Ark: Survival Ascended - Everything You Need To Know

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey there, gamers! Are you ready to dive back into the prehistoric world of Ark: Survival Ascended? This revamped version of the beloved survival game is packed with updated graphics, new features, and a whole lot more. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Ark: Survival Ascended, from the release date and gameplay to the creatures you'll encounter and the maps you'll explore. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on an epic journey!

What is Ark: Survival Ascended?

So, what exactly is Ark: Survival Ascended? Basically, it's the ultimate survival experience, where you're stranded on a mysterious island and must fight to survive. You'll need to gather resources, craft tools, build shelters, and tame (or kill!) the many creatures that roam the land. The game offers a massive open world filled with dinosaurs, mythical beasts, and other players, making for an experience that's both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Ark: Survival Ascended is not just a remaster; it is a complete overhaul of the original Ark: Survival Evolved. It has been rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, which means significantly improved graphics, performance, and a host of new features. You can expect stunning visuals, with detailed environments, realistic water physics, and dynamic lighting effects. If you enjoyed the original Ark, get ready to have your socks knocked off. The developers have taken the core gameplay that we all loved and enhanced it in every way imaginable. This includes improved creature AI, a new user interface, and cross-platform multiplayer support.

Key Features and Improvements

  • Unreal Engine 5: The most significant upgrade is the move to Unreal Engine 5. This results in enhanced graphics, realistic water physics, and dynamic lighting effects. Environments and creatures look better than ever before.
  • Improved Graphics and Performance: Expect a smoother, more visually stunning experience with increased detail and improved frame rates, even on lower-end systems.
  • New Content and Features: The game will include all the content from the original Ark: Survival Evolved, as well as new creatures, maps, and gameplay mechanics.
  • Cross-Platform Multiplayer: Play with your friends regardless of whether they are on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.
  • Mod Support: Enhanced modding tools and support allow players to create and share their own content, adding endless replayability.

Ark Survival Ascended Release Date

Alright, so when can you get your hands on Ark: Survival Ascended? The game was initially released on October 25, 2023, on PC and later on November 14, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. The release was a bit rocky, with some delays and performance issues, but the developers are actively working to fix these problems and deliver the best possible experience.

Before its official launch, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the release date. The game was initially delayed, causing some frustration among fans eager to return to the Ark universe. The developers have been transparent about the reasons for the delays, citing the need to ensure the game meets the high expectations of the community. In the current gaming landscape, it's not unusual for games to experience delays, but in this case, the extended development period allows the team to deliver a more polished and complete product. The development team has been working tirelessly to deliver a polished and complete experience for players.

The Road to Launch and Beyond

Since the launch, the developers have been regularly releasing updates and patches to address issues and improve the overall gameplay experience. They are committed to providing ongoing support and new content, so the game is expected to evolve and improve over time. The development team is highly active and responsive to player feedback. This commitment to continuous improvement is a great sign for the game's future, ensuring that the game will continue to be a vibrant and engaging experience for years to come. The developers have a clear vision for the future of Ark: Survival Ascended, with plans for regular updates, new content, and community events.

Diving into Ark Survival Ascended Gameplay

So, what can you expect when you jump into the gameplay of Ark: Survival Ascended? The core mechanics remain familiar to fans of the original Ark, but with significant enhancements. You'll start by waking up on a mysterious island, completely naked and alone. Your first task is to survive. You'll need to gather resources like wood, stone, and fiber to craft tools, build shelters, and make clothes. As you progress, you'll learn to hunt for food, find water, and defend yourself against the dangers of the environment. The game is all about survival, so you will need to learn the basics to not die in the first five minutes. The game will push your limits, so keep going.

One of the most exciting aspects of Ark: Survival Ascended is the ability to tame and ride dinosaurs. You can knock them out, feed them, and eventually befriend them. Each creature has unique abilities and uses, making them valuable allies in your quest to survive. You can also breed creatures to create offspring with improved stats and abilities. From a humble Dodo bird to the monstrous T-Rex, there is a creature for everyone.

Key Gameplay Elements:

  • Survival: Gather resources, craft tools, build shelters, and find food and water.
  • Taming and Riding Dinosaurs: Capture, tame, and ride a wide variety of creatures.
  • Building: Construct bases, from simple huts to massive fortresses.
  • Combat: Engage in both melee and ranged combat against creatures and other players.
  • Exploration: Explore a vast open world filled with diverse environments and hidden secrets.
  • Progression: Level up your character, learn new skills, and unlock crafting recipes.

Exploring the Creatures of Ark Ascended

One of the most exciting parts of Ark: Survival Ascended is the incredible array of creatures you can encounter. From the iconic dinosaurs to mythical beasts, the game is teeming with life. Each creature has its own unique behaviors, abilities, and uses. You'll be able to tame and ride many of these creatures, making them valuable allies in your struggle for survival.

The creatures are not just for show; they play a critical role in the game's ecosystem and your ability to thrive. Some creatures are excellent for gathering resources, while others are powerful combatants. You can even breed creatures to create offspring with enhanced traits. The development team has put a lot of effort into making each creature feel unique and engaging. In addition to the dinosaurs, there are also various fictional creatures to encounter and tame. The game keeps adding new creatures, and each update adds new gameplay experiences.

Some of the Notable Creatures

  • Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex): The ultimate apex predator, a powerful combatant and a symbol of the Ark universe.
  • Triceratops: A herbivore with strong defensive capabilities, useful for both combat and resource gathering.
  • Raptor: Agile and deadly, a great early-game mount and combatant.
  • Pteranodon: A flying creature that you can use to travel and scout the world.
  • Dodo: A classic Ark creature. It is small, funny and provides resources.
  • Giganotosaurus: The largest predator in the game, a mount for the most daring players.
  • Many more!

Discovering the Ark Ascended Map

The map is one of the most important aspects of Ark: Survival Ascended. The game features the same maps that were available in the original Ark: Survival Evolved, but they have been updated and enhanced with Unreal Engine 5. This means you can expect stunning visuals, more detail, and improved performance. The maps are massive and filled with diverse environments, from dense jungles and scorching deserts to icy mountains and underwater caves.

Exploration is a key component of the game, and you'll constantly be discovering new areas, resources, and creatures. The maps are designed to encourage exploration, with hidden secrets and challenges to discover. Each map offers a unique set of biomes, resources, and creatures, providing a diverse and exciting experience for players. This ensures there's always something new to see and do. The developers are also working on adding new maps and content. This will help maintain the game's longevity and keep players engaged.

The Island and Beyond

  • The Island: The original and most iconic map, featuring diverse biomes and a wide variety of creatures.
  • Scorched Earth: A desert map with extreme temperatures and unique resources.
  • Aberration: A subterranean map with bioluminescent environments and dangerous creatures.
  • Extinction: A post-apocalyptic map with robotic creatures and environmental hazards.
  • Genesis Part 1 & 2: A series of maps that offer unique gameplay mechanics and environments.

The Graphical Leap: Ark Ascended Graphics

Let's be real, the graphics are a huge selling point of Ark: Survival Ascended. The move to Unreal Engine 5 has completely transformed the game's visual presentation. The environments are incredibly detailed, with realistic lighting, shadows, and water effects. Creatures look more lifelike than ever before, with intricate textures and animations. The game is a true visual spectacle, providing an immersive and engaging experience for players. You can expect a massive upgrade to the graphics. They have significantly improved and modernized the look and feel of the game.

The developers have focused on bringing the world of Ark to life with incredible detail. The advancements in the engine allow for a more realistic and vibrant world. You will experience a more immersive and believable environment, whether you are exploring a lush jungle, traversing a snowy mountain range, or swimming in the depths of the ocean. The new graphical features enhance the gameplay experience and bring the world of Ark to life like never before. The game's new visuals not only improve the aesthetics but also enhance gameplay. The improved lighting and shadows make it easier to spot creatures and navigate the environment.

Key Graphic Improvements

  • Unreal Engine 5: The heart of the visual upgrade, providing the foundation for improved graphics and performance.
  • High-Resolution Textures: Detailed textures bring the environments and creatures to life.
  • Dynamic Lighting and Shadows: Realistic lighting creates a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
  • Improved Water Physics: Realistic water effects add to the immersion.
  • Character and Creature Models: The models are more detailed, with improved textures and animations.

Can I play? Ark Survival Ascended PC Requirements

Before you get too excited about Ark: Survival Ascended, it's important to make sure your PC can handle it. Since the game has undergone a significant graphical overhaul, the PC requirements are higher than the original Ark: Survival Evolved. You'll need a reasonably powerful system to enjoy the game at its best. If your PC does not meet the minimum requirements, then you may encounter lag issues. The game's performance can vary depending on your system's hardware, but you can always tweak the graphics settings to optimize the experience.

The developers have provided both minimum and recommended specifications, allowing players to tailor the game's settings to their hardware. It's always best to aim for the recommended specifications to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, but the minimum requirements will allow you to play the game if you have an older system. Make sure you check the official system requirements to ensure your PC meets the necessary standards. This will help you determine what settings to use to have the best experience.

PC Specifications

Here are the general requirements, but check the official sources for the most up-to-date and specific details:

  • Minimum: CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 2GB or AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB, RAM: 8 GB.
  • Recommended: CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB, RAM: 16 GB.
  • Storage: The game requires a considerable amount of storage space due to its high-resolution textures. Make sure you have enough space on your hard drive or SSD.

Ark Ascended Price and Availability

Alright, let's talk about the important stuff: Ark: Survival Ascended price and where to get it. The game is available for purchase on PC via Steam and is also available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. The price may vary depending on the platform and any sales or promotions. It is essential to stay informed about the pricing and any special deals to make the most of your purchase. The developers often have sales and bundles, so keep your eye out for discounts.

The game offers good value for the content it provides. Consider the price of the base game and any potential add-ons. The developers have various purchasing options, including the base game and season passes that offer additional content. These passes often include new maps, creatures, and cosmetic items. The game's price is competitive within the survival genre. The game is available in different editions, so players can choose the one that fits their needs and budget. The developers are always working on updates, so the content will continue to expand. Make sure you check the various platforms for the best price.

Where to Buy

  • Steam: The primary platform for PC players.
  • Xbox Store: For Xbox Series X/S users.
  • PlayStation Store: For PlayStation 5 users.

Can I play together? Ark Ascended Crossplay

One of the best things about Ark: Survival Ascended is the cross-platform multiplayer support. This means that players on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 can all play together in the same game worlds. This opens up a lot of possibilities, allowing you to team up with friends regardless of their preferred platform. The game's crossplay feature significantly enhances the social aspect of the game. It allows players from different gaming communities to connect and enjoy the Ark experience together.

The feature is a significant improvement over the original Ark: Survival Evolved, which did not offer cross-platform play. The ability to play with friends on different platforms is a big selling point of Ark: Survival Ascended. The crossplay feature ensures that you can always find a group to play with. This makes the game more social and accessible. The developers have put a lot of effort into making crossplay seamless. The crossplay feature helps maintain a large and active player base. The feature is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving community.

Crossplay Details

  • Supported Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
  • Seamless Integration: Players can easily join servers and play with friends on different platforms.
  • Community: The crossplay feature fosters a larger and more active player community.

Ark Survival Ascended Single Player: Does it Stand Alone?

Yes, absolutely! Ark: Survival Ascended offers a robust single-player experience for those who prefer to go it alone or want to learn the ropes before joining a multiplayer server. You can fully enjoy the game's content and explore the vast open world at your own pace. You can customize the game settings to tailor your experience to your preferences, adjusting things like resource gathering rates, creature stats, and the overall difficulty.

The single-player mode is a great way to enjoy the game's narrative elements and explore the environments. The game is designed to provide a challenging but rewarding experience for solo players. Whether you're a seasoned Ark veteran or a newcomer to the series, the single-player mode offers a way to enjoy the game. The single-player mode allows players to experience the game at their own pace, making it an excellent option for beginners. The developers have designed the single-player mode to be just as engaging as the multiplayer mode. Single-player mode gives players a chance to experience the game without the pressure of other players.

Single-Player Features:

  • Customization: Adjust game settings to personalize your experience.
  • Exploration: Explore the entire game world without the pressure of other players.
  • Progression: Progress through the game's content at your own pace.
  • Learning: Learn the game mechanics and master the survival elements.

Conclusion: Your Next Adventure in Ark

Ark: Survival Ascended is shaping up to be a fantastic addition to the survival genre. With its stunning graphics, improved gameplay, cross-platform multiplayer, and vast open world, it offers an engaging experience for both new and returning players. While the initial release had its share of issues, the developers are committed to providing ongoing support and improvements. The game offers endless hours of gameplay and promises to be an even more immersive and exciting experience.

Whether you're a fan of dinosaurs, survival games, or just looking for a new adventure, Ark: Survival Ascended is definitely worth checking out. The game has the potential to become a leading title in the survival genre. So, gather your resources, tame your dinosaurs, and get ready to survive in the world of Ark: Survival Ascended. The future looks bright for Ark: Survival Ascended, so get ready for your next adventure!

I hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of Ark: Survival Ascended. Happy surviving, and see you in the game!