Is Ark Still Free on Epic Games Store? A Comprehensive Guide
No, Ark: Survival Evolved is no longer free on the Epic Games Store. The popular survival game was offered for free for a limited time in June of 2023, as part of Epic’s regular free game promotions. However, that promotion has ended, and the game now needs to be purchased to play on the platform. While the base game may not be free anymore, this doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to enjoy the vast world of Ark, and this article will explore your options.
Ark: Survival Evolved and Its Brief Free Period
How Did Ark Become Free?
Epic Games, known for its generous free game giveaways, offered Ark: Survival Evolved as a free title to claim and keep permanently during a specific period in June 2023. This promotional period was part of their strategy to attract new users to their platform, giving them a taste of popular games at no cost. The offer included the base game, and for a brief time, players could add Ark: Survival Evolved to their libraries without spending a dime.
Why Was it a Limited Time Offer?
The free giveaway of Ark: Survival Evolved was never intended to be permanent. These kinds of promotions are used by the Epic Games Store to draw attention and build a larger user base. By making a highly popular title temporarily free, they incentivize users to create accounts and visit the store, potentially leading to future game purchases.
Current Status of Ark on Epic Games Store
Ark: Survival Evolved is Now a Paid Title
Currently, Ark: Survival Evolved is available for purchase on the Epic Games Store, meaning you’ll have to buy the game if you wish to play it on that platform. You can find it listed among other paid titles, ready for purchase at its regular price.
How to Purchase Ark: Survival Evolved
If you wish to purchase Ark: Survival Evolved on the Epic Games Store, simply follow these steps:
- Download and Install the Epic Games Launcher: If you don’t already have it, you’ll need to download and install the Epic Games Launcher from the official Epic Games website.
- Create or Log In to Your Account: Launch the Epic Games Launcher and either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
- Navigate to the Store Tab: On the left-hand side of the launcher, click on the “Store” tab.
- Search for “Ark: Survival Evolved”: Use the search bar to find the game.
- Add to Cart and Purchase: Click on the game and add it to your cart, then proceed with the checkout process, using your preferred payment method.
What About Ark Survival Ascended?
The original Ark: Survival Evolved is now being superseded by a remastered version called Ark: Survival Ascended. Unfortunately, there is no free upgrade from the original game to Ark: Survival Ascended for current owners. Instead, it is bundled in a $50 package, which also includes the now-delayed sequel, Ark 2. The launch of Ark: Survival Ascended also means that official servers for the original Ark: Survival Evolved will eventually be shut down. However, single-player, unofficial servers and non-dedicated servers will remain playable.
Free Content and Future Possibilities
Free DLC Maps for Ark: Survival Evolved
While the base game is no longer free, many of Ark: Survival Evolved’s expansion maps are still available for free. These maps include:
- ARK Fjordur
- ARK Lost Island
- ARK Ragnarok
- ARK Valguero
- ARK Crystal Isles
- ARK The Center
These free maps significantly expand gameplay and provide a wealth of new areas to explore.
Will Ark Be Free Again?
While there are no immediate announcements of Ark: Survival Evolved returning as a free game on the Epic Games Store, it is possible that it may happen again in the future. Epic Games regularly offers different games for free as part of their promotional campaigns. The best way to stay informed is to keep an eye on the Epic Games Store news section and other gaming news outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Ark free on Epic Games Store?
Ark: Survival Evolved was free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time in June of 2023. This promotion was part of Epic’s strategy to attract new users by offering popular games at no cost.
2. Is Ark still free for PlayStation Plus?
No, Ark: Survival Evolved is not currently free with PlayStation Plus. It was briefly available on the PlayStation Plus monthly games list in the past but is no longer included.
3. Can I get Ark free on PC in any other way?
Aside from the limited Epic Games Store promotion, there are no other official ways to get Ark: Survival Evolved for free. However, free DLC maps for the base game are still available, providing a wealth of new content.
4. How do I play Ark offline on the Epic Games Launcher?
To play Ark offline, enable the Offline Mode setting in the Epic Games Launcher settings. Simply click on your profile icon in the top-right corner, go to Settings, and check the “Enable Offline Mode Browsing” box under the Preferences section.
5. What is Ark: Survival Ascended?
Ark: Survival Ascended is a remastered version of the original Ark: Survival Evolved built with Unreal Engine 5. It features updated graphics, improved performance, and various gameplay enhancements.
6. Is Ark: Survival Ascended free?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not a free upgrade. It is currently only available bundled with the delayed Ark 2 for $50, and you will have to buy this package to play it.
7. Will my progress from Ark: Survival Evolved carry over to Ark: Survival Ascended?
No, player progress and characters from the original Ark: Survival Evolved will not carry over to Ark: Survival Ascended. It is essentially a fresh start.
8. Will official Ark: Survival Evolved servers be shut down?
Yes, the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved will be switched off when Ark: Survival Ascended launches. However, unofficial servers, single-player and non-dedicated servers will remain playable.
9. Is Ark 2 still going to be a survival game?
Yes, Ark 2 will continue the survival theme of the original game, offering a vast, open-world environment and multiplayer gameplay.
10. What are some good free-to-play alternatives on the Epic Games Store?
Some great free-to-play games on the Epic Games Store include Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Trackmania, Path of Exile, and Warframe.
11. What are the best free Ark maps?
Some of the best free maps for Ark: Survival Evolved include Lost Island, Ragnarok, Fjordur, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center. These offer large and diverse environments for players to explore.
12. Is Lost Ark free to play?
Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMO ARPG that is available to download from various platforms, but it is a separate game from Ark: Survival Evolved.
13. How do I join an Ark server on Epic Games?
To join a server, first, start a single-player game. Open the console by pressing Tab, and then enter the command “open IP:PORT”, replacing IP:PORT with your server’s connection information.
14. How often does Epic Games give away free games?
The Epic Games Store usually gives away free games on a weekly basis. This is a regular part of their store and a great way for users to expand their libraries.
15. Will Epic Games continue to give free games in 2023 and beyond?
Yes, Epic Games has confirmed that they will continue their weekly free games program throughout 2023 and beyond, indicating that this is a long-term part of their strategy.
Conclusion
While Ark: Survival Evolved is no longer free on the Epic Games Store, it’s still an excellent game worth exploring. Keep an eye on Epic Games Store for potential future free promotions and remember to enjoy the abundance of free DLC maps currently available. Whether you’re diving into the original or looking forward to Ark: Survival Ascended, there are still plenty of ways to experience the world of Ark.