ARK: Survival Ascended – A Deep Dive into the Remastered World
ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a comprehensive overhaul of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. This means players can expect significantly enhanced graphics, improved performance, and access to a suite of new features and content. Importantly, ASA includes access to all of ARK’s original worlds, including The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, ARK Genesis Part 1, and ARK Genesis Part 2. These expansions will be added over time at no additional cost, creating a definitive ARK experience.
The Island: A Fresh Start
At launch, The Island is the centerpiece, showcasing the visual and technical advancements ASA offers. But more than a visual facelift, it’s a fully rebuilt world leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5. This translates to:
- Dynamic Water: Expect realistic and interactive water physics, impacting gameplay and exploration.
- Advanced Lighting: A complete rework of the lighting system for a more immersive and atmospheric experience.
- Improved Creature AI: Creatures behave more realistically, presenting new challenges and opportunities for players.
- Revamped Building System: Offering greater flexibility and customization options for base construction.
Essentially, everything you loved about The Island is there, but it’s been meticulously enhanced to provide a truly next-generation experience.
The Content Roadmap: More Than Just The Island
While The Island will be the initial offering, ASA promises to deliver all previously released ARK: Survival Evolved content for free. This means, eventually, players will have access to:
- Scorched Earth: The desert landscape with unique creatures and challenges.
- Aberration: The subterranean world filled with bioluminescent wonders and dangers.
- Extinction: The ruined Earth, reclaimed by nature and overrun by Titans.
- Genesis Part 1 & 2: The simulation-based expansions with diverse biomes and mission-driven gameplay.
The roadmap indicates a phased release of these expansions, with Aberration slated to arrive in the 4th quarter of 2023. This staggered approach allows the developers to focus on quality and ensure each world is optimized for the Unreal Engine 5 environment.
Mods and Cross-Platform Compatibility
One of the most exciting aspects of ASA is its integration with CurseForge, offering seamless cross-platform modding capabilities. This is a game-changer for console players, who will finally have access to the vast library of community-created content that PC players have enjoyed for years. Expect to see:
- New Creatures: Community-designed dinosaurs and other fantastical beasts.
- Custom Maps: Explore entirely new worlds created by talented modders.
- Gameplay Tweaks: Fine-tune the game to your liking with balance adjustments and new mechanics.
- Cosmetic Items: Personalize your character and gear with a wide variety of skins and decorations.
This integration drastically extends the life of ASA and provides a level of customization previously unavailable on consoles.
Multiplayer and Crossplay
Multiplayer remains a core element of the ARK experience in ASA. Expect to see:
- Dedicated Servers: Supporting a large number of players in persistent worlds.
- Non-Dedicated Servers: Limited to a smaller group of players, suitable for private games.
Crossplay between PC and console will be available, although it may be temporarily disabled at launch to address multiplayer issues across platforms. Once a patch is implemented, players on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 will be able to play together seamlessly.
ARK 2: The Future of the Franchise
It’s important to distinguish between ASA and ARK 2. While ASA is a remaster of the original game, ARK 2 represents a significant departure in terms of gameplay and perspective. Notably, ARK 2 will be a third-person game with a focus on “Souls-like melee combat” and a more narrative-driven experience. ASA is essentially an upgraded version of the original 2015 game, featuring the same mechanics but with some changes and improved graphics.
Is ASA a Test Run for ARK 2?
Some believe that ARK: Survival Ascended serves as a test run for ARK II. While ASE was made using Unreal Engine 4, it is assumed that ARK II will be developed using Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ARK: Survival Ascended replacing ARK: Survival Evolved?
Yes, ARK: Survival Ascended is intended to be the definitive ARK experience moving forward. The original ARK: Survival Evolved servers have been shut down.
2. Will there be new Dinos in ARK Ascended?
Yes, through the CurseForge mod browser, players will have access to a plethora of community-created content, including new dinos, structures, and maps. New creatures are also added with the release of each map, and these creatures will be added to previous maps as well.
3. Will ARK: Survival Ascended have multiplayer?
Yes, ARK: Survival Ascended supports both dedicated and non-dedicated servers for multiplayer gameplay.
4. What maps will be released in ARK Ascended?
Initially, The Island, Scorched Earth, and the Survival of the Fittest variants will be available. Subsequent expansions like Aberration, Extinction, and Genesis will be added periodically.
5. How much is ARK: Survival Ascended?
It’s intended to act as a complete and definitive experience, including the content from all of the DLC that the original title racked up as part of its price tag. The base game currently costs $45.
6. Will Ark 2 not have first person?
Correct. ARK 2 will be a third-person game with “Souls-like melee combat.” A first-person camera will not be included.
7. What is the max multiplayer in Ark?
Dedicated Servers can hold up to 70 players. Non-Dedicated Servers are limited to 4 players.
8. Will Ark ascended have mods on console?
Yes! ARK: Survival Ascended features seamless cross-platform modding powered by CurseForge. This allows PC-created mods to run on consoles for the first time.
9. Is ARK ascended going to be on ps4?
No, ARK: Survival Ascended is only available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
10. How do you get Mjolnir in Ark?
Obtain the three Alpha Trophies, craft the Portal to the Alpha Fenrir fight at a Runestone, defeat Alpha Fenrir, and Mjolnir will automatically drop.
11. What is the highest survivor level in Ark?
Without using any glitches, the highest possible level for survivors to reach in Ark is 190.
12. Can you unlock every Engram in Ark?
No. There are simply too many engrams and not enough engram points.
13. Will ARK 2 be free for Ark owners?
No. There is no free upgrade path from the original game to the remaster for current owners.
14. Will ARK 2 take place on Earth?
ARK 2 takes place after the events of Genesis: Part 2 on an alien planet.
15. What is a mythosaur in Ark Survival Ascended?
Mythosaurs are mighty, titan-like beasts dominating the landscape. Taming one is a significant challenge but yields great rewards.
This remaster promises to be a transformative experience, offering enhanced visuals, improved performance, and a wealth of new content. Whether you’re a seasoned ARK veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, ARK: Survival Ascended offers a compelling reason to dive back into the world of dinosaurs and survival. The improved quality of life, the immersion, and the quality of the gameplay make this game very attractive.
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