Is ARK: Survival Ascended Coming to PS4? A Comprehensive Guide
The short, definitive answer is: No, ARK: Survival Ascended is NOT coming to PlayStation 4 (PS4). This remake of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, built on Unreal Engine 5, has been specifically designed for newer hardware and, as a result, will only be released on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 (PS5), and Xbox Series X|S. This decision is primarily due to the advanced graphical and performance requirements of the game, which the older PS4 and Xbox One consoles simply cannot handle.
Why Isn’t ARK: Survival Ascended on PS4?
The core reason for skipping the previous generation consoles boils down to technological limitations. ARK: Survival Ascended utilizes the Unreal Engine 5, offering significant improvements in visual fidelity, rendering capabilities, and overall performance. This next-generation engine is resource-intensive, requiring more processing power, RAM, and storage bandwidth than the PS4 and Xbox One could provide. Attempting to port the game to older hardware would necessitate drastic compromises in visual quality and gameplay performance, ultimately resulting in an inferior and likely frustrating experience for players.
Furthermore, the developers at Studio Wildcard have aimed to create a truly definitive version of ARK, enhancing its graphics, mechanics, and cross-platform modding capabilities, all of which would be severely hampered by the limitations of the PS4. To ensure players receive the best possible experience, focusing on the current-gen consoles and PC was the only viable path.
Frequently Asked Questions About ARK: Survival Ascended
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the release of ARK: Survival Ascended and its features:
1. When is ARK: Survival Ascended being released on Consoles?
ARK: Survival Ascended is planned for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in November. While the exact date may vary, console players can anticipate diving into the remastered world of ARK very soon.
2. Will ARK: Survival Ascended have mods on console?
Yes! A major feature of ARK: Survival Ascended is its cross-platform modding compatibility, powered by CurseForge. For the first time, ARK mods created on PC will be available for console players, expanding the game’s content and replayability.
3. What is the difference between ARK 2 and ARK: Survival Ascended?
ARK: Survival Ascended is a remake of the original ARK: Survival Evolved using Unreal Engine 5. ARK 2 is a separate, entirely new sequel set for release later. They are distinct games, not different versions of the same title.
4. Is ARK: Survival Ascended a DLC for ARK: Survival Evolved?
No, ARK: Survival Ascended is a completely separate game, not a DLC. While it includes all the content from ARK: Survival Evolved’s base game and its DLC, it is a standalone title with its own cost and installation.
5. Is ARK: Survival Ascended available on Steam?
Yes, ARK: Survival Ascended is currently available on Steam in early access. It was released on October 25, 2023, and has seen significant player engagement since its launch.
6. How much does ARK: Survival Ascended cost?
ARK: Survival Ascended is priced at $59.99, which includes all previously released DLC content. This is intended to offer a complete and definitive experience, making it a worthy investment for fans of the original.
7. Will there be cross-platform play with ARK: Survival Ascended?
Yes, ARK: Survival Ascended will feature full cross-platform play at launch. This means players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S will be able to play together seamlessly.
8. What is included in ARK: Survival Ascended?
ARK: Survival Ascended includes the base game content from ARK: Survival Evolved and all its previously released DLC maps, as they are remastered. The only separately sold DLC will be any new content they create.
9. What maps will be available in ARK: Survival Ascended at launch?
At launch, only The Island map, Scorched Earth, and the Survival of the Fittest variations of those maps will be available in ARK: Survival Ascended. Additional maps will be released periodically as they are remastered.
10. What is the roadmap for future map releases in ARK: Survival Ascended?
Studio Wildcard has outlined a roadmap that includes Scorched Earth in December, with Ragnarok and Aberration following in Q1 2024. The other maps will be added after that, in subsequent updates.
11. Will there be new dinosaurs added to ARK: Survival Ascended?
While the initial release focuses on remastered content, the game will be updated with new content via mods. The integrated CurseForge mod browser will allow players to add new dinosaurs, structures, maps, and more
12. Is ARK: Survival Ascended part of Xbox Game Pass?
While ARK: Survival Ascended will not be on Game Pass at launch, it is an Xbox Play Anywhere title that will require the purchase of the full game. In order to play on console you will need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
13. What are some ways to gain ascended equipment in ARK?
Ascended armor can be crafted by level 500 characters in specific professions like armorsmiths, leatherworkers, or tailors. Recipes can be purchased from merchants or found in containers/recipe books.
14. When are the official ARK: Survival Evolved servers being shut down?
The official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved were shut down on Friday, September 29th, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. EDT. This was to clear the way for players to transition to ARK: Survival Ascended.
15. Which ARK DLCs are free?
Several DLCs for ARK: Survival Evolved were free, these include: Fjordur, Lost Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center.
Conclusion: The Future of ARK
While the absence of ARK: Survival Ascended on PS4 may be disappointing for some, it is a necessary step to deliver a genuinely next-generation experience. The game’s enhanced graphics, cross-platform modding support, and consistent updates make it an exciting prospect for players looking to immerse themselves in the world of ARK. The focus on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S allows for the most advanced and robust gaming experience possible, ensuring that ARK: Survival Ascended is the definitive version of the classic survival game. Console players eager to experience the remastered ARK universe can anticipate its arrival very soon.