will change through communication.

❓ Question 5: Why aren't many good locations from the past used in the current Lineage 2? Why can't they be brought back for leveling or as session zones? For example, Gracia is a huge territory, but there's no game there.

✅ Answer (NC): The locations from the past are very beautiful and linger in the memory, but we're working specifically on new content. Regarding the Gracia region, we tried working on it, but the reaction within the team wasn't entirely positive. There are no plans for that yet, but we'll keep thinking about it.

❓ Question 6: Are there any plans to launch a classic Lineage 2 Classic, similar to the one launched in Russia in 2014?

✅ Answer (NC): (The audience's reaction was very strong.) Judging by the reaction, we'll have to discuss this next week. If that's what you all want, we'll think about it.

Question 7: I'd like to see a plot follow through in the game—at least a little bit, like there was with the Seven Seals. Are there plans for the main characters to develop further?

✅ Answer (NC): Unfortunately, we can't say Lineage 2 reaches a high level in this regard. Working on the story takes a lot of time, and we're afraid to disappoint players. New bosses may appear around fall, and we'll try to work on the scenarios to elicit a positive response from you.

❓ Question 8: Have you ever encountered any funny force majeure events or situations at work?

✅ Answer (NC): We always do serious work, so there are no funny stories—it's a joke. When we were working on the hunting zones, there was an incident: our NC director was playing and trying out these hunting zones, something didn't work out for him, and he asked us, "What is this thing?" Other than that, we don't have anything particularly interesting to say.

❓ Question 9: I really liked the concept of a PvE server in the Essence version. Is it possible to open a similar PvE server in our region for the Main version?

✅ Answer (NC + David): We didn't want to open a separate PvE server for the main version, but in Russia, such plans are very popular—we didn't expect that. Adding such elements requires a lot of effort and time. We'll think about it.

David added: We don't plan to open PvE servers for the main game in the near future. We don't see enough interest in them to warrant creating separate servers.

❓ Question 10: With characters constantly growing in power and complex systems emerging, how do you plan to bridge the gap between returning and new players to keep the competitive spirit of Lineage 2 Essence accessible?

✅ Answer (NC): We know that one of the main issues right now is the large gap between users, especially in PvP. We'd like to focus on the ADEN server first. This will likely be achieved through the introduction of special content closer to summer.

❓ Question 11: Which update was the most challenging to implement, and which one left you with fond memories during preparation?

✅ Answer (NC): The most challenging part was the Samurai launch. From a development perspective, we were doing it simultaneously in several countries and were able to pull it off thanks to the large number of people involved.

❓ Question 12: Will there be gifts to celebrate the event?

✅ Answer (David): Of course, yes. Promo codes for different versions of the game:

Block 2 - Questions from the audience

❓ Question 13 (viewer): I've been playing since the second Chronicles, in 2004. The game has defined my career, and I have a huge number of friends and acquaintances. Have you ever considered going beyond the game and making something like a film, literature, or cartoon?

✅ Answer (NC): If we have the opportunity, absolutely. We'll look for opportunities and try to make it happen.

❓ Question 14 (spectator): What are your favorite classes in the game?

✅ Answer (Han Yunhong, NC): I played a Phantom Ranger, a Dark Elf archer. And I've been a loyal player of this class for a long time.

❓ Question 15 (spectator, Rogue player for 10+ years): The "Absolute Evasion" skill was recently updated, adding 700 evasion. However, some items have very high accuracy, which reduces the skill's effectiveness. There are very few evasion items in the game. Are you planning to add more evasion to Rogue items or skills?

(Clarification from the developers: "Is the biggest problem the Rogue's survivability?")(Viewer's response: "Yes, survivability is the biggest problem.")

✅ Answer (NC + David): Yes, that's an issue. Balance is a very delicate matter, and it's important to understand whether to address it through items or through abilities. In the near future, balance changes will mostly affect other classes, but the Rogue won't be abandoned—they'll definitely get their turn.

❓ Question 16 (viewer): In the main version, character progression slows down significantly after level 105. It's very difficult for a new player to get past this point. Is there any way to improve the smoothness of progression after level 105?

✅ Answer (NC): The developers believe this progress should be more gradual, not step-by-step. Once specific measures are available, they will try to implement them. This topic is under development.

❓ Question 17 (viewer): Is it possible to somehow organize seniority specifically based on class? For example, if you play a tank for five years, you'll earn a level 5 rune. This would motivate players to stick with their classes.

✅ Answer (David): We want to extend the seniority system, which is already in place in the Main (as a testing ground), to all versions. We're pleased with how it's going. It's unlikely to be tied to a specific class, but a seniority system similar to the Main version should be available in all versions.

❓ Question 18a (viewer, to David): When will the next transfer waves be in the main event? Will this be a common occurrence?

✅ Answer (David): After three transfer waves, we need to wait for the server situation to stabilize. We'll receive feedback and process it. For something to happen, there needs to be a reason—for example, a clear imbalance. If everyone suddenly wants to move, we'll notice.

❓ Question 18b (same viewer, to the developers): The main version has very poor PvP balance. There are only a few working classes—wolf, samurai, tank. Everyone else is unusable. Will PvP be rebalanced, and how is it being tested?

✅ Answer (NC + David): Initially, of course, they want to achieve perfect balance, but perfect balance is unattainable. There can't be a situation where all players are happy with the balance. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Here, users can help: the more you talk about your concerns, the higher the chances that these issues will be addressed first.

❓ Question 19 (viewer, 21 years in the game): Is it possible to add content that could bring back memories from childhood or youth for older players? For example, a temporary zone in old locations with a debuff to old character stats, quests, weapon crafting, and legacy items upon completion?

✅ Answer (NC): Locations from the past evoke the warmest feelings, and, of course, using them is a very good idea. But the developers are trying to avoid a situation where old content is simply taken in its current state. They're trying to take the best of the old and update it, creating a mixture of nostalgia and something new. It's difficult to give specifics right now, but the idea is already in development, and your opinion has been heard.

(The viewer added that he was referring to the quest that transported him to the Dark Elven Island in a black-and-white setting. The developers noted that that quest was interesting and promised to check it out.)

❓ Question 20 (viewer, ~20 years in the game): I've been playing Lineage for about 20 years. Currently, in the Essence version, the ability to kill characters is severely limited: the prison system, and the difficulty of escaping it. Because of this, players lack some in-game combat mechanisms. Are there any plans to weaken the prison system or revise it?

✅ Answer (NC): In the PK question, both sides speak differently: those who are killed ask for harsher fines; those who commit murder ask for lenient ones. Finding a happy medium is a very difficult task. Adjustments will be made, the system is not being abandoned, but more information is needed to understand the direction. The audience can help highlight acceptable methods—this will speed up the process.

(Addition: the situation with PK fines in Russia is more lenient than in Korea.)

❓ Question 21 (viewer): Are there any plans to separate locations for characters with magical attacks, physical attacks, melee or ranged?

✅ Answer (NC): There are no such plans yet. The problem is that it's very difficult to control and implement such processes. But we will consider how to mitigate the current situation and introduce positive changes.

Question 22 (viewer, Igor Starik): You've removed crafting, trading, PvP (where hands were the deciding factor), party content, supports, tanks, and sieges. The game's value lay in our players and social features. What's next? What's the path for the coming years?

✅ Answer (NC + David): The developers' job is to ensure that everyone who isn't a whale, everyone who occupies lower-level niches, has their place in the game. Not in the sense that they can't do anything, but that they have the opportunity to enjoy the content and participate in a variety of activities. It's not a quick process, but they're working on it.

David added: trading, party play, and sieges were content that added flavor to the game and helped average players enjoy it, not just the elite.

❓ Question 23 (viewer, Legacy Classic): When the Veil of Mystery opens, which classes are you planning to rework first and when? Many skills in Classic are out of date, and many professions are unplayable.

✅ Answer (NC): This won't be listed in order. The focus will be on analyzing existing class skills: whether a skill is suitable for hunting, how effective it is, where to add it, and where to improve the balance.

(Clarification: Which class needs balance the most?)(Answer: Dwarves—Spoiler and Crafter. The Spoiler has a situation where the character should be receiving rewards, but there are issues with them. This is a pressing issue, and they will address it.)

❓ Question 24 (viewer, regarding Legacy Classic): Are there plans to open new Legacy Classic servers on Korean servers? And is there a plan to introduce cross-server trading?

✅ Answer (NC): The Legacy version isn't very active in Korea, so there are no plans to open a new server. Regarding interserver trading, the plan is to generally maintain the economy at the server level. Interserver trading is not currently planned.

(David clarified: there's a problem with black coupons—an item is purchased on one server and restored on another. This issue will be addressed, but it's difficult to resolve right now.)

❓ Question 25 (viewer): Are there any plans to improve raid boss drops? For example, on Samurai servers, bosses currently drop a single Life Stone worth 20 coins, but entering the point requires 70 coins. Fighting bosses is pointless because it wastes resources and time, and there's no reward.

✅ Answer (NC): The goal is to ensure that everyone has something to do, so that every segment of the playerbase can play engagingly. New content will be introduced. Please be patient—the situation should improve gradually.

❓ Question 26 (same viewer): They introduced a reconnect system after errors 7 and 8. To use it, you have to press "accept," then the character logs in, and you have to press "auto-combat" again. What's the point of this system in 2026 if it doesn't automatically restart the character and put them on auto-combat?

✅ Answer (NC): We understand the inconvenience. The problem is that automatic launch raises many security issues. We'll be looking into what else needs to be improved. Since this raises questions, we'll consider what can be done about it.

❓ Question 27 (viewer - actor and dubbing director, 20 years in the game): Are you planning to make a film or series based on Lineage 2 - like, for example, League of Legends with Arcane?

✅ Answer (David): We've been thinking about these ideas for a while. Our goal is to maximize the Lineage 2 IP, primarily in Russia and the CIS. Producing this kind of content requires professionals and significant resources. But now might be the perfect time for us to take the initiative. The company has grown, and we've acquired new partners. I'm not promising anything, but we're definitely working on this idea right now.

❓ Question 28 (same viewer): In the Legacy version of TOI, the Death Knight transformation drops. At 19 minutes, when the transformation ends, you can rebuff the buffs, and after the transformation wears off, the buffs remain. The knife, which is already unbalanced, starts doing insane damage. Is this a bug or is this intended?

✅ Answer (NC): Sounds like a bug. We'll update the bug tracker and ask you to take another close look at it. It's the weekend, and they're in Moscow—they can't resolve the issue right away, but they'll pass on all the information and get to work on it.

❓ Question 29 (viewer, main version): The cost of a high-boost character in Russia is approximately $400,000. The game has become more for the elite, not for everyone. The opportunity to progress through the game has disappeared. How would you comment on this situation?

✅ Answer (David + discussion): You can progress through gaming, but it takes a very long time. Pay2Win speeds up your progress. To be in the top 10, you need to invest a lot. But if your goal isn't to be in the top 10, then the gap with the top players isn't as concerning: those in the top 10 are few and far between, and we all know them by name.

(The interviewee countered: "Content is created by the masses, and now the masses, seeing this difference, are demotivated. I'd like to see content where people, even without a lot of money, but with skill and desire, could make a name for themselves.")

David: I partially agree. A player without skill won't beat a player with a lower boost at the Olympics unless they know how to use defensive abilities. Skill is still there. We'll try to discuss whether something can be done.

Andrey added: This discussion has been ongoing since 2009. Stratification due to investments is inevitable; the only question is whether it occurs through the official store or the black market. The team constantly provides feedback to the developers, and everyone is aware of this and is looking for a solution.

🎙 FINAL REMARKS

Thanks for coming, guys. How are you enjoying Moscow? How's our hospitality?

Kim Kun-yong (NC): I can say with confidence: Innova is our best partner. Thank you.

On this wonderful note, I propose to bid farewell to our broadcast viewers. Fellow viewers, thank you for attending our live broadcast. I now turn the floor over to our speakers.

David (4game): Thank you all so much for your questions—especially the pointed ones, the ones you thought would put us in an awkward position. Thanks to the people in the chat; sometimes they were downright hilarious—I laughed a couple of times. We love you very much, and we'll try to bring you more events.

Andrey (4game): I really enjoyed the format we had today—it was quite heartfelt. Please give me some feedback on whether we should do it again. I think the team is ready to invite partners and repeat these events, perhaps even make them a tradition, an annual event.

Han Yunhong (NC): I want to thank everyone who attended and watched. We can't please everyone, but we always do our best. Thanks to your presence, we have Lineage 2—and thanks to your presence, we have us. Thank you.

Kim Kun-yong (NC): We understand we can't make everyone happy. But we'll do everything we can to make the game better. Tell us what's bothering you, what you like, what you don't—we'll do our best to gather as much information as possible through this communication and make the game as good as possible. Thank you!