Is Ark 2x Permanent? Understanding the Rates, Servers, and More

Yes, the 2x harvesting, EXP, and taming rates on the official ARK: Survival Evolved servers have been made permanent. This change, implemented after considerable experimentation and community feedback, offers players a more accelerated and rewarding experience, especially for those with limited playtime.

Unpacking the 2x Permanent Rate Change

The move to a permanent 2x rate fundamentally alters the ARK gameplay loop. Resource gathering becomes less grindy, leveling up happens faster, and taming those majestic (or terrifying) creatures becomes a significantly quicker process. This allows players to dedicate more time to other aspects of the game, such as building, exploration, and engaging in PvP or PvE activities.

This permanent change signifies a shift in the design philosophy, likely aimed at attracting new players and retaining the existing player base in an increasingly competitive gaming landscape. The faster progression allows players to experience a broader range of content more quickly, reducing the initial barrier to entry that can sometimes deter newcomers. It also enhances the quality of life for veterans, freeing them from tedious grinding and allowing them to focus on more strategic and engaging gameplay.

Benefits of Permanent 2x Rates

• Faster Progression: Level up quicker and unlock new engrams at a more satisfying pace.
• Reduced Grind: Spend less time farming resources and more time building, exploring, and fighting.
• Quicker Taming: Acquire your dream dinosaurs and creatures without spending hours babysitting them.
• Increased Accessibility: Makes the game more approachable for new players and those with limited time.
• Enhanced Enjoyment: Allows players to experience more of what ARK has to offer in a shorter period.

ARK FAQs: All You Need to Know

Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of ARK: Survival Evolved, its mechanics, and related topics.

How does the ARK Season Pass work?

The ARK Season Pass grants you access to a set of expansion packs (also known as DLC). These expansions introduce new maps, creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics, greatly expanding the base game experience. Buying the Season Pass usually costs much less than buying each DLC individually. Upon purchase, the Season Pass content is tied to your account permanently.

How much does it cost to rent an ARK server per month?

The cost to rent an ARK: Survival Evolved server varies widely depending on the provider, number of player slots, server location, and performance specifications. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 per month for a basic server, but more robust servers with higher player counts and better hardware can cost significantly more.

What is the maximum achievable level in ARK?

Without any special conditions or DLCs, The maximum level you can reach in ARK is 105. However, you can get additional levels in the game by completing the maps with Ascension, and finding all Explorer Notes. Level 190 is achieved by killing all bosses on alpha, getting all notes, and maxing a chibi.

How long is one day in ARK compared to real time?

By default, one in-game day in ARK: Survival Evolved lasts approximately 40 minutes in real-time, while the night lasts around 20 minutes. This day/night cycle significantly impacts gameplay, as nighttime often brings increased dangers and different creature spawns.

What are the best maps in ARK?

Choosing the “best” map is subjective and depends on your play style. However, some of the most popular and highly-regarded maps include:

1. Lost Island: A massive map with diverse biomes and unique creatures.
2. Ragnarok: A fan-favorite known for its expansive landscapes and challenging encounters.
3. Fjordur: Known for its Norse mythology themes and diverse environments.
4. The Island: The original map, offering a classic ARK experience.
5. Crystal Isles: Visually stunning, with unique crystal wyverns.
6. Aberration: A dark and challenging underground world.
7. Valguero: A community-created map with a diverse range of biomes.
8. Genesis Part 2: A futuristic map set on a colony ship.

Can you host an ARK server for free?

Yes, some free ARK server hosting services exist. However, these often come with significant limitations, such as limited player slots, performance restrictions, and intrusive advertising. For a more reliable and enjoyable experience, it’s generally recommended to opt for a paid hosting service or self-host if you have the necessary technical skills and hardware.

Does it cost money to host an ARK server?

Yes, most reputable ARK server hosting companies charge a monthly fee for their services. The price varies depending on the factors mentioned earlier (player slots, performance, etc.). While self-hosting is an option, it requires a dedicated computer, stable internet connection, and technical expertise. The Games Learning Society website may offer insights into learning the skills necessary for self-hosting and understanding server management principles, further empowering you to take control of your ARK experience.

Do you need a season pass to play ARK?

No, you do not need a Season Pass to play the base game of ARK: Survival Evolved. However, the Season Pass unlocks access to the expansion packs, which offer a wealth of new content and experiences.

Is Genesis Part 1 worth it?

Whether Genesis: Part 1 is “worth it” depends on your preferences. Some players find its unique missions and gameplay mechanics refreshing, while others find them a departure from the core ARK experience. It’s generally considered to be a more structured and guided experience compared to the open-world exploration of other maps.

What does the ARK season pass get you?

The ARK: Survival Evolved Season Pass grants access to a bundle of downloadable content, including the ARK: Scorched Earth, ARK: Aberration and ARK Extinction. The Season Pass does not include the game ARK itself.

Can you sleep in Ark?

In the PC and console versions of ARK: Survival Evolved, sleeping is not a core mechanic. However, the Mobile version of the game includes sleep as a feature.

What is an arc second?

An arcsecond is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/3600 of a degree. It’s commonly used in astronomy to measure the apparent size of objects in the sky or the separation between stars.

What is 5 minutes of arc?

Five minutes of arc is equal to 5/60 of a degree. This is roughly equivalent to the visual angle subtended by a letter “E” on the 20/20 line of an eye chart at a normal reading distance.

How long is 1 hour in Ark?

While one in-game day (consisting of day and night) is around 40-60 minutes in real time. One hour in Ark lasts around 2.5 minutes in real time.

What triggers Giga rage?

A Giganotosaurus can enter a “rage” state when it takes a significant amount of damage at once or when its health gets too low. When enraged, it will attack anything nearby, including its rider if it is tamed. This makes them incredibly dangerous.

Is a Reaper stronger than a Giga?

In a direct 1v1 encounter, a Giganotosaurus is generally considered to be stronger than a Reaper. While Reapers are formidable creatures with high damage and armor, the Giga’s raw power and damage output are typically overwhelming.