How Big is Ark on Steam? A Deep Dive into the Game’s Size
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The question of how big Ark is on Steam doesn’t have a single, straightforward answer. It’s a nuanced topic heavily influenced by various factors, including the base game, downloadable content (DLC), and even the way the game is structured. To give you a clear idea, the base game of Ark: Survival Evolved is often cited as requiring around 60 GB of storage space on Steam. However, this figure is misleading, and the true size can vary considerably. With all DLCs installed, the game’s total footprint can easily soar to 275 GB and even upwards of 400 GB. Let’s explore the reasons for this massive range and what you should expect when downloading and playing Ark on your PC through Steam.
Understanding the Size Discrepancy
The confusion surrounding Ark’s size on Steam stems from several key aspects. Here’s a breakdown:
Base Game Size vs. Total Installation
The initial download of Ark: Survival Evolved, without any expansions, is around 60GB, as displayed on the Steam store page. However, the size of the installed base game in your library can already be much larger, sometimes close to 120 or 130 GB. This discrepancy arises due to the game’s structure. Some core files and essential assets needed for cross-server compatibility, even if you don’t own the associated DLC, are bundled into the base game. This means that even if you just plan to play the base game, your installation will be larger than the stated 60GB.
The Impact of DLC
The primary driver behind Ark’s considerable size is its extensive DLC library. Each expansion pack, featuring new maps, creatures, and gameplay mechanics, adds significant data to the game’s file structure. DLCs can range from 20 to 30 GB each, and with about ten such expansions available, the overall installation size dramatically increases. Therefore, a “complete” install of Ark, including all the DLCs except Primitive+ and Genesis, can easily push the installation size beyond 250 GB or even 300 GB, as is evidenced in user reports.
Patching and File Versioning
Another contributing factor to the large file size is the way the game is patched. Instead of overwriting older files, developers often retain previous versions, creating a form of “backup.” This ensures stability and allows for easy reversion if something goes wrong with a new update. However, it significantly increases the storage space required. Some gamers have speculated that these “emergency backup” versions within the files contribute to the overall hefty size. This is common with Unreal Engine-based games, which tend to be large in file size.
Inclusion of DLC Assets
Even if a player doesn’t own all the DLCs, Ark includes certain assets related to those expansions in the base game. The reason for this is that these assets are crucial for cross-server functionality. If you are playing on a server with players who are using the DLC, you will need some components of it to interact with them. Therefore, whether you own a map or not, you may see creatures from a DLC in your environment.
Optimizing Disk Space
While a large game like Ark is demanding on storage, there are methods to reduce its file size:
Selective DLC Installation
Steam allows you to choose which DLCs you want to install. If you don’t plan to play specific maps, you can deselect the corresponding DLCs in the Steam properties. This will significantly reduce the overall installation size, giving you a smaller footprint on your storage.
File Compression
Windows’ built-in file compression feature can also help reduce the size of your game folder. By compressing the ARK folder and all its subfolders, you can free up a significant amount of disk space, often upwards of 60 GB. This is done by accessing the folder’s properties, clicking the “Advanced” button, and ticking the “Compress contents to save disk space” option.
How Big is Ark? – The Bottom Line
To summarise, the base game of Ark: Survival Evolved requires approximately 60GB, but the actual size after installation can be double that because of essential files and some DLC assets. Adding all available DLC maps can easily push the required space to 275GB, or even as high as 400GB or more depending on patching and how files are managed. The size of the game can be reduced with selective installation of DLC and by compressing the game’s directory. Be prepared for a large installation when you dive into the world of Ark: Survival Evolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some additional questions that are often asked regarding the size and specifics of Ark:
1. Why is Ark so big on my hard drive?
Ark is large due to a combination of factors: the massive base game, multiple DLCs, the inclusion of some DLC assets in the base game, and the game’s patching methodology, which may retain older file versions.
2. Is the 60 GB on the Steam store accurate?
The 60 GB figure represents the approximate size of the base game download. However, your installed base game will likely be much larger, even without DLCs.
3. How much storage space does Ark need with all DLC?
A complete installation of Ark with all DLCs can require 275 GB or more on your storage device, often reaching 400 GB.
4. Can I choose not to install DLCs in Ark?
Yes, Steam allows you to select which DLCs to install. If you don’t plan to play certain maps, deselecting them will save disk space.
5. How can I reduce the size of my Ark installation?
You can reduce the size by selectively installing DLCs and compressing the game folder using Windows’ file compression feature.
6. Does Ark include DLC content in the base game, even without purchasing them?
Yes, Ark includes certain DLC assets within the base game to facilitate cross-server interactions, even if you don’t own all of the DLC.
7. Why do updates make Ark bigger?
Updates may increase the game’s size due to the addition of new content and the retention of older file versions, which helps maintain stability.
8. Is Ark the largest game on Steam?
While Ark is very large, it’s not necessarily the absolute largest game on Steam. Some other titles can rival or even exceed its storage requirements, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
9. How demanding is Ark in terms of PC specs?
Ark is a demanding game, requiring at least 8 GB of RAM, and you need better specifications to run it at higher settings.
10. Is Ark free to play on Steam?
At times, Ark has been offered as free to own on Steam in celebration of new developments. However, the standard purchase price is necessary most of the time.
11. Why is Ark so laggy on my PC?
Lag in Ark can result from network issues, bad routing, an unstable network connection, and sometimes limitations of your PC’s hardware.
12. Does Ark have the biggest open world map?
While Ark has large maps, the largest open world map belongs to Minecraft, which is far bigger.
13. Is there a size difference in Ark between console and PC?
The file size of Ark is generally comparable across platforms. However, due to differences in file formatting, a console version might require slightly more or less space than a PC one.
14. Will ARK: Survival Evolved servers shut down after the launch of ARK: Survival Ascended?
Yes, original ARK: Survival Evolved servers are planned to be shut down once ARK: Survival Ascended launches.
15. What is the meaning of ‘Ark’ in the game’s title?
The term “ark” in the game’s title refers to the biblical “Ark of the Covenant,” or more broadly, a chest or box. In the game, the player finds themselves on an ark-like island with ancient creatures.