Is Ark Free to Play on PC? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether Ark: Survival Evolved is free to play on PC is a bit nuanced and has changed over time. The short answer is: it’s complicated. While Ark: Survival Evolved is not consistently free, it has been offered for free on multiple occasions, and there are ways to play the game without spending a dime on the base game itself. Currently, it is generally not free to download and play on PC, but remains a game to watch for special promotions. Let’s unpack this and provide a clearer picture.
Understanding Ark’s Pricing History on PC
Epic Games Store Giveaways
Ark: Survival Evolved has been offered as a free game on the Epic Games Store multiple times. These promotions are usually time-limited, meaning that you could add the game to your library for free, but only during a specific period. Once added, it was yours to keep and play forever, even after the promotion ended. The Epic Games Store often features these kinds of giveaways to attract new users. Keep an eye on their store page or gaming news sites to catch these opportunities.
Steam Free Weekends and Giveaways
Similarly, Steam has also offered Ark: Survival Evolved for free, notably around the announcement of ARK II. During these events, players could download and play the full game for free for a limited time. Sometimes, these events include the option to permanently add the game to your library, making it a true free acquisition. These free periods are typically part of larger gaming events or to coincide with major announcements from Studio Wildcard.
The Remastered Version: Ark: Survival Ascended
Adding to the complexity, Ark: Survival Ascended, a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved built on Unreal Engine 5, has been released as a paid game. It is not a free upgrade for existing owners of Ark: Survival Evolved. The launch of Survival Ascended has created a new pricing structure, where the original Survival Evolved has, for the time being, generally reverted to a paid model.
Server Costs and Other Considerations
While you might obtain the base game for free during promotions, keep in mind that playing online on a private server often incurs costs. Renting an Ark: Survival Evolved server usually ranges from $15 to $30 per month, depending on the server’s specifications and hosting provider. These costs are separate from the cost of the game itself.
Key Takeaways About Ark’s Free Availability
- Ark: Survival Evolved is not permanently free: It is typically a paid game.
- Free promotions are common: Keep an eye on Epic Games Store and Steam for giveaways.
- Ark: Survival Ascended is a paid remaster: It is not a free upgrade.
- Server costs apply: Playing on a private server usually comes with monthly fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ark free to play right now?
Currently, Ark: Survival Evolved is generally not free to download and play on PC. It is typically sold at a retail price on Steam. However, it’s important to check the Epic Games Store and Steam pages regularly for special free promotions.
2. Can I play Ark for free on Steam?
Ark: Survival Evolved has been free to own on Steam during specific promotional periods. These promotions are not always active, and you’ll need to watch for announcements from Steam or Studio Wildcard.
3. What Ark games are free?
At different times, both Ark: Survival Evolved and certain DLC have been offered for free on both Steam and Epic Games Store. However, this is not a constant. Keep your eye out for news regarding giveaways and promotions.
4. What do I need to play Ark on PC?
The minimum system requirements for Ark: Survival Evolved include:
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 60 GB available space
- Internet: Broadband connection for multiplayer
For a better experience, recommended specs include at least 16 GB of RAM, a more powerful processor and a newer graphics card such as NVIDIA RTX 3060/3060 Ti or AMD 6600 XT/6700 XT.
5. Is Ark: Survival Ascended free for owners of Ark: Survival Evolved?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended is a standalone purchase. It’s not a free upgrade for those who own the original game.
6. How much does an Ark server cost?
Renting an Ark server typically costs between $15 and $30 per month, though some more expensive options exist. This cost varies based on the server’s performance, player capacity, and hosting provider.
7. Is Steam free to use?
Yes, Steam is free to use as a platform. You only pay for the games you purchase. Setting up an account and accessing the storefront is entirely free.
8. Is Ark free on mobile?
Yes, there is a mobile version of Ark: Survival Evolved which is available for free on Android and iOS devices. This mobile version may differ slightly from the PC version in terms of gameplay and features.
9. Why is Ark so big?
Ark: Survival Evolved is a large game due to its vast open world, numerous creatures, and a large number of high-resolution assets including detailed textures and models. The many expansion packs and maps greatly increase the storage requirements. It is common to see the base game with all expansions taking up hundreds of gigabytes of storage space.
10. What are the easiest Ark maps to start with?
The easiest maps for beginners are generally considered to be The Island (the original map) or Ragnarok. These maps offer a good balance of resources and varied environments.
11. Can I play Ark on a laptop?
Yes, you can play Ark on a laptop, but it is best played on laptops with a dedicated graphics card and at least the recommended system requirements listed above. Laptops with high refresh rates for the display are recommended for a better experience.
12. What DLC is free for Ark?
Several DLC maps for Ark: Survival Evolved are often available for free, including Fjordur, Lost Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center. Free DLC availability changes from time to time, so check the store pages for current listings.
13. Will Ark 1 servers be shut down when Ark 2 comes out?
According to official announcements, the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved will be switched off when Ark: Survival Ascended is launched. However, many private servers will continue to operate, providing an alternative for those who still want to play the original version.
14. How do you play Ark for beginners?
New players should start by focusing on basic survival needs:
- Gather resources: Start with the Pickaxe for stone and flint
- Build a simple base: Use a small hut to protect yourself
- Tame small creatures: Start with Dodos or other low-risk creatures.
- Stay close to starting area Learn the basics and don’t go too far into dangerous areas before you level up and acquire better equipment.
15. What does “Ark” stand for?
The word “Ark” in Ark: Survival Evolved is derived from the Latin word “arca,” meaning “chest” or “box.” However, it doesn’t carry a specific acronym or meaning related to the game’s lore. The “ark” represents a contained world within the game where players must survive.
Conclusion
The question of whether Ark: Survival Evolved is free on PC is dependent on active promotions and has changed over time. While the game is not permanently free-to-play, opportunities to obtain it for free have been common on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Stay informed by keeping an eye on the respective storefronts and gaming news. The launch of Ark: Survival Ascended has complicated the matter, but with careful attention, you may still be able to experience the world of Ark without paying the full retail price for the base game. Always remember that server costs may apply for those looking to play online with friends on custom servers. Happy surviving!