Lost Ark is still region-locked: the Korean and Russian versions want a local IP address, and the Western release isn’t available everywhere. The best VPN to get around that is NordVPN, with 60 Seoul servers, US and European servers for the Western version, and DDoS protection!
As a lifelong MMORPG player, I wanted in on the action – so I put the top VPNs for online gaming to the test again.
If not NordVPN, try Surfshark (unlimited devices), PrivateVPN (budget Seoul server), ProtonVPN (the only Russian servers here), or ExpressVPN (low latency).
So, if you want to defeat Kazeros and his demon army, keep reading!
Top 3 VPNs for Lost Ark
Surfshark
Best for dodging VPN blocks
- Seoul server for the Korean version
- Camouflage Mode and NoBorders
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
NordVPN
Best for Korean and Western play
- 60 servers in Seoul
- DDoS protection for PvP
- NordLynx and obfuscated servers
PrivateVPN
Best for Lost Ark on a budget
- Seoul server location
- WireGuard and a kill switch
- 10 devices from $2.00 a month
If you want to enjoy the MMORPG Lost Ark from anywhere in the world, you need a VPN with servers in South Korea or Russia for the regional versions, or in North America and Europe for the Western one.
You also need robust security features to keep you safe and hidden and fast server speeds for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Luckily, all the VPNs listed in this guide offer robust security features, fast speeds, and servers in at least one of the regions Lost Ark runs in – and our top pick covers Korea, the US, and Europe.
Join me below as I discuss my research and findings!
A Quick Peek at the Best VPNs for Lost Ark
In this guide, I’ll discuss my research and findings in-depth.
But if you’re in a rush, don’t stress it!
Here’s a quick peek at my top five best VPNs for Lost Ark:
- NordVPN – Best Lost Ark VPN
- Surfshark – Seoul Server and Two Obfuscation Modes
- PrivateVPN – Budget Seoul Server for Korean Lost Ark
- ProtonVPN – Secure Russian Servers
- ExpressVPN – Premium Low-Latency Lost Ark VPN
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Lost Ark
1. NordVPN – Best Lost Ark VPN
NordVPN is my top pick for Lost Ark, and Seoul is where it makes its case: when I checked its server list for this update, it had 60 servers in the South Korean capital, so a packed server at Korean prime time is one reconnect away from a quieter one.
Its DDoS protection covers the PvP side. Arenas are where sore losers go hunting for IP addresses, and with NordVPN connected, all they find is a NordVPN server.
For the Western version, its 7,000+ servers in 150 countries include all 50 US states and most of Europe. What it lacks is a Russian location: NordVPN has no servers in Russia, so Russian-client players should look at ProtonVPN.
Stick to NordLynx for speed. In my gaming roundup, it lost under 6 Mbps of a 212 Mbps line on a nearby server. Korea is a longer trip: my original test from Bratislava to Seoul gave 137 Mbps with a 384 ms ping, and ExpressVPN pinged lower on the same route, but that’s still far more bandwidth than the client needs.
Speed Without NordVPN:
Speed With NordVPN:
If a firewall blocks VPN traffic, turn on NordVPN’s obfuscated servers. They run over OpenVPN rather than NordLynx and aren’t in every country, so I only use them when a normal connection gets refused.
The good news is Smilegate (Lost Ark’s developers) doesn’t seem to block players who use a VPN – at least not yet.
Threat Protection (Pro on the higher-tier plans) and 10 simultaneous connections round it out.
Every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can get a huge discount on the Two-Year Plan by using this link to sign-up!
Pros
- 7,000+ VPN servers in 150 countries worldwide – including 60 in Seoul for the Korean version
- Servers in all 50 US states and across Europe for the Western version
- DDoS protection keeps PvP rivals from knocking you offline
- Fast NordLynx protocol plus obfuscated servers for networks that block VPNs
- Threat Protection and up to 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No Russian servers
- Obfuscated servers run on OpenVPN, which is slower than NordLynx
- ExpressVPN posted a lower ping to Seoul in my tests
2. Surfshark – Seoul Server and Two Obfuscation Modes
Surfshark makes unblocking Lost Ark easier than controlling your character’s movement in-game, and it’s my runner-up.
It has a Seoul location for the Korean version (I confirmed it on Surfshark’s server list for this update), and 4,500+ servers in 100 countries for the Western one.
Surfshark no longer lists a Russian location, but my original test through its Moscow server still shows how little speed it costs: 198 Mbps from a 227 Mbps line, with a 75 ms ping.
Speed Without Surfshark:
Speed With Surfshark:
I never worry that latency or a high ping rate will cause my game to crash or my character to die while playing with Surfshark.
And thanks to much more stable connection quality, I can bank on a smooth gaming experience from start to finish!
And on top of DDoS protection, Surfshark also has two obfuscation features: Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.
While the latter sacrifices some speed, both features hide that you’re using a VPN from Lost Ark, protecting you from IP and VPN bans.
Camouflage Mode is enabled by default when you connect to Surfshark using either OpenVPN protocol.
NoBorders Mode is enabled by navigating to Settings > Advanced and sliding the NoBorders option to the right.
I rank NordVPN higher for its depth in Seoul: 60 servers, against one Surfshark location with no published count. Surfshark wins on households, with unlimited simultaneous connections, CleanWeb, and a kill switch included.
Surfshark is also incredibly affordable:
Even better, you can save on a 2-year subscription by using this link instead – with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Pros
- 4,500+ VPN servers in 100 countries worldwide – including a Seoul location for the Korean version
- Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode bypass network blocks and VPN detection methods
- Blazing fast speeds with low-latency
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
- DDoS protection
- Unlimited multiple device connections
Cons
- Need to manually enable the Kill Switch to protect yourself from IP leaks
- No Russian servers any more
- A single Seoul location with no published server count
3. PrivateVPN – Budget Seoul Server for Korean Lost Ark
PrivateVPN is the budget way into the Korean version: its server list includes a Seoul location (I checked privatevpn.com/serverlist/ for this update).
For the Western release, it has a dozen US cities, from New York to Seattle, and plenty of European ones, such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London. The screenshot above is from a session on its Italian server.
Size is the trade-off: 200+ servers in 63 countries and just one Seoul location, with nowhere else in Korea to go at prime time, and that’s what puts it behind NordVPN and Surfshark.
Use WireGuard in the app and switch on the full-system kill switch under Connection Guard (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux), so a dropped tunnel mid-raid won’t leak your IP. Stealth VPN handles networks that block VPNs, at some cost to speed.
I haven’t tested it on the Seoul route above; in my gaming roundup, it kept 183 Mbps of a 203 Mbps line, behind NordVPN but ample for an MMO.
Privacy-wise, it’s based in Sweden (14 Eyes), and its zero-logs claim has never been independently audited. My PrivateVPN Lost Ark guide covers the setup.
Ten devices can share one account, and 36 months cost $2.00 a month, with 30 days to ask for a refund.
Grab this PrivateVPN deal to lock in that rate.
Pros
- Seoul server location for the Korean version
- A dozen US cities and wide European coverage for the Western servers
- WireGuard plus a full-system kill switch on every platform
- Stealth VPN for networks that block VPN traffic
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- $2.00 a month on the 36-month plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 200+ servers in 63 countries, with a single Seoul location
- No Russian servers
- No-logs policy has not been independently audited
4. ProtonVPN – Secure Russian Servers
Like Surfshark, ProtonVPN offers some of the fastest VPN speeds on the market – and it’s now the only VPN on this list with servers in Russia!
When we did our ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN In-Depth Comparison a few months ago, we were pleasantly surprised to find the privacy-conscious Swiss provider was very nearly as fast as NordVPN.
It performed just as well this time around, delivering low latency and a stable ping rate.
Speed Without ProtonVPN:
Speed With ProtonVPN:
When I checked its server page for this update, it listed 53 servers in Russia and 66 in South Korea, so it’s the pick here for the Russian client. For Korea and the West, though, it costs as much as NordVPN and more than Surfshark and PrivateVPN, so it lands fourth.
ProtonVPN is one of the most secure VPN providers, with user-friendly apps and Secure Core DDoS protection, but it’s also quite expensive.
This is especially so if you want access to all of their servers – most that will help you unblock Lost Ark are only available with the Plus Plan.
Luckily, you can give them a test run with the free version using this link!
Pros
- 20,000+ VPN servers in 140+ countries on the Plus plan – including Russia (53) and South Korea (66)
- Fast speeds with low-latency
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
- Secure Core DDoS protection
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Free Version available (not suitable for unblocking Lost Ark)
Cons
- Most servers that unblock Lost Ark are only available with the ProtonVPN Plus Plan
- No live chat support
- Costs more than Surfshark and PrivateVPN
5. ExpressVPN – Premium Low-Latency Lost Ark VPN
ExpressVPN has VPN servers in 113 countries – and all of them are already obfuscated against VPN trackers and run on its RAM-only TrustedServer technology!
The downside is its reach into the regional versions: there’s 1 South Korean VPN server location and no Russian servers.
This means the Korean version is only an option if you’re a South Korean citizen (or expat) with a valid phone number – otherwise, ExpressVPN is best kept for Amazon’s Western release, where its US and European servers do the job.
But the good news is, every time I put ExpressVPN to the test, I get some of the fastest VPN speeds, with very low in-game latency.
Speed Without ExpressVPN:
Speed With ExpressVPN:
My ping rate is slightly higher than when I’m not using a VPN at all, but playing with ExpressVPN means it isn’t jumping all over the place.
And as all gamers know, the more stable your connection, the better the experience!
ExpressVPN certainly rivals other VPNs for Lost Ark, especially as it offers DDoS protection.
But to enjoy their superior service, you’ll pay more than you would for Surfshark or PrivateVPN.
However, if you use this link, you can save a huge amount on their 1-Year Plan!
Pros
- VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide – including South Korea
- All servers optimized for obfuscation to prevent IP and VPN blocks
- Blazing fast speeds with low-latency
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
- DDoS protection
Cons
- No Russian servers
- Costs more than Surfshark and PrivateVPN
- No automatic app updates
How to Choose the Best VPN to Access Lost Ark From Anywhere in the World?
If you want to shop around before committing, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a VPN to access Lost Ark:
- Servers where your version of Lost Ark runs – South Korea or Russia for the regional versions, and North America or Europe for Amazon’s Western release.
- Fast VPN speeds with low latency and stable ping rates ensure a high-quality gaming experience.
- DDoS protection guarantees underhanded players can’t maliciously interrupt your gameplay – especially in Lost Ark’s PvP mode.
- Obfuscation isn’t an absolute must, but it’s always better to have the option in case of VPN blocks.
- Price is the last thing to consider – if you’re paying a premium subscription fee, does it come with the premium features to match?
How Does a VPN Unblock Lost Ark?
Each version of Lost Ark only lets in players from its own region, but a reliable VPN encrypts your data and hides your real IP address behind the VPN server’s IP.
So, when you connect to a VPN server with a South Korean or Russian IP address (or a North American or European one for the Western release), Lost Ark’s geo-targeting system lets you through instead of blocking the connection.
How to Set Up a VPN for Lost Ark?
Setting up a VPN for Lost Ark is the easy part – but there’s a catch.
Unless you’re a South Korean citizen with a working South Korean mobile phone number trying to log into your Lost Ark account while abroad, you need a VPN with Russian servers – on this list, that means ProtonVPN.
Otherwise, it’s impossible to even download the game.
What about Japan? The Japanese version of Lost Ark closed on 20 March 2024, so a Japanese server no longer gets you into the game. The versions still running are Smilegate’s Korean original, the Russian-language version (published by Astrum Entertainment for Russia and a handful of neighbouring countries), and Amazon’s Western release for North America and Europe, which Smilegate takes over in early 2027.
I’ll show you how to access Lost Ark on Russian and South Korean servers in a minute.
But first, here’s the short version of how to set up a VPN for Lost Ark:
- Purchase a subscription for one of my recommended VPNs for Lost Ark.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Launch the app, log into your VPN account, and connect to a VPN server in Russia.
- Follow the guide below to download and install Lost Ark.
Access Lost Ark on a Russian Server
If you don’t have a valid South Korean number, follow these steps to access Lost Ark on a Russian server from anywhere in the world.
- While connected to a Russian VPN server, create a free mail.ru email address – it’s free to do so, but you’ll want to use Google Chrome’s auto-translate feature (or the Translate plug-in if you use a different browser).
- Visit the official Russian Lost Ark website.
- If you’re using Translate, click on the “Play for Free” button. This is what it looks like in Russian:
- You’ll get the Login or Registration page. Click on the lower-left box, “Log in with Mail.ru.”
- Enter your mail.ru address and password.
- Click the “Proceed” button on the next page.
- When prompted, accept the Terms and Conditions and select “Register.”
- On the top-right screen, select “DOWNLOAD A GAME.”
- Follow the installation instructions and enjoy Lost Ark while connected to your VPN!
Access Lost Ark on the South Korean Server
Remember, this is only possible if you have a valid South Korean number!
If not, use the instructions above to access Lost Ark on the Russian server instead.
Follow these steps below to access Lost Ark on a South Korean server:
- While connected to a South Korean VPN server, visit the Stove website.
- Click “Login” then “Register.”
- Agree to the Terms of Service and choose a nickname for yourself (if you want) that includes Hangeul characters.
- When the “Send verification mail” button turns orange, click on it.
- Stove will send you an email with a verification code; you can’t proceed until you enter it on the site.
- Finally, you’ll be asked to verify your age – which can only be done with a valid South Korean mobile number.
FAQ
Will Using a VPN for Lost Ark Slow Down My Internet Connection?
Yes, using a VPN for Lost Ark will slow down your internet connection.
But with a fast VPN like NordVPN and a server close to the Lost Ark region you play on, the drop in speed should be barely noticeable.
Is a Free VPN Good For Lost Ark?
A free VPN is not good enough for Lost Ark.
In the unlikely chance a free VPN unblocks the game, you’ll have slow speeds, high latency, and barely finish downloading the game before reaching the bandwidth limit.
Conclusion
With 60 servers in Seoul, servers across the US and Europe, DDoS protection, and fast NordLynx connections, NordVPN is the best VPN for Lost Ark.
Start your journey to defeat Kazeros and his demon army with NordVPN by using this link to get the current discount!
