[Interview] What Is the Global Project "SAMURAI CROW"? We Asked the Japan General Producer About the Latest Update to "Ragnarok 2"
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/003/G000364/20251023025/
Writer: Yamaguchi Kazunori | 2025/10/24 09:00 (UTC)
NC Japan announced its global project “SAMURAI CROW” for the PC MMORPG “Lineage II,” currently live, on October 1, 2025, via its official website.
This project, advertised as being launched at an unprecedented scale, initially revealed only that a new class inspired by Japanese samurai—named “CROW (Crow)”—and a new server would be introduced. However, the teaser site unveiled on October 15 confirmed these features will go live simultaneously across all service regions on November 5.
Given the suddenness and scale of this announcement, some players might still be uncertain about exactly what to expect. To clarify, we conducted an email interview with Yuuji Arai, Lineage II Japan’s Executive Producer, regarding the global project, new class, and new server.
Lineage II Japan Executive Producer Yūji Arai
Image Gallery No.001 thumbnail / [Interview] What is the Global Project “SAMURAI CROW”? Interview with the Japan Executive Producer on Lineage II’s Latest Update
※Content adjustments were made right up until launch, so some changes may occur at release.
The First Global Project in Lineage II: Simultaneous Worldwide Updates
4Gamer:
What exactly is this global project that was just announced?
Yuuji Arai (hereafter, Arai):
It’s an initiative where the same content will be implemented simultaneously across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, North America, South America, and Europe—with players experiencing it at the same pace. Previously, there were often delays of several months between regions, which diminished freshness. This global update aims to solve that issue.
4Gamer:
So this is a simultaneous rollout across all service areas—has anything like this ever been attempted before?
Arai:
No, Lineage II has never implemented simultaneous updates since its launch in Japan back in June 2004.
4Gamer:
The slogan mentions “connecting players worldwide.” Does that mean there will be a server where all global players gather?
Arai:
We’re still in the discussion phase right now. I think it would make everyone happy if something like this were possible.
4Gamer:
Also, the phrase “A WORLD REBORN” appears—does this mean Lineage II itself is being completely revamped?
Arai:
It’s a slogan to introduce the “new era” of Lineage II. The new server scheduled for addition on November 5 carries an entirely different setup compared to previous versions.
4Gamer:
Looking at the official Lineage II website, the global project article features icons for “EVA” and “ADEN.” Does this mean the global project updates won’t apply to Live Service or Classic Service?
Arai:
On November 5, 2025, we will implement the new class “Crow” into EVA/Aden/Live Services. The new server “Crow” will be hosted within the EVA service. Classic Service will not receive this update.
New Class “Crow”: A Melee Damage Dealer Inspired by the Raven and Samurai Spirit
4Gamer:
The new class, “Crow,” looks very much like a samurai wielding a sword in its artwork and PVs—exactly as suggested by the project name “SAMURAI CROW,” correct?
Arai:
Let me clarify the “SAMURAI CROW” project. It’s our first initiative for a global simultaneous update with consistent pacing across all regions. The highlights are the new class “Crow” and the new server “Crow.” Class Crow is based on the samurai motif, incorporating design elements inspired by the mythical bird Yamata no Orochi (Yatagarasu). In gameplay, players will experience sharp one-hit attacks, relentless rush assaults, and versatile buffs—evoking the samurai’s spirit of unity between mind, body, and technique. The global project slogan is: “Samurai Arrives! The New Era of Lineage II.”
4Gamer:
Which race can play as Crow?
Arai:
The Kamael race.
4Gamer:
In previous games, the term “samurai” typically referred to two types—close-range physical damage dealers or melee fighters who also use attack magic (or similar). What kind of class is this new Crow?
Arai:
Crow will primarily focus on close-combat attacks using physical skills and will also have area-of-effect abilities through skill usage. With versatile movement skills allowing players to traverse the battlefield freely, it guarantees an exhilarating hunting experience. Additionally, due to differences in class specifications between EVA/Aden services and Live Service, we encourage you to try both versions for yourself.
4Gamer:
Looking at the slogan, it seems only one sword is used—does this mean dual-wielding isn’t possible?
Arai:
There are already classes in Lineage II that can use dual-wielding. If there’s strong demand from players in the future, we’d certainly consider adding such a feature.
4Gamer:
In the PV, we saw cherry blossoms falling and buildings resembling Japanese castles. Are new areas with these elements being added?
Arai:
Yes, they are planned! We’re excited to let you explore a brand-new region filled with Eastern mysticism and unique beauty.
Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / [Interview] What is the Global Project “SAMURAI CROW”? Interview with the Japan Executive Producer on Lineage II’s Latest Update Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / [Interview] What is the Global Project “SAMURAI CROW”? Interview with the Japan Executive Producer on Lineage II’s Latest Update
4Gamer:
In the key visual, a ghost-like figure appears behind Crow. Is this related to Crow’s abilities?
Arai:
Exactly right!
New Server “Crow”: A Fresh Experience with Full-Area Peace Zones and Focused Play Time
4Gamer:
The new server “Crow” features two unique traits: “Full-Area Peace Zone” and “Focused Play Time.” Could you briefly explain each?
Arai:
The Full-Area Peace Zone allows players to freely roam and hunt safely anywhere in the world—eliminating issues like territorial monopolization and random PKs.
Focused Play Time is a daily time slot designed for efficient progression, hunting, and challenges. During this period, certain areas will temporarily remove peace zone restrictions (from 8 PM to midnight), allowing players to concentrate on major content and build their characters to peak strength. We’ve prepared over 30 raid bosses appearing simultaneously as part of the event.
In addition to these two features, we’ll also include Lineage II’s signature large-scale raids, castle sieges, and world-ranking competitive events.
4Gamer:
How does “Full-Area Peace Zone” differ from EVA Service’s “EVA Server,” which is already non-PvP?
Arai:
The EVA Server prioritizes constant safety in regular servers. The new “Crow” server inherits that ease of play but differs by making competitive activities more accessible and less likely to result in unintended involvement—aiming for a balance between safety and competition.
4Gamer:
Does the “partial area peace zone release” during focused time mean PvP is allowed even within full peace zones?
Arai:
Yes. During Focus Time, limited PvP will be permitted only in designated areas. We’ll control things like full routes or excessive losses to ensure intense but short bursts of action—allowing players to choose whether they want to “watch” or “join.” In essence, the game’s PvE experience (the “line”) is punctuated by a focused PvP moment (“point”) during this time.
4Gamer:
The new server “Crow” seems like it combines the best features of all existing services—what do you think?
Arai:
We’ve carefully extracted what makes each service enjoyable, but it’s not just a random collection. We restructured everything to ensure fun spreads consistently across regions simultaneously. While respecting each service’s unique character, “Crow” is designed as the optimal way to play right now.
4Gamer:
Does this mean the new server “Crow” adds special elements from existing services? Or will it have a completely different setup compared to other servers within those same services?
Arai:
The foundation of the new “Crow” server is based on the EVA Server. We’ll add numerous custom adjustments and rules specific to Crow—so think of it as “EVA Server base + Crow-specific features.”
Global Project & Offline Event: Experience Lineage II in a New Way After 2 Years
4Gamer:
The long-awaited offline event “Lineage II Grand Festival” is returning after two years. What can we expect from this event?
Arai:
We want it to be a place where players can fully enjoy the excitement of meeting face-to-face and reuniting with the community. We’ve prepared various attractions—stage performances, live streams, photo spots—to help everyone rediscover how fun Lineage II truly is. There will also be some capacity left for same-day entry, so we warmly invite you to come.
4Gamer:
Finally, any message for players attending the offline event or those eagerly awaiting the global project?
Arai:
We’re actively preparing for the simultaneous update on November 5, 2025. Please be there when the world collectively experiences “the samurai’s single strike.” Lineage II continues to evolve—how wonderful it would be if we could start a new story together.
While major details about the new class and server have been revealed, this global project still holds many secrets. With launch approaching quickly, we’ll be watching closely for upcoming announcements.
Additionally, as mentioned in the interview, an offline event titled “Lineage II Grand Festival: The Beginning of a New Legend” will take place on October 26, 2025—serving as one of the key announcement venues. After a two-year hiatus, this offline gathering is expected to include official live streams and new information drops. Although registration has already closed, there’s still room for same-day entry—so players eager to witness Lineage II’s next chapter firsthand are strongly encouraged to attend.