Is Ark a Free Game on PC? Unraveling the Mystery of Ark’s Pricing
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The question of whether Ark: Survival Evolved is free on PC is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. The short answer is: it depends on when and where you’re looking. While the base game has been offered for free on various platforms at different times, it’s generally not a permanently free title. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, along with common questions, to help you navigate the world of Ark and its availability.
Ark’s Ever-Shifting Price Tag: A History of Freebies and Fees
Ark: Survival Evolved has had a rather interesting journey when it comes to its pricing model. Initially a paid game, Studio Wildcard has occasionally offered it for free as part of promotional events on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. These promotional offers are usually time-limited, meaning you must claim the game during the designated period to keep it for free.
The situation is further complicated by the release of Ark: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the original game. This version is not a free upgrade but a separate purchase, adding another layer to the Ark pricing puzzle. Therefore, while you may have previously acquired Ark: Survival Evolved for free, the newer and more advanced Ark: Survival Ascended comes with a price tag.
Free Periods on Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has been a frequent host to free promotions for Ark: Survival Evolved. These offers are typically a week long and attract a large number of new players. If you missed these windows, you’ll most likely have to purchase the game to access it.
Free Periods on Steam
Steam has also offered Ark: Survival Evolved for free at specific times, often coinciding with significant announcements, such as the release window for Ark 2. Similar to the Epic Games Store, these free periods are not permanent, and once they end, you’ll need to buy the game to download and play it unless you claimed it during the free period.
Ark: Survival Ascended – A Paid Remaster
It’s crucial to differentiate between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended. The latter is a completely new version of the game built in Unreal Engine 5 and is not a free upgrade. Ark: Survival Ascended is a paid title, meaning you’ll need to purchase it separately even if you own the original game. This upgrade includes improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and other advanced features.
The Official Server Shutdown and Its Impact
Studio Wildcard has also taken the step of shutting down the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved. While this doesn’t mean you can no longer play the game, it does impact the multiplayer aspect. Players can still host their own private servers or play on community-run servers, but the official support has concluded.
Understanding the Cost of Ark
To summarize, while Ark: Survival Evolved has had periods where it was free to own on both Epic Games Store and Steam, those opportunities are generally temporary. As of now, if you missed those free offers, you’ll typically need to purchase Ark: Survival Evolved, or the remastered Ark: Survival Ascended. Moreover, even if you got Ark: Survival Evolved free during a promotion, you would still need to pay for Ark: Survival Ascended. Keep an eye on the Epic Games Store and Steam for potential future giveaways, but don’t rely on it being free in the long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark and Its Cost
1. Is Ark: Survival Evolved still free on PC in 2024?
Generally, no. While there have been promotional periods where Ark: Survival Evolved was offered for free on platforms like Epic Games Store and Steam, those periods are usually time-limited. You will typically need to purchase the game unless it is part of another promotion.
2. Can I get Ark for free on Epic Games Store?
It is possible to obtain Ark: Survival Evolved for free on the Epic Games Store during promotional periods. However, these are limited-time offers. Always check the store directly to see if there are any active promotions.
3. Can I get Ark for free on Steam?
Similar to the Epic Games Store, Steam has also provided Ark: Survival Evolved for free at certain times, usually coinciding with big announcements. But, these free periods are not permanent.
4. What’s the difference between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended?
Ark: Survival Evolved is the original game, while Ark: Survival Ascended is a remaster built with Unreal Engine 5, featuring improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and other advanced features. Ark: Survival Ascended is a paid upgrade, not a free one.
5. Is Ark: Survival Ascended free for owners of Ark: Survival Evolved?
No. Ark: Survival Ascended is a completely separate purchase and is not a free upgrade for owners of Ark: Survival Evolved.
6. How much does Ark: Survival Ascended cost?
Ark: Survival Ascended is typically priced at $59.99 (or similar in other currencies).
7. Are all Ark-related expansions free on Steam?
No. Only the base game has been offered for free during certain periods. Expansions and DLCs usually need to be purchased separately. The Genesis Season Pass and the expansions that are part of the Ultimate Survivor Bundle are examples of paid content.
8. Are Ark official servers still running?
No. The official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved were shut down on September 29th, 2023. Players can still play on community-run servers or host their own private servers.
9. Will Ark: Survival Evolved ever be free again?
While it’s possible that Ark: Survival Evolved will be offered for free again on Steam or Epic Games Store in the future, it’s not guaranteed. Keep an eye on these platforms for potential giveaways.
10. What are the minimum PC requirements to run Ark: Survival Evolved?
The minimum requirements include 8 GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5-2400 or equivalent CPU, and an AMD Radeon HD 7870 or equivalent graphics card with 2 GB of VRAM. You also need at least 60 GB of free disk space.
11. What is the main goal in Ark: Survival Evolved?
The main goal is survival in a world filled with dinosaurs, fictional monsters, and other prehistoric animals. Players need to gather resources, build shelter, and tame creatures to survive, dominate, and ultimately escape.
12. Is Steam free to use?
Yes, Steam is free to use. You can sign up for an account and download the Steam client for free. You only pay when you purchase games or other content.
13. How can I download Ark: Survival Evolved on PC for free?
You can only get Ark: Survival Evolved for free during promotional periods offered by platforms like the Epic Games Store or Steam. You may find third-party sites offering free downloads, but it is not advisable to use them due to potential risks of malware or virus infection. BlueStacks is an emulator that facilitates the installation of Android games but is not a direct download of the game itself.
14. How big is the map in Ark: Survival Evolved?
The main map, The Island, is quite expansive. Other maps, like Ragnarok, can be even larger, spanning around 144 sq kilometers.
15. Is Ark a good game for PC?
Yes, many players enjoy Ark: Survival Evolved and its remastered version, Ark: Survival Ascended. It offers a unique mix of survival, crafting, and dinosaur taming elements. However, it can be demanding on your PC, so make sure you meet the minimum system requirements.