In the world of Lost Ark, “bussing” refers to the practice of players grouping up to complete high-level content, typically raids or dungeons, with a primary goal of helping others earn rewards or progress through content they may struggle with. This practice has gained significant attention within the Lost Ark community due to the game's complex systems, challenging mechanics, and time-consuming nature of certain endgame activities.
Bussing is often seen in activities like the Guardian Raids, Abyssal Dungeons, and certain Chaos Dungeons. The general idea is that a group of more experienced or highly geared players will carry less experienced or under-geared players through the content. The high-level players, often known as "bussers," will clear the content swiftly, while the lower-level players, or "bussed," still receive the rewards, such as loot and progression, without having to put in the full effort required to complete the challenge on their own.
This practice has sparked a mix of reactions in the Lost Ark community. On one hand, it offers a way for newer or less experienced players to access difficult content, which can be crucial in a game that heavily focuses on endgame progression. It also helps alleviate the time investment required for certain tasks. On the other hand, some argue that bussing undermines the intended progression system and can diminish the challenge that these activities offer. Some players feel that it leads to a disparity in skill levels and reduces the sense of accomplishment when rewards are given out with minimal effort.
Despite the controversy, bussing continues to be a prominent part of Lost Ark’s social and gameplay dynamic. As with many online multiplayer games, its role in the community will likely evolve based on player behavior and future updates to the game’s mechanics and content.
