How Much Storage Does Ark Take on PC? A Deep Dive
The question of how much storage Ark: Survival Evolved demands on a PC is a surprisingly complex one. The short answer is: It varies wildly, from the initial 60GB listed on the game’s store page to a staggering 275GB+ when fully loaded. This discrepancy is the source of much confusion and frustration for players, and understanding why requires delving into the game’s content structure and history.
The base game, as advertised, requires around 60GB of storage space. However, this figure is deceivingly low, as it doesn’t account for the numerous expansion packs, DLC maps, and content updates that have been released over the years. This is where the storage requirements balloon dramatically, pushing the total installation size into the hundreds of gigabytes. Many players find themselves needing over 200GB and sometimes reaching that 275GB mark. This makes Ark one of the largest games currently available in terms of storage footprint.
The reason for this massive size isn’t simply due to the sheer volume of content. The game’s files include not just the maps and environments but also a large library of creature assets, many of which are included even if you don’t own the associated DLC, to allow for cross-server interactions. Think of it as a library with all the books, even if you haven’t purchased each one to read, you can still see the books and what they contain.
Furthermore, past versions are not deleted during patching, creating a layered effect where older files might be retained for backup purposes, contributing to an ever-increasing file size over time. While developers may use compression and optimization to manage file sizes, the constant addition of new features and content means that the overall size tends to grow significantly with each major update. Also, the game has gone through a variety of iterations and remakes.
It is important to note that these figures are dynamic. The size of the game can increase over time with new content releases and updates. Thus, it’s advisable to have at least 300GB of free space to ensure a smooth playing experience.
Understanding the Storage Breakdown
Base Game vs. DLC
The initial download of Ark: Survival Evolved is relatively small at around 60GB, but it only represents a fraction of the total storage requirement. The bulk of the game’s storage demands come from the numerous expansion packs and DLC maps. These additions not only include new environments but also new creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics. As a result, each DLC pack adds a significant amount of data to the game’s installation. Even if you do not own a specific map or DLC, many of the assets are present in the base game files in order to facilitate cross play.
Creature Assets and Cross-Play
Another contributor to the large size is the inclusion of creature assets from all available DLCs, even if the player has not purchased the related content. This ensures that players can see and interact with creatures on all servers, regardless of whether they own the specific DLC. While this enables a cohesive cross-play experience, it also means that a large amount of storage is used on files that the player may not directly access.
Patching and Updates
The patching system of Ark can be inefficient in terms of storage use. Instead of replacing older files, sometimes new files are added to the game installation, while older files may be retained for backup. While this process can be beneficial for reverting to previous game versions in case of issues, it gradually inflates the overall size of the game installation. The constant updates and addition of new content means that the storage footprint of Ark is constantly growing.
Compressed vs. Uncompressed
It is possible to compress the game files to save space. This can drastically reduce the size by several gigabytes, but it might also impact loading times slightly. Players who struggle with limited hard drive space can attempt compression to mitigate the ever-increasing game size.
What to do if you don’t have enough space
If you are experiencing issues due to not having enough space on your hard drive to install the game, you could consider some options such as:
- Uninstalling unnecessary applications that you don’t need
- Moving files to external hard drive or cloud storage to free up space
- Compressing the game files
- Buying a new, larger hard drive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to help further clarify the storage requirements of Ark: Survival Evolved on PC:
1. Is the 60GB storage space accurate for Ark?
No, the 60GB is just the base game. With DLCs and updates, expect 250GB+.
2. Why does Ark take up so much storage?
It’s because of numerous DLC maps, creature assets, inconsistent patching, and the game’s sheer volume of content and features as well as its method of patching.
3. Can I delete certain files to reduce Ark’s size?
You can delete map files that you don’t play, but be cautious as removing essential files can break the game. Many of the base game files need to be present to operate correctly even if you don’t own a specific DLC.
4. How can I save space on Ark?
You can compress game files, remove unwanted DLC maps and files, move the game to a larger hard drive, or consider cloud storage options.
5. Is it possible to run Ark on a 120GB SSD?
Potentially, but with limited space and a high risk of running out. A 250GB or larger SSD is recommended.
6. What is the recommended storage space for Ark?
At least 300GB of free space to ensure a smooth experience with all DLCs.
7. Does Ark’s server size impact storage needs?
The server size affects the RAM and CPU more than the storage needs of the client, but the host needs more space to run a server. 20-50GB is recommended for a dedicated server.
8. Will the size of Ark keep increasing?
Yes, with new updates and DLCs, the storage footprint will likely continue to grow.
9. Can I move Ark to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move the game to an external hard drive if it has enough space, but it may result in longer load times depending on the connection speed of the drive.
10. What is the maximum storage Ark can take?
Depending on the version and DLC purchased, it can go above 275GB and has the potential to increase as new updates are released.
11. Is there a way to compress Ark’s files?
Yes, through Windows file properties, you can use the “Compress contents to save disk space” option.
12. Why are DLC creatures included in the base game?
For cross-server compatibility. Players on different servers need to be able to interact with all creatures, even if they do not own the relevant DLC.
13. Will the size decrease if I uninstall DLC?
Yes, you can uninstall the files you don’t need and this will slightly reduce the size of your installation
14. Is there a difference in storage between the original Ark and Ark Ascended?
Yes, Ark Ascended is a standalone title and might have its own separate storage requirements although they should be similar in size to original Ark.
15. What if I don’t have enough storage space on PC to play Ark?
Consider compressing the game, deleting unneeded maps and files, moving the game to a bigger drive, or uninstalling other games/applications.
In conclusion, while the base game of Ark: Survival Evolved is relatively small at 60GB, the real storage requirement is much larger, typically needing 275GB or more. This is due to a combination of factors including the numerous DLCs, creature assets, and how the game is patched and updated. Understanding these factors will allow players to better manage their hard drive space and fully enjoy the game. Always allocate more space than the minimum requirements to accommodate new updates and DLCs.