Is Ark Free on PC? A Comprehensive Guide to Ark: Survival Evolved Availability
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Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved has been offered for free on PC through various promotions and platforms, but its availability as a free game is not permanent. The original Ark: Survival Evolved, while not always free, has been given away on the Epic Games Store and Steam on different occasions, allowing players to claim the game and keep it in their libraries permanently. However, it’s essential to understand that the availability of Ark as a free game is time-limited. In addition, the recent release of the remastered version, Ark: Survival Ascended, is NOT free and requires a separate purchase.
Understanding the Different Versions of Ark
Before diving further into free availability, it’s crucial to distinguish between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended. The original Ark: Survival Evolved is the game that has been offered for free, primarily through the Epic Games Store and temporary promotions on Steam. Ark: Survival Ascended is the new, remastered version built on Unreal Engine 5. This version is a separate game and is sold at full price; it is not a free upgrade for owners of the original game. Therefore, when discussing free versions, we are primarily referring to Ark: Survival Evolved.
How Ark Has Been Offered Free on PC
Over the years, Ark: Survival Evolved has been given away for free on the Epic Games Store multiple times, similar to other popular titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Civilization VI. When offered, the game could be claimed and added to one’s Epic Games Store library, becoming a permanent part of their collection. In addition, Steam has also offered Ark: Survival Evolved as a free-to-keep title during special promotions. These promotions are typically for a limited time, often coinciding with events like the release of Ark 2 announcements or Xbox & Bethesda showcases. These free promotions have made the game accessible to a large audience, allowing players to experience the dinosaur-filled survival adventure.
The Transition to Ark: Survival Ascended
The release of Ark: Survival Ascended signifies a significant shift in the Ark universe. This remastered version not only brings enhanced visuals and performance by leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, but it also comes at a cost. Players must purchase Ark: Survival Ascended separately, and it does not offer a free upgrade to those who own Ark: Survival Evolved. The separate pricing and release are significant, as it demonstrates the new direction for the franchise. It’s important to remember that the release of Ascended has also led to the shutdown of the official servers of the original Ark: Survival Evolved. Therefore, while the original game may have been claimed for free previously, the official multiplayer experience has been transitioned to the newer title.
The Current Status of Ark’s Free Availability
As of the time of writing, Ark: Survival Evolved is generally not free. However, it is always worth checking both the Epic Games Store and Steam periodically for potential free giveaways. These stores frequently rotate free games, and Ark might be included in future promotional events. While the remastered Ark: Survival Ascended remains a paid title, opportunities may arise for sales or promotions. It is important to check for updates from Studio Wildcard, the game’s developer, for any future announcements or changes.
Where to Watch for Free Opportunities
To stay informed on potential future free opportunities for Ark: Survival Evolved, monitor the following:
- Epic Games Store: Check their free games page regularly.
- Steam: Keep an eye on Steam’s announcements and promotions pages.
- Studio Wildcard Social Media: Follow Studio Wildcard on social media platforms for announcements.
- Gaming News Websites: Regularly check major gaming news sites and forums for updates on free game promotions.
- Reddit and Community Boards: Engage in gaming communities to hear when games go free.
Offline Play and Single-Player Mode
Even if the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved are shut down, the game can still be enjoyed. The game has an excellent single-player mode, allowing you to play offline on PC. This offline feature provides all the gameplay elements of the online version without an internet connection, so you can explore the game and survive by yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ark’s availability on PC:
1. Is Ark: Survival Ascended free?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not free. It is a separate, paid game and is not a free upgrade for owners of the original Ark: Survival Evolved.
2. Can I still play the original Ark?
Yes, the original Ark: Survival Evolved can still be played, especially in the single-player mode. However, the official servers have been shut down with the release of Ark: Survival Ascended.
3. Is Ark free on Steam?
Ark: Survival Evolved has been free on Steam during promotional periods but is not permanently free as of right now. You will need to keep a watch for future giveaways.
4. Is Ark free on the Epic Games Store?
Ark: Survival Evolved has been given away for free on the Epic Games Store, but availability is not permanent. Check the store frequently for potential free promotions.
5. How do I download Ark for free?
If the game is available for free, you can claim it from either the Epic Games Store or Steam during their promotional periods and add it to your library permanently.
6. What is the difference between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended?
Ark: Survival Evolved is the original game, while Ark: Survival Ascended is a remastered version built on Unreal Engine 5 with enhanced graphics and performance.
7. Can I play Ark offline?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved can be played offline in the single-player mode, allowing you to experience the full game content without an internet connection.
8. Are the official Ark servers still online?
The official servers for the original Ark: Survival Evolved have been shut down, in preparation for the transition to Ark: Survival Ascended.
9. How much does Ark: Survival Ascended cost?
Ark: Survival Ascended is sold as a separate game and is generally priced at $59.99 (or similar, depending on your region).
10. What is the ‘Ark of the Covenant’?
The term “Ark” in the phrase “Ark of the Covenant” refers to the “chest of the covenant,” a sacred artifact. This is unrelated to the game Ark: Survival Evolved.
11. Is Ark free on mobile?
Yes, a version of Ark: Survival Evolved is available for free on mobile devices, such as Android and iOS platforms.
12. What DLC maps for Ark are free?
Many Ark: Survival Evolved DLC maps, such as Ragnarok, Fjordur, Lost Island, Valguero, and Crystal Isles have been offered for free.
13. Are there free ARK servers?
Yes, third-party options for free ARK server hosting are available through providers such as ScalaCube, although their use might have limitations compared to official servers.
14. Does Ark require a subscription?
No, there is no monthly subscription fee for Ark: Survival Evolved. However, Ark: Survival Ascended requires an initial purchase to play.
15. Will Ark 1 be shut down when Ark 2 comes out?
Official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved have already been shut down with the release of Ark: Survival Ascended, and there is currently no information regarding an Ark 2 release.
Conclusion
While the free availability of Ark: Survival Evolved is not permanent and is primarily dependent on promotions, the original game and its DLC offer a substantial amount of gameplay to enjoy, both in single-player and on unofficial servers. The release of Ark: Survival Ascended represents a new chapter for the franchise, and it’s important to differentiate between these two versions. Keep monitoring the Epic Games Store, Steam, and Studio Wildcard for any potential free offers or discounts in the future.