Will Ark 1 Be Shut Down When ARK 2 Comes Out? The Dino-Sized Truth
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The simple answer is: partially, yes. Official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved (Ark 1) were shut down on September 29th, 2023, to pave the way for ARK: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the original game using Unreal Engine 5, and ultimately, ARK 2. While the original official servers are gone, Ark 1 is not entirely unplayable. You can still enjoy the game through unofficial servers, single-player mode, and non-dedicated server sessions. The sunsetting of official servers was controversial and sparked considerable debate within the Ark community. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding this decision and explore what it means for players, both old and new.
The Reasoning Behind the Sunset: A Necessary Extinction?
Studio Wildcard’s decision to shut down the official Ark 1 servers wasn’t made lightly. The reasoning boiled down to several factors, including:
- Focus on ARK: Survival Ascended and ARK 2: Developing and maintaining two major games simultaneously, especially with the ambition of ARK 2, would stretch resources thin. The official server infrastructure, while still functional, requires ongoing maintenance and support. Consolidating focus onto the new titles allows the developers to allocate resources effectively.
- Technical Limitations and Unreal Engine 5: Ark 1, built on Unreal Engine 4, had reached its technical limitations. Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 with ARK: Survival Ascended offers significant improvements in graphics, performance, and potential for future content. Maintaining official servers for an older, technically inferior version of the game alongside the new one wouldn’t be ideal.
- A Fresh Start and Community Migration: While controversial, the server shutdown aimed to encourage the community to migrate to ARK: Survival Ascended, offering a fresh start with enhanced features and a more modern experience. The hope was that players would embrace the new engine and the changes it brings.
The Aftermath: A Community Divided
The announcement of the official server shutdown caused a significant uproar within the Ark community. Many players felt betrayed by Studio Wildcard’s decision, especially considering the initial messaging around ARK 2 and the lack of a free upgrade path to ARK: Survival Ascended. Some argued that players should have the option to continue playing on the official servers of the original game if they prefer.
Despite the controversy, the transition is now complete. The official servers are gone, and the focus is firmly on ARK: Survival Ascended and, eventually, ARK 2. However, as mentioned, the community has adapted, with many players migrating to unofficial servers or embracing the single-player experience. This has also led to a resurgence in interest in running and managing unofficial servers, which have become a vital part of the Ark ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark 1 and Ark 2
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding Ark 1, ARK: Survival Ascended, and ARK 2:
1. Can I still play Ark 1?
Yes! While the official servers are shut down, you can still play Ark 1 through:
- Unofficial servers: Numerous player-run servers offer various gameplay experiences.
- Single-player mode: Enjoy the game solo, offline, or with customized settings.
- Non-dedicated server sessions: Host a local session for you and a few friends.
2. What happened to my progress on official servers?
Unfortunately, progress on official servers was lost with the shutdown. Studio Wildcard didn’t offer a character or world transfer to unofficial servers. This was a major point of contention for many players.
3. Is ARK: Survival Ascended the same as ARK 2?
No. ARK: Survival Ascended is a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved (Ark 1) built on Unreal Engine 5. It includes graphical enhancements, improved performance, and some gameplay tweaks. ARK 2 is a completely new game with significant gameplay changes and a different storyline. It is currently delayed and expected to release at the end of 2024.
4. Do I need to buy ARK: Survival Ascended to play any version of Ark?
Initially, you needed to buy a bundle that included both ARK: Survival Ascended and ARK 2. Now, ARK: Survival Ascended is available for individual purchase.
5. Will ARK 2 be available on Game Pass?
Yes, ARK 2 is slated to be available on Xbox Game Pass for a full three years after its initial release.
6. Is ARK 2 going to be like Ark 1?
While initially planned as a similar survival experience, ARK 2 is now expected to feature substantial changes compared to its predecessor, including a new combat system, a more narrative-driven experience, and new world elements.
7. Why is ARK 2 taking so long to develop?
Studio Wildcard has cited the transition to Unreal Engine 5 as the primary reason for the delay. Adapting workflows and pipelines to accommodate the new engine’s capabilities requires significant time and resources.
8. Is ARK 2 single-player only?
No, ARK 2 is confirmed to be an online multiplayer sandbox game, despite the initial focus on Vin Diesel in the promotional materials.
9. Will the expansions from Ark 1 be available in ARK: Survival Ascended?
Yes, but they are being released gradually. ARK: Survival Ascended is planned to include all the original maps and expansions from Ark 1, but they will be released over time as downloadable content (DLC).
10. Are the unofficial servers for Ark 1 going to stay up?
Unofficial servers are player-run and independent of Studio Wildcard. Their continued operation depends entirely on the server owners. As long as there is a community interested in playing Ark 1 on unofficial servers, they are likely to remain available.
11. What are the benefits of playing on unofficial servers?
Unofficial servers often offer customized gameplay experiences, including modified rulesets, faster progression, and active communities. Many players prefer unofficial servers due to the increased control and community interaction.
12. Is ARK: Survival Ascended a free upgrade for Ark 1 owners?
No, ARK: Survival Ascended is not a free upgrade. Owners of Ark 1 must purchase it separately.
13. How long will Ark 1 remain playable?
As long as unofficial servers and the single-player mode are supported, Ark 1 will remain playable. There is no indication that Studio Wildcard plans to remove these options.
14. Will my mods from Ark 1 work in ARK: Survival Ascended?
Mods need to be updated to be compatible with Unreal Engine 5 and ARK: Survival Ascended. While some mods may be easily ported, others may require significant rework or may not be compatible at all.
15. What does the future hold for the Ark franchise?
The future of the Ark franchise hinges on the success of ARK: Survival Ascended and ARK 2. Studio Wildcard is betting heavily on the power of Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a next-generation survival experience. The franchise is evolving, and the coming years will reveal whether this evolution resonates with the player base. The Games Learning Society will undoubtedly be watching the progress and analyzing how these changes impact the gaming community. For more on the intersection of games and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Survival
While the sunsetting of official Ark 1 servers marked the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the Ark franchise. ARK: Survival Ascended offers a visually stunning and technically improved version of the original game, while ARK 2 promises a significantly different and ambitious experience. The Ark community has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, embracing unofficial servers and eagerly anticipating the arrival of ARK 2. The future of the franchise may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the spirit of survival is alive and well in the world of Ark.