When Was the Last Time Ark Was Free on Steam?
The last time Ark: Survival Evolved was completely free on Steam to keep forever was during a promotion that ran from June 13th to June 20th, 2024. This was to celebrate the game’s final update and a pre-launch gift for the enhanced version, Ark: Survival Ascended.
Ark’s History of Free Promotions
Ark: Survival Evolved, known for its demanding survival mechanics and vast dinosaur-filled world, has occasionally been offered for free through various promotions. These opportunities have been eagerly anticipated by gamers looking to dive into the experience without the initial cost. The free promotions are a great way for the developers to introduce the game to new players, boost the game’s population, and generate buzz around major updates or releases. Understanding when these opportunities arise allows players to plan ahead and take advantage of them.
Ark: A Game Worth the Hype?
Ark: Survival Evolved is a complex and engaging survival game. Players awaken on a mysterious island called “ARK”, needing to learn to survive. You’ll need to hunt, harvest resources, craft items, grow crops, research technologies, and build shelters to withstand the elements and dangerous wildlife. The game’s appeal lies in its mix of prehistoric and futuristic elements. Players can tame and ride dinosaurs, build elaborate bases, and engage in player-versus-player combat. The learning curve can be steep, but the rewards are immense, offering a unique gaming experience. The game combines aspects of open-world survival, crafting, and creature collecting into a compelling and endlessly engaging package.
Ark: Survival Ascended and the Future
The introduction of Ark: Survival Ascended represents the next evolution in the franchise. Built on Unreal Engine 5, this enhanced version promises a visually stunning and technically superior experience. While Ark: Survival Ascended isn’t currently free on Steam, keep an eye out for future promotions. Studio Wildcard may offer similar deals in the future to attract players to their latest offering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ark: Survival Ascended the same as Ark: Survival Evolved?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended (ASA) is a remake of Ark: Survival Evolved (ASE), built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. ASA features enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and other upgrades. It’s not just a graphical update, but a complete overhaul of the original game.
2. How often does Ark go on sale on Steam?
Ark: Survival Evolved regularly goes on sale on Steam. The frequency varies, but typically, you can expect discounts during major Steam sales events, such as the Summer Sale, Autumn Sale, Winter Sale, and Lunar New Year Sale. Individual sales or publisher promotions also occur sporadically.
3. Will Ark: Survival Ascended ever be free on Steam?
It’s difficult to predict if Ark: Survival Ascended will be free on Steam. While the original Ark was offered for free previously, the decision depends on Studio Wildcard’s marketing strategy and promotional plans. Keep an eye on gaming news, Steam announcements, and official Ark social media channels for any updates.
4. What other ways can I get Ark for free?
While a full, permanent free copy is rare, you can sometimes find free weekends where you can play the game for a limited time. You can also explore giveaways or contests organized by gaming websites, streamers, or influencers. Be wary of unofficial sources offering “free” copies, as these may be illegal or contain malware.
5. What are the minimum system requirements for Ark: Survival Evolved?
The minimum system requirements for Ark: Survival Evolved are:
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 60 GB available space
6. Are there any free DLCs for Ark: Survival Evolved?
No, there are no entirely free DLCs for Ark: Survival Evolved. DLCs like Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis Part 1, and Genesis Part 2 are all paid expansions. Sometimes, specific in-game events or content updates may offer limited-time free items or features, but these are not considered full DLCs.
7. Is Ark: Survival Evolved cross-platform?
Ark: Survival Evolved does not support cross-platform play between PC (Steam) and PlayStation or Xbox. There is cross-platform compatibility between the Epic Games Store version and the Steam version of the game. The Windows Store version of Ark is also crossplay-compatible with Xbox consoles.
8. How much does Ark: Survival Ascended cost?
The price of Ark: Survival Ascended can vary depending on the platform and any ongoing sales. Generally, it is priced as a premium title, often around the $40-$60 USD range. Check Steam or the official Ark website for the most current pricing information.
9. What are the main differences between Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended?
The main differences include:
- Engine: ASA uses Unreal Engine 5, offering significantly improved graphics.
- Content: ASA includes remastered versions of all ASE maps, but they will be released over time.
- Gameplay: ASA introduces some gameplay improvements and quality-of-life enhancements.
- Modding: ASA has enhanced modding support.
- Price: ASA is a separate purchase, not an upgrade to ASE.
10. Can I transfer my progress from Ark: Survival Evolved to Ark: Survival Ascended?
No, you cannot directly transfer your progress from Ark: Survival Evolved to Ark: Survival Ascended. Due to the significant changes and engine upgrade, ASA is essentially a new game with a fresh save system.
11. Where can I find the best deals on Ark: Survival Evolved or Ark: Survival Ascended?
You can find deals on these games by checking:
- Steam: Keep an eye on Steam sales events and the Ark store page.
- Official Ark Website: Check for promotions directly from the developers.
- Third-Party Key Resellers: Be cautious and only use reputable sites.
- Gaming News Websites: Follow gaming news outlets that often report on sales.
12. What is the gameplay like in Ark: Survival Evolved?
Ark: Survival Evolved is a challenging open-world survival game where you must:
- Survive: Manage hunger, thirst, temperature, and other environmental factors.
- Craft: Create tools, weapons, clothing, and structures using gathered resources.
- Tame Dinosaurs: Capture and tame a variety of dinosaurs and other creatures for riding, combat, and resource gathering.
- Build Bases: Construct elaborate bases to protect yourself from enemies.
- Explore: Discover the secrets of the Ark and uncover its lore.
13. What DLCs are available for Ark: Survival Evolved?
The main DLCs for Ark: Survival Evolved include:
- Scorched Earth: A desert-themed expansion with new creatures and challenges.
- Aberration: An underground world filled with bioluminescent creatures and hazards.
- Extinction: A return to Earth to confront advanced technology and powerful Titans.
- Genesis Part 1: A simulation-based experience with diverse biomes and missions.
- Genesis Part 2: A journey through space with a focus on narrative and exploration.
14. Is Ark: Survival Ascended worth buying if I already own Ark: Survival Evolved?
Whether Ark: Survival Ascended is worth buying depends on your preferences. If you value updated graphics, improved performance, and a modernized experience, then ASA is a worthwhile investment. However, if you are content with the original Ark and its limitations, you might consider waiting for a sale or further updates before purchasing ASA.
15. Are there any upcoming free events or promotions for Ark?
To stay informed about potential future free events or promotions, it’s best to:
- Follow the official Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
- Join the official Ark Discord server.
- Subscribe to gaming newsletters and websites.
- Regularly check the Steam store page for Ark.