How Much Space Does Ark Need? A Deep Dive into Storage Requirements
The question of how much space Ark needs isn’t a simple one. The short answer is: it varies. ARK: Survival Evolved’s initial download size is misleading, with the base game clocking in at around 60 GB, but that’s only scratching the surface. The true storage demands of ARK quickly escalate once you consider its numerous expansions, updates, and the potential for server-side data. To provide a comprehensive answer, we need to break it down.
The base ARK: Survival Evolved install itself requires approximately 60 GB of storage space. However, this is just the foundation. The game is notorious for its significant amount of post-launch content, most of which comes in the form of DLC expansions. These expansions drastically increase the overall storage requirements. With multiple DLC maps, the full installation of ARK can easily swell to 275 GB or more. Some players even report their installations exceeding 400 GB! This colossal size can be attributed to the numerous large maps, diverse creature assets, and frequent game updates that add content.
The DLC Factor
The various DLC maps for ARK are where the biggest portion of the game’s size originates. Each DLC map, like Aberration, Extinction, Genesis Part 1, Genesis Part 2, and others, adds a substantial chunk of data. On average, each DLC map can contribute roughly 20-30 GB to your overall storage footprint. If you’re a player who enjoys exploring all the environments Ark has to offer, be prepared for a hefty storage commitment. The good news is that you can choose which DLCs to download, so if you only want to play on specific maps, you can avoid using up unnecessary space.
Why is Ark so Large?
The sheer size of ARK begs the question: why? The primary reason behind the large size of ARK stems from a combination of factors including:
- Numerous Assets: Ark features an astounding variety of creatures, environments, items, and structures, each with detailed 3D models and textures. These assets all contribute to the game’s storage needs.
- Large Maps: The game features enormous maps to explore, from the base Island to the varied landscapes in the DLCs. These maps contain vast landscapes with detailed environments, further inflating the game’s size.
- Unreal Engine: Ark is built with the Unreal Engine, which has high-fidelity graphics and demanding asset requirements.
- Lack of Asset Optimization: There’s an argument that some developers, including those behind Ark, have become less concerned about optimizing file sizes because storage is relatively cheap and easily accessible. Instead, focus is on adding features and graphical fidelity.
- Frequent Updates and Patches: The game constantly receives new updates, content patches, and bug fixes. While some patches replace existing files, many additions lead to storage requirements accumulating over time.
Managing Ark’s Size
Fortunately, players have some control over the space that ARK occupies on their system. Here are some options:
- Selective DLC Installation: As stated previously, you can choose to install only the DLCs you intend to play. This can drastically reduce your storage footprint. You can manage this in Steam by navigating to the game’s properties and selecting the DLC tab.
- Mod Management: If you utilize mods, keep an eye on their file sizes. Some mods can significantly increase the game’s overall storage demands.
- Regular File Cleaning: Sometimes temporary or corrupted files can accumulate. Clean your system of unnecessary files regularly to ensure optimum space management.
ARK: Survival Ascended and Storage
Looking forward, the upcoming ARK: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the original game, is expected to be sold separately. While this new version might offer better performance and visuals, it’s also likely to come with its own substantial storage requirements. While some estimates suggest a download size of around 40GB, that is likely the initial download and will grow with content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark Storage
1. Is 60 GB Enough for ARK?
No, the 60 GB figure is only for the base game. To enjoy the full ARK: Survival Evolved experience with its DLCs, you’ll need significantly more storage, easily 275 GB or more.
2. Why is my ARK installation over 400 GB?
A large ARK install, exceeding 400 GB, typically happens when all the DLC maps are installed, coupled with the accumulating files from updates and mods.
3. Can I play ARK with 8 GB RAM?
8 GB of RAM is considered the minimum requirement for ARK, but to run it smoothly, especially on higher settings, 16 GB of RAM is recommended.
4. How much storage do the DLCs add to Ark?
Each DLC map in ARK usually adds approximately 20-30 GB of storage space to the installation.
5. Can I choose which DLCs to install?
Yes, you can selectively install DLCs by managing them within the game’s properties on Steam. This is useful for saving storage space.
6. Is ARK a free-to-play game?
ARK: Survival Evolved has been offered for free on Epic Games Store for limited periods. However, the remastered version, ARK: Survival Ascended, is not a free upgrade.
7. Is it better to install Ark on an SSD or HDD?
Installing ARK on an SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly recommended because it drastically reduces loading times. However, an HDD can still be used if necessary.
8. How big is an Ark server?
An Ark server requires at least 20 GB of disk space, although 25-50 GB is recommended to accommodate player data, mods, and world save files.
9. Can I play Ark offline?
Yes, ARK can be played offline in single-player mode, which contains all the features of the online mode.
10. How much RAM does ARK 2 need?
While the exact RAM requirements for ARK 2 are not finalized, it is recommended to have 16 GB of RAM for the best experience.
11. What is the size of the largest game ever?
Some of the largest games in terms of file size include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (175GB+), Red Dead Redemption II (150 GB), and other games with massive and highly detailed environments.
12. What is the size of the map in Ark?
Maps in Ark can vary, with some of the largest being around 150 square kilometers, like the Lost Island map.
13. How much storage space does ARK Mobile need?
ARK Mobile requires a download size of approximately 2 GB, with 2 GB of RAM for iOS and 3 GB for Android.
14. How big will Ark 2 be in gb?
Initial estimates for ARK 2 are around 40 GB, but this could increase significantly with updates and content releases.
15. Why are modern games so big?
Modern games are large due to factors like high-resolution textures, detailed environments, complex game logic, and lack of optimization and focus on new content.
In conclusion, understanding the true storage requirements of ARK: Survival Evolved goes beyond just the initial download size. Plan your storage carefully, take advantage of selective DLC installations, and prepare for a significant space commitment if you plan on exploring all that Ark has to offer.