Which ARK Map Has All the Dinosaurs? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of which map in ARK: Survival Evolved boasts the complete roster of creatures is a common one for new and veteran players alike. The short answer is: no single map in ARK contains every single dinosaur and creature. The developers have designed the game to encourage exploration and progression through different maps, each with its own unique environments and creature spawns. However, certain maps come closer than others. While Ragnarok was once considered the closest, especially before the release of Genesis Part 1 and Part 2, the landscape has shifted considerably with new releases. Currently, no singular map contains all creatures, but Genesis Part 2 houses a vast diversity of creatures including many “end-game” level dinosaurs, giving it the edge as a the closest to “all” dinos. This doesn’t mean other maps are less important, in fact each map offers its own unique experience. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the dino-diversity of each map.
Dinosaur Distribution in ARK
The Map Philosophy
ARK: Survival Evolved’s design philosophy centers around varied experiences across its maps. Each map, from the base game The Island to the expansion maps like Aberration, Extinction, and the Genesis series, introduces not only new environments but also new creatures. These creatures are often thematically tied to the map’s setting and offer unique challenges and taming opportunities. This design encourages players to move between maps, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. No single map contains all the creatures, forcing you to engage with the unique offerings of each environment.
Why No “One Map to Rule Them All”?
The primary reason for this map-based creature distribution is to maintain engagement and provide a sense of progression. If a single map contained all creatures, the motivation to explore the other maps would diminish drastically. By strategically placing unique creatures, the developers ensure players have a reason to experience the entire scope of ARK: Survival Evolved. This includes engaging with different biomes, facing new environmental challenges, and uncovering unique resources on each map.
Genesis Part 2: The Closest to a “Complete” Roster
While no map has every single creature, Genesis Part 2 comes the closest. This map features an astounding range of creatures, from familiar classics to many late-game creatures, and many of the most powerful ones in ARK. It offers a variety of environments, with a visually stunning, futuristic space setting. Genesis Part 2 also offers unique challenges like the void biome and the complex missions found throughout the map. However, it still excludes certain map-specific creatures, like the Rock Drake from Aberration or the Phoenix from Scorched Earth. It is important to remember that while the diversity on Genesis Part 2 is vast, you will still have to engage with other maps to complete your creature collection.
Ragnarok: The Original Contender
Before Genesis Part 2, Ragnarok was often lauded for its high creature density and variety. It combines biomes from The Island, Scorched Earth, and added its own unique regions, which made it a popular map for the longest time, and it still is. This combined environment meant that a substantial amount of creatures could be found on Ragnarok. However, like Genesis Part 2, Ragnarok still does not have every creature, and is missing a number of the most powerful and challenging creatures, making it the second most encompassing map, rather than the closest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the original map of ARK?
The Island is the base game’s original map. It features a diverse ecosystem with mountains, plains, and a central volcanic peak. It is where many players start their journey in ARK: Survival Evolved.
2. Does “ARK: Survival Ascended” feature all dinos in one place?
ARK: Survival Ascended, the remake of the original, does not place all creatures in one location. Instead, it is following a similar approach with maps from the original, and creature distribution over multiple maps, keeping the exploration and progression aspect of the game.
3. Is Fjordur a good map for dino variety?
Yes, Fjordur introduces several new dinos, such as the Desmodus, Andrewsarchus, and Fjordhawk, which adds to the roster of dinos that can be found in the game, however, like the other maps, it will not contain every dino.
4. What are some of the rarest creatures in ARK?
Some of the rarest creatures include the Unicorn, Titanosaurus, Tusoteuthis, Liopleurodon, and Phoenix. Their rarity is often tied to specific spawning conditions or locations.
5. What is the dinosaur with 500 teeth?
The Nigersaurus is a sauropod dinosaur with an unusually broad mouth and numerous, slender teeth (up to 500).
6. What are some of the strongest tames in ARK?
Some of the strongest tames include the Rex, Giganotosaurus, Argentavis, and Snow Owl, each offering unique strengths and abilities.
7. What is the “Ark” in Ark: Survival Evolved?
The “Ark” refers to the game’s setting, a series of large, artificial environments. The name originates from the biblical “Ark of the Covenant,” as translated into Latin, “arca,” which is the term for a chest or box.
8. What is considered the hardest ARK map?
Scorched Earth is often considered one of the most difficult maps due to its extreme temperatures, limited resources, and lack of water sources.
9. How many total maps are there in ARK?
There are currently 12 official maps in ARK: Survival Evolved, each offering unique biomes, challenges, and creatures.
10. What is the most powerful dinosaur on The Island?
The Rex is generally considered the most powerful dinosaur on the original Island map, with high HP and melee damage.
11. Can a tamed Giga turn on you?
Yes, a tamed Giganotosaurus can enter a rage state if it takes too much damage or gets too low on health, and it will attack anything in its vicinity, including its own owner.
12. Which would win, a T-Rex or a Giganotosaurus?
In the game, it is generally accepted that a Giganotosaurus is stronger than a T-Rex, however, in real life, scientists believe it would be the Tyrannosaurus Rex that would come out the victor.
13. Which dinosaur has no teeth?
The Berthasaura leopoldinae and the Limusaurus inextricabilis are two toothless dinosaurs.
14. Which dinosaur has the most horns?
Kosmoceratops richardsoni is a dinosaur with up to 15 horns, a very unique trait.
15. What is the strongest boss in ARK?
The King Titan is considered the strongest boss in ARK, demanding careful preparation and coordination to defeat.