Decoding the ARK: Survival Evolved Season Passes: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is vast and ever-expanding, and much of its richness lies within its downloadable content (DLC). To navigate this prehistoric playground effectively, understanding the Season Passes is crucial. In essence, the ARK: Survival Evolved Season Passes are bundles that grant players access to a collection of DLC expansion packs, offering new maps, creatures, items, and storylines, all at a discounted price compared to purchasing each separately. There are actually two distinct Season Passes available for ARK: Survival Evolved, each offering different content.
The Original Season Pass: Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction
This Season Pass provides access to three major expansion packs that significantly alter the ARK experience:
-
ARK: Scorched Earth: This expansion transports survivors to a harsh desert landscape riddled with extreme temperatures, scarce resources, and new creatures adapted to the arid environment. Players will face sandstorms, heatstroke, and the challenge of taming creatures like the Deathworm and the Phoenix. Scorched Earth introduces a distinct crafting system with items specifically designed for desert survival.
-
ARK: Aberration: This map plunges players into a damaged ARK, a bioluminescent cave system where sunlight is nonexistent and radiation permeates the environment. Aberration is a vertical map, challenging players to navigate using ziplines, climbing picks, and gliders. It introduces new creatures like the Rock Drake and the Nameless, requiring unique taming strategies.
-
ARK: Extinction: Extinction returns players to a corrupted Earth, ravaged by a cataclysmic event. Giant, mutated creatures roam the wastelands, and players must work together to defend against the invading “Titans.” This expansion introduces the concept of “Tek” creatures and advanced technology, culminating in a battle to save the planet.
The Genesis Season Pass: Part 1 and Part 2
This Season Pass unlocks two narrative-driven expansions focusing on advanced technology and challenging missions:
-
Genesis: Part 1: Genesis: Part 1 presents a simulated world controlled by the AI HLN-A. Players must complete challenging missions across diverse biomes, including a lunar landscape, volcanic region, and ocean environment. This expansion introduces new creatures like the Magmasaur and the Bloodstalker, and focuses on mission-based gameplay. HLN-A acts as a guide and companion throughout the experience.
-
Genesis: Part 2: Genesis: Part 2 continues the storyline, taking place on a massive colony ship hurtling through space. This expansion features two distinct biomes – Eden and Tek – with unique resources and creatures. Players will encounter new creatures like the Shadowmane and the Voidwyrm, and engage in a conflict between HLN-A and Sir Edmund Rockwell.
Alongside the two expansions, the Genesis Season Pass includes exclusive cosmetic items.
How ARK Season Passes Work
Purchasing a Season Pass grants permanent access to all the included DLC content on your chosen platform (Steam, Xbox, PlayStation). Once purchased, the DLCs are linked to your account and can be downloaded and played at any time, provided you own the base game of ARK: Survival Evolved. You’ll need the base game to play the DLCs included in either of the season passes. The ARK Survival Evolved season pass offers significant value for players looking to expand their gaming experience and explore new content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK: Survival Evolved Season Passes
1. Do I need the base game to play Season Pass DLCs?
Yes, the base game of ARK: Survival Evolved is required to play any of the DLCs included in either Season Pass. The Season Pass only unlocks access to the additional content.
2. Do the ARK Season Passes expire?
No, once purchased, the ARK Season Passes do not expire. You have permanent access to the included DLCs.
3. Can I purchase the DLCs separately instead of buying a Season Pass?
Yes, each DLC included in the Season Passes can be purchased individually. However, buying the Season Pass offers a discounted price compared to buying each DLC separately.
4. Which Season Pass is best for beginners?
Generally, the original Season Pass (Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction) is considered more beginner-friendly. The Genesis expansions often involve more advanced gameplay and mechanics, requiring a deeper understanding of the game. However, both are fantastic choices for different reasons. The Games Learning Society researches how games engage players and provide learning opportunities. The ARK series certainly embodies this engaging, exploratory learning.
5. What platform are the ARK Season Passes for?
Season Passes are platform-specific, meaning you must purchase the Season Pass for the platform you play ARK on (Steam, Xbox, PlayStation).
6. Are there any differences between the Season Passes on different platforms?
The content of the Season Passes is generally the same across all platforms. However, pricing may vary depending on sales and platform policies.
7. Do Season Passes include all ARK DLCs?
No, there are some standalone DLCs not included in either Season Pass, such as Crystal Isles and Lost Island.
8. Are the Genesis Season Pass expansions more difficult than the original expansions?
Generally, yes. Genesis expansions tend to feature more challenging missions and require a better understanding of the game’s mechanics.
9. What are the exclusive cosmetic items included in the Genesis Season Pass?
The Genesis Season Pass includes a ‘Noglin’ Chibi cosmetic, a ‘Shadowmane’ Chibi cosmetic, a new cosmetic armor set, and an in-game, artificially intelligent companion called ‘HLN-A’.
10. What happens if I lose my character or tribe on a Season Pass map?
Losing a character or tribe is a risk inherent in ARK’s survival gameplay. You can transfer characters between maps, but there’s always a chance of loss due to various in-game factors.
11. Can I play the Season Pass DLCs in single-player mode?
Yes, all the Season Pass DLCs can be played in single-player mode.
12. Do the Season Pass DLCs add new creatures to the base game maps?
No, the new creatures are typically exclusive to the maps included in the Season Pass DLCs. However, some creatures can be transferred between maps using the game’s transfer system.
13. Are the Season Pass DLCs mod-compatible?
Yes, the Season Pass DLCs are compatible with mods. However, compatibility may vary depending on the mod and DLC.
14. What is the “Tek” technology introduced in some of the Season Pass DLCs?
“Tek” technology is advanced futuristic technology that allows players to craft powerful weapons, armor, and structures. It often requires defeating bosses and collecting rare resources.
15. Will there be more ARK: Survival Evolved Season Passes in the future?
With ARK: Survival Ascended being a remake of the first game, and ARK 2 on the horizon, it’s unlikely there will be further Season Passes for the original ARK: Survival Evolved. Instead, expect the release of similar content for its successor. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games like ARK create immersive learning experiences.
Understanding the ARK: Survival Evolved Season Passes is vital for any player looking to maximize their experience within this dynamic and challenging world. Whether you prefer the harsh deserts of Scorched Earth, the bioluminescent caves of Aberration, or the mission-based gameplay of the Genesis expansions, there’s a Season Pass that’s right for you.