How Big is ARK Ragnarok on PC? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question on every survivor’s mind: How many GB is ARK Ragnarok on PC? The answer, while seemingly simple, can be a bit nuanced. While the Ragnarok map itself only takes up around 2.78 GB, that figure is deceiving. To play Ragnarok, you need the base game, ARK: Survival Evolved, which requires significantly more storage space. A clean installation of ARK: Survival Evolved, including Ragnarok and potentially other free DLC maps, can easily take up over 120GB of storage space, and that number can climb much higher.
This inflated size stems from several factors, including the game’s vast textures, extensive content updates, and the inclusion of core game assets needed for cross-server transfers, even if you don’t actively play all maps. Essentially, even a “free” map like Ragnarok contributes to the overall storage footprint of the entire ARK ecosystem installed on your PC.
Understanding ARK’s Size and Ragnarok’s Role
It’s crucial to distinguish between the map file size of Ragnarok (2.78 GB) and the total installation size of ARK: Survival Evolved with Ragnarok included. ARK is infamous for its substantial storage requirements, often ballooning far beyond the initial listed size. Let’s delve into the specifics:
- The Base Game: ARK: Survival Evolved’s core files already occupy a significant portion of your hard drive.
- DLC Maps: Each additional map, whether free like Ragnarok or paid, adds to the overall size.
- Updates and Patches: Frequent updates introduce new content, bug fixes, and optimizations, but also contribute to the increasing storage demands.
- Cross-Server Transfer Data: Part of the game code includes assets to allow creatures and items to be transferred between different maps. This function uses significant space and adds to the game download regardless of whether it is being utilized.
Why is ARK so Large?
Many factors contribute to ARK’s considerable file size. Here’s a breakdown:
- High-Resolution Textures: ARK boasts detailed environments and creatures, requiring high-resolution textures that consume a lot of storage.
- Extensive Content: The game features a massive array of dinosaurs, items, structures, and game mechanics, all of which need storage space.
- Frequent Updates: Studio Wildcard regularly releases updates, adding new content, features, and bug fixes. While these updates improve the game, they also increase its size.
- Unoptimized Files: Some players argue that ARK’s files aren’t as optimized as they could be, leading to unnecessary bloat.
- DLC Integration: Even if you don’t play every DLC map, their core files might be included in the base game installation for cross-compatibility reasons.
- The Unreal Engine Effect: ARK is built on the Unreal Engine, which, while powerful, can lead to larger file sizes compared to other game engines, especially if assets are not properly compressed.
Managing ARK’s Size on Your PC
If storage space is a concern, here are some strategies to manage ARK’s size on your PC:
- Selective DLC Installation: In Steam, right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved in your library, select “Properties,” then navigate to the “DLC” tab. Here, you can uncheck the DLC maps you don’t want to install, reducing the overall size.
- Uninstall Unused Maps: If you’ve already installed DLC maps you no longer play, you can uninstall them to free up space.
- Clean Up Temporary Files: Regularly clear temporary files and cache data associated with ARK to reclaim storage.
- Consider an SSD: Installing ARK on a Solid State Drive (SSD) can significantly improve loading times and overall performance, even if it means sacrificing some storage space.
- Use Compression Tools: While risky, some players use compression tools to reduce the size of ARK’s files. However, this can potentially lead to instability or performance issues, so proceed with caution.
- Reinstall the game: Sometimes, over time ARK can accumulate “junk” files that increase the game size. A full uninstall and reinstall may reduce the overall footprint.
ARK and Learning: A Surprising Connection
While seemingly just a dinosaur survival game, ARK: Survival Evolved offers surprisingly deep learning opportunities. From understanding resource management and complex crafting systems to fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills in multiplayer environments, ARK provides a unique platform for learning through play.
Organizations like the Games Learning Society are actively researching and exploring the educational potential of games like ARK. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games are being used to enhance learning and develop crucial skills for the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK Ragnarok and Storage
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on ARK Ragnarok’s storage requirements and related issues:
1. How much storage does the base ARK: Survival Evolved game take up?
The base game of ARK: Survival Evolved can range from 60 GB to over 120 GB, depending on updates and installed content.
2. Is ARK Ragnarok a free DLC?
Yes, Ragnarok is a free, official DLC map for ARK: Survival Evolved.
3. Do I need to download all ARK maps to play Ragnarok?
No, you only need to download the base game and the Ragnarok DLC to play on the Ragnarok map. However, some core files from other DLCs might be included in the base game installation.
4. Why is my ARK folder so big, even though I only play Ragnarok?
ARK’s folder size can be large due to shared assets, update files, and cross-server transfer data, even if you only play one map.
5. Can I uninstall other ARK maps I don’t use?
Yes, you can uninstall other ARK maps through Steam to free up storage space.
6. Will an SSD improve ARK’s performance?
Yes, installing ARK on an SSD can significantly improve loading times and overall performance.
7. How often does ARK get updated?
ARK receives updates regularly, which can impact the game’s storage requirements.
8. Does the game size differ between Steam and the Epic Games Store?
The game size is generally similar across different platforms, but minor variations may exist.
9. What are the minimum system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved?
Minimum requirements typically include:
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
- Storage: 60 GB available space (but plan for much more!)
10. What are the recommended system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved?
Recommended requirements typically include:
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB/AMD Radeon R9 290X 4GB or better
- Storage: 60 GB available space (but plan for much more!)
11. Is 8GB of RAM enough for ARK?
While 8GB of RAM meets the minimum requirement, 16GB is highly recommended for a smoother gaming experience, especially on higher settings.
12. How can I check how much storage space ARK is using?
You can check the storage space used by ARK by right-clicking on the game in your Steam library, selecting “Properties,” then navigating to the “Local Files” tab and clicking “Browse.” This will open the game’s installation folder, allowing you to see its size.
13. Does deleting saved game data free up a significant amount of space?
Deleting saved game data typically doesn’t free up a significant amount of space, as save files are relatively small compared to the game’s core files.
14. Are there any mods that can reduce ARK’s size?
No, mods generally don’t reduce the overall size of the ARK installation.
15. Will ARK 2 be smaller than ARK: Survival Evolved?
Studio Wildcard has stated that they are actively working to optimize ARK 2 and reduce its file size compared to its predecessor. However, the final size remains to be seen.
Conclusion
While the Ragnarok map itself is relatively small at 2.78 GB, the overall storage footprint of ARK: Survival Evolved with Ragnarok can easily exceed 120 GB. Understanding the factors contributing to this size and implementing the strategies outlined above can help you manage your storage space and enjoy the ultimate survivor experience on the Ragnarok map. Good luck, survivor!