Is Scorched Earth Free on PS4? A Deep Dive into ARK’s DLC Landscape
The question of whether Scorched Earth is free on PS4 is a common one among ARK: Survival Evolved fans, especially with the ever-changing landscape of DLC availability and promotions. The short answer is: No, Scorched Earth is not generally free on PS4. While there have been periods where certain DLCs have been offered free through promotions or bundles, Scorched Earth itself typically requires a separate purchase or being included in a bundle. It’s essential to understand the different ways you might encounter or be able to play this challenging expansion.
The Complexities of ARK DLC
The ARK: Survival Evolved ecosystem is known for its expansive world and the variety of experiences offered through DLCs. These downloadable content packs add new maps, creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics, significantly enhancing the core game. Scorched Earth, with its desert biome, unique dangers, and fantastical creatures, is a popular choice for players seeking a challenging and distinct survival experience.
However, the way these DLCs are packaged and sold can be confusing. Typically, Scorched Earth is either purchased separately, included within a season pass, or bundled with other ARK content. The PlayStation Store sometimes offers bundles or sales where the value of the game and its DLCs can seem to fluctuate. This variability can lead to the misconception that Scorched Earth might be free at some point. It is crucial, therefore, to consult the PlayStation Store directly for the most current pricing and availability.
Where Confusion Arises
The confusion regarding the freeness of Scorched Earth often stems from several factors:
- Free Maps in the Base Game: Certain maps like Ragnarok, Valguero, Fjordur, Lost Island, The Center, and Crystal Isles are available to all players who own the base game, not requiring any additional purchases. These free maps are not to be confused with the premium DLC content.
- Promotional Periods and Bundles: Occasionally, the PlayStation Store may have promotions or bundles that temporarily make the game and its DLCs available at discounted rates or may include them in the PlayStation Plus catalogue. However, these are usually limited-time offers.
- Game Pass and Subscription Services: While ARK has been available on Xbox Game Pass, this does not necessarily translate to free access to DLCs on PlayStation. Similarly, owning ARK through services like the Epic Games Store does not guarantee free DLC availability on the PS4.
- In-Game Item Spawning: It’s also true that you can spawn items and creatures from Scorched Earth into other maps through console commands, even without owning the DLC. However, accessing the full Scorched Earth map and experience requires ownership of the DLC.
- Misinformation and Dated Information: Online forums and articles may have dated information regarding promotional offers or past sales, leading to inaccurate assumptions.
The Importance of Direct Verification
To get a definitive answer about the cost of Scorched Earth on PS4, always check the PlayStation Store directly. The store provides the most accurate information on current pricing and availability. Be mindful of:
- Individual DLC Pricing: Check the separate cost of Scorched Earth.
- Season Pass Options: Explore if the Season Pass which contains Scorched Earth offers a better deal.
- Bundle Offers: Check if any bundles that contain the DLC are more economical.
ARK: Survival Ascended and the Future of DLC
The recent announcement of ARK: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the original game using Unreal Engine 5, further complicates the picture. With Scorched Earth confirmed to be one of the launch maps for Ascended, it is possible that the DLC and map are only available through the newer remastered version of the game, making it necessary to purchase Survival Ascended to play the map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some related FAQs to clarify the status of Scorched Earth and other related aspects within the ARK: Survival Evolved universe:
1. Do I have to buy Scorched Earth to play it?
Yes, generally, you need to purchase Scorched Earth separately, through a Season Pass, or as part of a bundle to access the map and experience its unique content.
2. Is the base ARK game required to play Scorched Earth?
Yes, you must own the base game, ARK: Survival Evolved, to play any of its DLCs, including Scorched Earth.
3. Are all ARK DLCs free on PS4?
No, most DLCs including Scorched Earth must be purchased separately, as part of a season pass, or within a bundle. While some maps are free, these are part of the base game, not separate premium DLCs.
4. Which ARK DLCs are free?
Free maps include Ragnarok, Valguero, Fjordur, Lost Island, The Center, and Crystal Isles. These are available to all players who own the base game without additional purchases.
5. Can I spawn Scorched Earth dinos without owning the DLC?
Yes, you can use console commands to spawn items and creatures from Scorched Earth in other maps, but that does not grant access to the full Scorched Earth experience and map.
6. Is there an alternative way to get Scorched Earth?
Besides purchasing it separately, it may be included in bundles or in a Season Pass which could be more economical in some situations.
7. What is the price of Scorched Earth DLC?
The price varies depending on the PlayStation Store region and any ongoing sales. Refer to the PlayStation Store for current pricing.
8. How do I install Scorched Earth if I bought it?
Once purchased, Scorched Earth will download automatically as an add-on. You can also manage your installed DLCs through your PlayStation settings.
9. Is Scorched Earth available on Xbox?
Yes, Scorched Earth is available on Xbox, although availability through Xbox Game Pass can vary.
10. What is the ARK Season Pass?
The Season Pass is a bundled purchase of multiple DLCs, which can often offer a more cost-effective way to acquire multiple expansions, including Scorched Earth.
11. Will the original ARK servers shut down with the release of Ark: Survival Ascended?
Yes, official servers for the original ARK: Survival Evolved are scheduled to shut down as ARK: Survival Ascended launches.
12. Is Scorched Earth part of Ark: Survival Ascended?
Yes, Scorched Earth is included as one of the launch maps in ARK: Survival Ascended, meaning to play the map, it will likely require purchasing the new game.
13. Does Scorched Earth have its own soundtrack?
Yes, the Scorched Earth soundtrack was composed by Gareth Coker and adds to the unique atmosphere of the desert environment.
14. What are the main differences between the free maps and Scorched Earth?
Scorched Earth features a unique desert biome, different creatures, environmental challenges, and a distinct survival experience compared to the free maps.
15. Is the “Ultimate Survivor Edition” the best way to get Scorched Earth?
The Ultimate Survivor Edition usually includes the base game and all of its DLCs, including Scorched Earth, which could be a good value for players seeking all of the content in one purchase.
Conclusion
In summary, while some maps in ARK: Survival Evolved are available for free, Scorched Earth generally requires a purchase. Always check the PlayStation Store directly for the most accurate information on pricing and availability and be aware of the changing landscape of the ARK franchise due to the upcoming Survival Ascended release. This detailed guide should provide all of the information that you need to understand how to obtain access to the Scorched Earth DLC.