Is There a Free Version of Ark on PC?
The question of whether you can play Ark: Survival Evolved for free on PC is a common one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The short answer is: yes, there are ways to play Ark on PC for free, but the availability of free versions changes over time. The game’s history includes periods where it has been given away on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam, and even offered as a free-to-own game for a limited time on Steam to celebrate the announcement of the upcoming Ark 2. However, these offers are not permanent. Let’s delve into the details of how you might find a free way to play Ark on your PC, and what you need to know about these offers.
Historical Free Offerings of Ark
Epic Games Store Giveaways
In the past, the Epic Games Store has frequently offered Ark: Survival Evolved as a free game. This promotion has been part of their strategy to attract users to their platform. If you were to obtain it during one of these giveaways, you could permanently add Ark to your Epic Games library without any cost. These offers are typically for a limited time, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest announcements from the Epic Games Store. They often feature social media posts and articles to announce when a free game is available.
Steam Free Weekends and Limited-Time Offers
Steam also has a history of offering Ark: Survival Evolved for free. These promotions usually come in two forms: free weekends and limited-time giveaways. During a free weekend, you can play the game completely free, but the access expires at the end of the promotion period. Sometimes, especially when they want to boost attention to the franchise or promote a new release window, Steam provides Ark for free to permanently add to your library. These instances are often linked to major announcements or events, such as the initial reveal of Ark 2’s release. In 2022, for example, Steam offered Ark for free to own permanently to coincide with the announcement of the Ark 2 release window.
The Current State of Ark’s Availability
The Rise of Ark: Survival Ascended
With the release of Ark: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the original game, things have become a little more complicated. Ark: Survival Ascended is not a free upgrade and is sold separately. This has caused some confusion as it’s not the same as Ark: Survival Evolved. The original servers for Ark: Survival Evolved have also been shut down, making official server play unavailable. While this doesn’t impact single-player or unofficial server options, it does affect the overall availability and experience of the game.
Free DLC vs. Main Game
It is important to differentiate between free DLC and the main game itself. While numerous Ark DLC maps like Fjordur, Lost Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center have been offered for free, these are additional content and not the core Ark: Survival Evolved game. The main game must still be acquired via purchase or during promotional events.
Unofficial Servers, Single-Player, and Nondedicated Options
While the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved have been shut down, the core game is still playable through unofficial servers, single-player mode, and nondedicated server options. If you have acquired the game through purchase or during one of the free promotions you can still experience the game this way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Ark on PC
1. Is Ark: Survival Ascended free?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not free. It’s a remastered version of the original game and is sold as a separate purchase on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
2. Can I still get Ark: Survival Evolved for free?
While not permanently free currently, it’s important to keep an eye out for promotions. The game may be offered for free again on platforms like the Epic Games Store or Steam in the future.
3. What is the difference between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended?
Ark: Survival Ascended is a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved, featuring enhanced graphics, improved performance, and some gameplay adjustments. It is not a free upgrade and is sold as a separate product.
4. Were any of the Ark DLCs ever free?
Yes, multiple Ark DLC maps such as Fjordur, Lost Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and The Center have been offered for free. These are typically added to your library as free content and are playable if you own Ark: Survival Evolved.
5. Where can I find news of when Ark is free?
To stay informed, follow the social media channels of the Epic Games Store and Steam, regularly check their respective websites and game store pages, and visit gaming news sites that report such promotions.
6. What do I need to run Ark on my PC?
The minimum requirements for Ark: Survival Evolved include 8 GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5-2400 CPU, and an AMD Radeon HD 7870 graphics card. You’ll also need at least 60 GB of free disk space. Ark: Survival Ascended likely requires higher specifications.
7. Is Ark free on mobile?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved is available as a free download on Android and iOS. You can join online servers and play with people globally.
8. Can I play Ark if I only use unofficial servers?
Yes, absolutely! If you own a copy of Ark: Survival Evolved, you can play on unofficial servers, in single-player mode, or via nondedicated servers, even though the official servers are shut down.
9. Is SteamUnlocked safe to download games?
SteamUnlocked is a platform that offers free games. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a legal platform and does not obtain games from official sources. Use it with caution, as they are known to be associated with copyright violations and can host malicious content.
10. Is Steam a paid service?
Steam is a free service for use. It’s a game storefront and social platform that requires only a free sign-up. You do, however, typically need to pay for the games available on the store.
11. Why is it called Ark?
The name “ARK” is a reference to Noah’s Ark, a vessel in biblical stories that preserved life during a global flood. The game is rich with mythology and sci-fi themes.
12. Is Lost Ark free to play?
While not part of the Ark Survival series, it’s worth mentioning. Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMO on Steam, and it uses microtransactions to generate revenue.
13. Will Ark 2 still be a survival game?
Yes, Ark 2 is intended to stay true to its roots and will continue as an open-world, multiplayer survival title.
14. What happens if I acquired Ark for free and want to play now?
If you acquired Ark: Survival Evolved for free during one of the promotional offers, the game remains in your library for playing. You can enjoy unofficial servers, single-player mode, and nondedicated servers.
15. What should I play first in Ark?
The Island is a good starting point for players new to Ark. It is the first map and serves as an excellent introduction to the game mechanics.
Conclusion
Finding a free version of Ark: Survival Evolved on PC requires vigilance and an understanding of the game’s promotional history. While the game isn’t currently permanently free, past offers through Epic Games Store and Steam suggest that opportunities for free play may arise in the future. Staying updated via official platform announcements and gaming news outlets is key to taking advantage of these limited-time offers. Even with the release of Ark: Survival Ascended, the original Ark: Survival Evolved remains playable through unofficial servers, single-player modes, and nondedicated setups, ensuring that players can still experience the unique world of Ark. Always ensure you obtain games from legitimate sources to avoid potential risks.