Is ARK Fjordur a Free DLC? Everything You Need to Know
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, ARK Fjordur is a free, official, non-canonical DLC expansion map for ARK: Survival Evolved. This means that players do not need to purchase it separately; it’s available to all owners of the base game. Released on June 12, 2022, Fjordur brought a brand-new, expansive world to explore across PC, Mac, Linux, and consoles, completely free of charge. This inclusion of a substantial map, without an additional cost, has made it incredibly popular amongst the ARK community.
Understanding Free ARK DLCs
The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is vast, and the game has seen multiple expansions. While some DLCs come at a cost, many others, like Fjordur, are offered to players completely free. These free maps are typically non-canonical, meaning they don’t directly advance the game’s core storyline but offer new environments, creatures, and challenges to keep players engaged.
List of Free ARK DLCs:
Besides Fjordur, several other ARK maps are also available for free:
- Ragnarok: Known for its diverse landscapes and challenging terrain.
- Valguero: Featuring a blend of open areas and hidden caves.
- Lost Island: A massive map with a wide variety of biomes and creatures.
- Crystal Isles: A visually stunning map with floating islands.
- The Center: A community-created map that was later made official.
These free additions significantly expand the gameplay experience without requiring players to spend extra money. It’s important to note that free maps do not include exclusive creatures or items that are usually found in paid DLCs. These elements remain part of the core game files. This allows everyone, including those without specific paid DLCs, to interact with all creatures and items.
Key Features of Fjordur
Fjordur is not just another map; it’s a carefully crafted experience designed to immerse players. Some of its key features include:
- Vast Map Size: Fjordur spans over 140 square kilometers, making it a truly massive area to explore. It is 3.5 times the size of the original map, “The Island”.
- Extensive Cave Systems: The map contains nearly 50 cave systems, some of which are exceptionally large, offering plenty of underground adventures.
- Multiple Sub-Maps: Fjordur includes three sub-maps accessible through portals, adding layers of exploration and discovery.
- Diverse Biomes: Players will encounter a range of environments, from snowy mountains to lush forests and volcanic regions.
- New Creatures: The map also includes additions of new creatures, including powerful mythical beasts, though the exact nature of creatures will depend on existing DLC content ownership.
The free nature of Fjordur coupled with its rich features has contributed to its popularity. It offers significant content without requiring players to pay additional fees.
Fjordur vs Other Maps
Although Fjordur is a large map, it is smaller than Ragnarok but larger than The Island. Compared to other free maps, it offers a balance of difficulty, size and the number of unique areas to explore, making it a favorite among the community. It is considered one of the most popular maps in ARK, often appearing near the top of community-ranked lists of the best maps.
While maps like Lost Island are also popular and enormous, Fjordur has the advantage of offering more intense caving and portal-based submaps. The specific “best” map varies based on individual player preferences. However, Fjordur’s free availability contributes significantly to its widespread use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ARK Fjordur
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address common inquiries about ARK Fjordur:
1. Is Fjordur a paid DLC?
No, Fjordur is not a paid DLC. It is a free, official expansion map for ARK: Survival Evolved.
2. How can I access Fjordur?
If you own ARK: Survival Evolved, you already have access to Fjordur. Simply select it from the map selection menu when starting or transferring characters.
3. Does Fjordur include exclusive creatures?
Fjordur itself doesn’t include creatures exclusive to the map, but it features creatures found across different ARK maps and DLCs. All DLC creatures are part of the core game files, which allows everyone to interact with them.
4. Can I bring tamed creatures to Fjordur?
Yes, you can bring tamed creatures, items, and your character to and from Fjordur, providing you have met the level requirements for engrams.
5. Is Fjordur bigger than the original map “The Island”?
Yes, Fjordur is significantly bigger, 3.5 times larger than The Island.
6. Is Fjordur bigger than Ragnarok?
No, Fjordur is smaller than Ragnarok but still offers a massive exploration area.
7. What kind of environments can I expect in Fjordur?
Fjordur features diverse biomes, including snowy mountains, lush forests, volcanic regions, and unique sub-maps accessed via portals.
8. How many cave systems are there on Fjordur?
Fjordur boasts nearly 50 cave systems, some of which are very large, making it ideal for spelunking.
9. Do I need all DLCs to enjoy Fjordur?
No, you do not need all the DLCs to enjoy Fjordur. Fjordur is a free map, and all players of the base game can experience it.
10. Can I transfer my character from other maps to Fjordur?
Yes, you can transfer your character to and from Fjordur, as well as bring items and tamed creatures.
11. Is the gameplay experience different in Fjordur compared to other free maps?
Yes, Fjordur has unique features such as multiple sub-maps accessed via portals and a complex network of caves, giving a unique feel.
12. Why is Fjordur free, while other DLCs are paid?
Fjordur is free because it is a non-canonical expansion, unlike some of the paid DLCs which continue the game’s main storyline.
13. Where does Fjordur rank among the best ARK maps?
Fjordur is generally ranked among the top maps by the ARK community. Its large size, unique features, and free access contribute to its popularity.
14. Is ARK: Survival Evolved completely free to keep?
ARK has been offered for free at times through platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. However, in most cases it is a paid product.
15. How does the free DLC content affect players who own the paid DLC?
Free DLCs such as Fjordur do not provide content that is exclusive, therefore they will have no benefit over paid DLCs. However, everyone benefits from a large and active community who share experiences and knowledge on all maps, whether paid or free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ARK Fjordur is a free, official, and non-canonical DLC map for ARK: Survival Evolved. It provides a rich, diverse, and engaging experience without any additional cost, making it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned players. Its vast size, unique features, and availability make it a worthy addition to the ARK universe. This free offering allows the broader ARK community to experience a high-quality map, regardless of whether they have invested in any paid DLCs. So, if you’re looking for a new adventure in ARK: Survival Evolved, Fjordur is a must-try map that offers hours of exploration and fun.