5 Hidden Secrets Revealed Inside The Library Of Ruina Art Book (The Ultimate ProjectMoon Deep Dive)
As of late 2025, the digital Library of Ruina - ArtBook remains the definitive visual and narrative companion to ProjectMoon’s intense 'library battle simulation' game, offering fans an unprecedented look behind the curtain of The City’s grim, stylish world. Released as a downloadable content (DLC) on Steam, this two-volume collection is far more than a simple gallery; it is a meticulously curated encyclopedia that deepens the lore, reveals scrapped concepts, and provides direct developer commentary on the game's most iconic characters and battles.
Originally launched in September 2021, the Art Book’s enduring relevance was cemented by its inclusion in the major 2024 console release for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, proving it is essential reading for new and veteran players alike. This comprehensive guide will break down the Art Book's contents, explore the key entities responsible for its creation, and detail the current status of the highly sought-after physical edition that has become a collector's holy grail among the ProjectMoon community.
The Architects of the City's Visuals: ProjectMoon & Nai_ga
The dark, distinct, and instantly recognizable aesthetic of Library of Ruina—a crucial bridge between the studio's debut, Lobotomy Corporation, and its next title, Limbus Company—is the product of the South Korean studio ProjectMoon. Founded by a core team of developers, the studio has cultivated a unique style that blends psychological horror, philosophical themes, and striking character design.
While game development is a collaborative effort, one name stands out as the primary visual architect: Nai_ga. Nai_ga is widely recognized as the overall character designer for ProjectMoon, with their influence beginning prominently with Library of Ruina and continuing into Limbus Company. Nai_ga’s work is instrumental in crafting the complex visual identities of key characters, Receptions, and E.G.O.
Another crucial entity mentioned within the Art Book itself is Mr. Son Soo-ho, the voice actor for the game's protagonist, Roland. The developer's notes section includes a fascinating anecdote about Mr. Son Soo-ho recording his lines without the air conditioner on during a hot summer to ensure a perfectly clean audio track, offering a glimpse into the dedication behind the game's production.
The Art Book itself is humorously attributed to the game's two central figures, Roland and Angela, a nod to the in-game narrative where the Library's knowledge is collected into books. This meta-textual authorship reinforces the Art Book's status as a canonical artifact of The City.
Unlocking the Library's Secrets: What's Inside the Art Book?
The Library of Ruina Art Book is structured into two volumes and delivered as a high-quality PDF file via the Steam DLC. Its contents are organized to follow the progression of the game, allowing players to revisit the visual evolution of the Library and its guests.
The Art Book is packed with essential content for any lore enthusiast or artist:
- Full Art Assets: High-resolution versions of all the in-game splash art, key illustrations, and character portraits.
- Concept Art: Early sketches, alternative designs, and unused concepts for characters, enemies, and environments. This section provides a rare look at elements that were cut or drastically changed during development.
- Developer's Notes (Transcripts): This is arguably the most valuable part, offering direct commentary from the ProjectMoon staff on the design philosophy, narrative choices, and behind-the-scenes challenges for each major Reception.
The Art Book meticulously details the aesthetic journey through the various tiers of The City's power structure. Sections are dedicated to the major Receptions, providing visual and narrative context for each group the Library encounters:
Deep Dive: Key Entities and Receptions Detailed
The Art Book organizes its content based on the game's difficulty tiers, from the lowest-level Fixers to the most powerful Syndicates and Wings. This structure helps fans understand the thematic progression of the game's visual design. The Art Book features detailed sections on:
- The Patron Librarians: Focusing on Roland, Angela, and the Assistant Librarians.
- Canard (Urban Myth): Including the low-tier enemies like the Rats, the Streetlight Office, and the Lumberjacks.
- Urban Legend: Covering fan-favorite groups such as Pierre's Bistro, the Zwei Association, the Wedge Office, and the Seven Association.
- Urban Plague and Star: Delving into the increasingly chaotic and powerful threats, including the R-Corp, the Reverberation Ensemble, and the final climactic battles.
The Art Book's blurb itself captures the game's cryptic nature, describing its contents as "USELESS, INCORRUPTIBLE, SECRET," a fitting description for the forbidden knowledge contained within the Library's walls.
The Elusive Physical Edition and the 2024 Console Update
While the digital Steam DLC has made the Library of Ruina Art Book accessible globally, the desire for a physical, tangible copy remains strong among the dedicated ProjectMoon fanbase. The Art Book was initially published by ProjectMoon in two volumes, and limited physical copies have surfaced, often through third-party sellers or specific limited-run campaigns in South Korea.
These physical copies are exceedingly rare and have become highly valuable collector's items. The limited nature of the physical run means that the primary, official way to access the Art Book's content for most players remains the digital version. Fans searching for a physical book should be prepared for high prices and limited availability on secondary markets like eBay or specialized import sites.
The 2024 Console Release: Renewed Relevance
The most significant recent update concerning the Art Book came in January 2024 with the announcement of Library of Ruina's release on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. This new console edition, published by Arc System Works America, Inc., confirmed that the Art Book and the developer commentary would be included as part of the package.
This move served two critical purposes:
- Preservation: It ensures that the Art Book's valuable lore and concept art are introduced to a new audience of console players.
- Accessibility: It re-confirms the Art Book's status as the definitive companion to the game, bundling it directly with the core experience nearly three years after its initial PC release.
The inclusion in the 2024 console bundle highlights ProjectMoon's commitment to providing the full narrative and visual context for their work, establishing the Art Book not just as a bonus, but as an essential part of the Library of Ruina experience. For fans of the studio's entire 'City' universe, from Lobotomy Corporation to Limbus Company, the Art Book offers invaluable insight into the foundational design principles that govern their dark and compelling world.
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