[This post was created as part of NEXON PEAK activities.]

Hello! I'm 온야.

I recently returned to Elsword after about 10 years.
I loved playing it as a child, so I decided to give it another try after all this time.

The game's systems and content had changed so much since I last played.

I started out expecting to level up a familiar character again, but once I got into it, I found there was plenty to learn and so many ways to make my character stronger.

In this post, I'd like to share how I progressed early on after returning to Elsword from a long break, along with my journey to taking on raids, one of the game's current endgame activities.

1. Returning to Elsword After 10 Years

My last memories of Elsword were from around the time of Elrianode.

When I came back, my first thought was...

“Is this really the Elsword I remember?”

So many new regions and dungeons had been added, along with progression systems that hadn't been there when I used to play.

As a returning player, I was most surprised by the progression support events.

The annual summer and winter events offer a variety of temporary items. Thanks to that support, I was able to make quick progress with my character right from the start.

I don't think I would have settled back in so easily without these events.

With help from the events, you can quickly reach El Resonance Level 350, Master Class, and about 1 million Combat Power.

I could hardly have imagined progressing that quickly, so it came as quite a surprise when I returned.

2. A New Main

My old main was Code: Sariel.

Since I'd been away for so long, I decided to start with a new character this time.

I chose Code: Esencia (Eve's 2nd path) .

I've since used a Class Change Ticket, and I'm now playing Code: Antithese (Eve's 4th path) .

Back then, it felt like every character was a damage dealer. In today's Elsword, though, characters have more clearly defined roles in a party.

Alongside the damage dealers, characters who provide buffs or other support for their party members also have an important part to play.

Code: Antithese is primarily a damage dealer, though since the recent balance patch, it seems that most characters other than healers fill a pure damage-dealing role.

After returning, I realized it was important to understand not just a character's individual strengths, but also what role they can fill in a party.

3. Is Leveling Up All There Is? Elsword's Progression Systems

The maximum level in Elsword is 99.

But if you're returning after a long break, this is where things might get a little confusing.

That's because level 99 isn't the end.

Elsword has a separate progression system called El Resonance.

Once your character reaches the level cap, you can keep progressing through El Resonance.

El Resonance improves your character's stats and plays an important part in preparing you for later content.

When I first returned, I had to start by learning what El Resonance even was.

I used to think progression was simply about leveling up and getting better gear. Now, though, I've found that it's important to keep up with El Resonance, equipment, and other character progression systems together.

4. My First Raid After Returning

Once I'd made some progress with my character, I naturally started taking an interest in raids.

I decided to try the Serpentium Raid.

The problem was...

I'd only just managed to clear Single Mode!

I was worried about joining a party raid when I still hadn't properly learned the mechanics.

Since raids involve several people playing together, one person's mistake can affect the whole party. (ㅠㅠ)

I joined a progression party before I fully understood the mechanics, and we failed several times.

I was still getting used to the mechanics, so my party members had to help me out several times… (Thank you)

Clearing the two dungeons took quite a while, but my party members patiently explained the mechanics and stayed with me until the end. Thanks to them, we made it through.

As someone coming back after a long break, that was one of the things that stayed with me most.

Beyond discovering how much the game's systems had changed, I also rediscovered the fun of tackling content together with other players.

If you're returning and hoping to try raids, here are a few things to keep in mind!

• Find out what role your character plays in a party

• Learn the raid's basic mechanics beforehand (on YouTube, for example)

• Practice in Single Mode first, if possible

• Pay attention to other players' strategies when playing in a party

These are the four things I'd recommend focusing on as you prepare.

Closing Thoughts…

Returning to Elsword after 10 years, I found a game quite different from the one I remembered.

From new dungeons to El Resonance, raids, and character roles, there was a lot to learn from scratch.

I've been enjoying it for about 11 months now, since last October.

Still, the events that help new and returning players reach 10 million Combat Power and provide an Abyss weapon made it much easier to progress early on. Taking on raids myself also helped me gradually get a feel for how Elsword is played today.

From here, I plan to keep getting stronger by building up my account one step at a time, including through El Resonance and the Collection.

In my next post, I'll take a closer look at Elsword's Collection system and how leveling alternate characters can help you progress your account.