Is Ark Free on the Epic Games Store? Your Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved is indeed available for free on the Epic Games Store, but with a crucial condition: you need to claim it during specific promotional periods. The game isn’t permanently free to download and play at any time; rather, Epic Games frequently offers it as a free title as part of their weekly or promotional free game giveaways. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into the dinosaur-filled world of Ark without spending a dime, as long as you are aware of these windows of availability. Once claimed, it’s yours to keep and play indefinitely. This strategy is a cornerstone of the Epic Games Store’s approach to attracting new users and building its community. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and what you need to know to get your hands on Ark for free.
How to Get Ark: Survival Evolved for Free on Epic Games
The process is straightforward, but requires a few key steps:
1. Download and Install the Epic Games Launcher
First, you’ll need the Epic Games Launcher. You can download it for free from the official Epic Games website. This launcher is your portal to the Epic Games Store and all the games it has to offer.
2. Create or Log in to Your Epic Games Account
If you don’t already have one, create a free Epic Games account. If you’re a seasoned gamer on PC, you likely already have one. Once you are set, log in to the launcher using your credentials.
3. Visit the Epic Games Store
On the main launcher page, locate and click on the Epic Games Store tab. This will open the storefront where you can browse, purchase, and claim free games.
4. Claim Ark During the Free Promotion
During a promotional period where Ark: Survival Evolved is offered for free, you’ll find it highlighted on the storefront, usually on the homepage. Click on the game listing, and you’ll see a button that lets you claim it for free. Once claimed, the game will be added to your library.
5. Download and Play
After claiming, you can download and install the game. It will be permanently accessible in your library, and you can play it whenever you choose. Remember to keep an eye out for these promotions as they don’t last forever, and if you miss the window, the game returns to its regular price.
Why Does Epic Games Give Away Games for Free?
The tactic of offering free games weekly is a strategic move by the Epic Games Store to gain market share in the PC gaming space, dominated largely by Steam. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it works:
- Attracting New Users: Offering games like Ark for free is an effective way to get people to create Epic Games accounts and use their platform. This influx of new users expands their reach and potential customer base.
- Building Brand Loyalty: Regularly giving away popular titles encourages users to frequently check the Epic Games Store, building brand recognition and loyalty.
- Competitive Advantage: This strategy differentiates the Epic Games Store from other platforms, and makes them a go-to place for great deals and free games.
- Cross Promotion: Giving away a free game can also increase visibility for other games in the Epic Games Store. When users browse the store to claim the free title, they are more likely to discover other titles available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark on Epic Games Store
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and information about Ark: Survival Evolved and its availability on the Epic Games Store:
1. Is Ark always free on the Epic Games Store?
No, Ark: Survival Evolved is not permanently free on the Epic Games Store. It’s offered as a free game periodically, usually during a limited time promotion. Keep an eye on the store announcements to claim the game during these times.
2. What happens if I miss the free promotion period?
If you miss the free promotion, you will have to purchase the game at its regular price on the Epic Games Store to play it.
3. Can I keep Ark if I claim it during a free promotion?
Yes, absolutely! Once you claim the game during the promotional window, it’s permanently yours to keep and play whenever you like, even after the promotion ends.
4. Are the Ark DLCs also free on Epic Games?
While Ark: Survival Evolved might be free during a promotion, the DLCs (Downloadable Content) are usually not. However, Epic Games Store may occasionally offer DLCs at discounted prices or as part of a bundle. Some DLC maps like Fjordur, Lost Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center are often available for free as well.
5. Can I play Ark with my friends who are on Steam?
Yes, cross-platform play between Steam and Epic Games users is generally supported for Ark servers, so you can play with your friends regardless of which platform they’re using. No special settings are required, but Epic users need to have their server IP:PORT information to join.
6. How do I join a friend’s Ark server if they are using Steam?
To join a server, regardless of platform:
* Start a single-player game in Ark.
* Open the in-game console by pressing the Tab key.
* Enter the command: open IP:PORT, where IP:PORT represents the server’s IP address and port number.
7. Can I play Ark offline on Epic Games?
Yes, you can play Ark offline. To enable offline mode on the Epic Games Launcher, go to Settings and check the “Enable Offline Mode Browsing” box.
8. Does Epic Games give away free games every week?
Yes, the Epic Games Store typically gives away one or more free games every week. This is a consistent strategy to attract and retain users.
9. How long has the Epic Games Store been giving away free games?
The Epic Games Store has been giving away free games since its launch in 2018. This has been a core part of their marketing strategy since the start.
10. How many free games have been claimed on the Epic Games Store?
In 2022 alone, approximately 700 million free games were claimed by users on the Epic Games Store. This shows the popularity of these offerings.
11. What is the difference between “free-to-play” and “free games”?
Free-to-play games are free to download and play initially, but may include in-game purchases for additional content. Free games on the Epic Games Store are free to download during specific promotional times and are yours to keep and play without additional cost.
12. Are free games on the Epic Games Store safe to download?
Yes, the games offered for free on the Epic Games Store are safe to download. The store ensures that all games are legitimate and free from malware.
13. What does “Ark” stand for?
The term “Ark” in the context of “Ark of the Covenant” comes from the Latin “arca,” which means a chest or box. In Ark: Survival Evolved, the term refers to the mysterious and artificial world where the game takes place.
14. Will Epic Games continue offering free games in 2024 and beyond?
Yes, according to statements by Epic Games, the Free Games Program is set to continue through 2023 and beyond which should include 2024. So expect consistent free game giveaways in the future.
15. Why is it that Steam does not offer free games as consistently as Epic Games?
The Epic Games Store makes offering free titles a key part of their strategy to compete with the market, while Steam tends to rely on sales and community involvement. Epic uses this method as a strategy for growth while Steam already has a massive userbase.
By knowing the process and being vigilant for free game announcements, you can enjoy a vast collection of free games on the Epic Games Store, including the intense and captivating world of Ark: Survival Evolved. Happy gaming!