Why is ARK: Survival Evolved So Massive? Unraveling the 130 GB Mystery
ARK: Survival Evolved’s substantial file size, often quoted around 130 GB, and sometimes significantly more, is a result of a complex interplay of factors related to its design, content, and update history. The primary reason boils down to the game’s structure, which incorporates base game content, numerous expansion packs, and a unique approach to creature implementation. Unlike many games that keep DLC assets separate, ARK integrates DLC creatures and some code directly into the base game files, even if you don’t own the DLC. This means that a large portion of the game’s bulk is dedicated to ensuring all players can interact with the full spectrum of ARK’s creatures, regardless of their DLC ownership status. This allows players on different servers with different DLC installed to still interact together. Beyond this, the game’s constant evolution and large updates all add to its gigantic file size.
The Core Components Contributing to ARK’s Size
Base Game and DLC Integration
The most significant contributor to ARK’s size is the game’s unique approach to handling DLC content. Instead of isolating DLC content into separate files, many of the creatures, structures, and core code associated with expansions are integrated into the base game files. This is done to ensure seamless cross-server interaction, allowing players who haven’t purchased specific DLCs to still encounter creatures and structures from those expansions. However, this also means that your installation includes a massive amount of data even if you are not actively playing all the maps or using that content.
Extensive Map Files
ARK features a variety of maps, both paid and free, which are substantial in size. Each map introduces unique biomes, creatures, and challenges, requiring detailed terrain data, textures, and object placements. These map files contribute a significant portion to the overall installation size. Although it’s possible to selectively download map files, it’s still necessary to have a large install size. You are not forced to download every map but the base game size will always remain massive.
Accumulation of Updates and Past Files
Another major factor is the game’s extensive update history. Unlike some games that completely overwrite older files, ARK appears to retain some past data in addition to adding new files with each update, leading to the accumulation of unnecessary data. The reasoning for this is data safety but can lead to a large backlog of “backup” type files. This means that over time the install size grows as the game is updated, not all old files and content are removed.
High-Resolution Textures and Models
ARK is known for its detailed environments and creature designs. The use of high-resolution textures and intricate models, along with extensive animation data, contributes heavily to the game’s storage footprint. Each creature, plant, and building requires a large number of high-quality files.
How to Reduce ARK’s Size
While ARK’s size can be daunting, there are a few strategies to mitigate the impact on your storage:
Selective DLC Installation
The most effective method to reduce ARK’s size is to deselect DLC maps that you don’t currently play. This can be done via the game’s properties in your gaming platform’s interface by navigating to the DLC tab.
File Compression
Windows allows users to compress game files which reduces the size on the hard drive. To compress the files, right-click the ARK installation folder, open properties, click “Advanced” and select “Compress contents to save disk space.” This can save a significant amount of storage.
Regular Maintenance
Periodically clearing temporary files, game caches and removing old mods can sometimes help to make space on your drive and can often fix the game if it is experiencing performance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ARK’s Size
1. How big is ARK: Survival Evolved with all DLC?
A complete installation of ARK: Survival Evolved with all available DLC can take up around 275 GB or more.
2. Why does ARK take up so much storage space even without the DLCs?
Even if you don’t purchase any DLC, the base game integrates a significant amount of DLC content (especially creatures) to enable compatibility with servers running various DLC maps.
3. Is it possible to install only parts of ARK to save space?
Yes, by right-clicking the game in your library, you can select properties, hit the DLC tab, and uncheck DLC maps you don’t play. This reduces download size and install size to some degree.
4. How much RAM does ARK need?
ARK requires a minimum of 8 GB RAM, but for a better experience, 16 GB of RAM or more is recommended, especially if you are running high-end settings or various mods.
5. What is “Extreme Low Memory Mode” in ARK?
Extreme Low Memory Mode is a setting designed for very low memory situations. It minimizes memory use to about 2 GB, by removing sounds and certain visual features to allow players into the game.
6. Why does the game seem to constantly grow in size?
ARK’s size grows over time because it often doesn’t completely remove old files during updates, leading to a buildup of legacy data, as well as new content being added via updates.
7. How do I compress my ARK game files?
Right-click your ARK folder, open properties, go to the advanced tab and select “Compress contents to save disk space”. This feature is built into Windows.
8. What is the largest storage item in ARK?
The largest storage item in ARK is the Vault, which can store 150 stacks of items.
9. How big is the ARK map “Lost Island”?
The Lost Island map is among the biggest in ARK, covering more than 150 square kilometers of explorable area.
10. Is ARK a heavy game to run?
Yes, ARK is considered a heavy game to run, requiring a strong CPU, GPU, and a significant amount of RAM, especially for higher settings.
11. Why are games becoming so large in general?
Games are growing in size due to technological advancements allowing for more detailed textures, complex environments, and higher-quality models.
12. Does character size in ARK affect hitbox?
No, despite a character’s appearance, the hitbox remains the same. This can sometimes make the character harder to hit in PVP, depending on size.
13. How big is an ARK server?
An ARK server generally needs a minimum of 20 GB of disk space but a minimum of 25-50 GB is recommended for optimal performance.
14. How big will ARK 2 be?
The estimated download size for ARK 2 is around 40 GB, much smaller than the first game, likely with a focus on more streamlined content delivery.
15. How much space does ARK take on Xbox?
ARK requires approximately 155 GB of storage space on Xbox consoles, reflecting the game’s overall size challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, ARK: Survival Evolved’s large size of 130 GB or more is due to a combination of factors including the unique integration of DLC content into the base game, massive map files, accumulated game updates, and the use of high-resolution textures and models. While this can be challenging for storage space, understanding these factors allows players to manage and minimize the impact on their systems through selective DLC installation and file compression.