Ark Asa Release Date Updates and Other Details

ARK: Survival Ascended – Launch Updates and Details

The highly anticipated ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) has been the talk of the gaming community, especially with its recent updates regarding the release schedule and features. Originally slated for an earlier release, the developers at Studio Wildcard have pushed back the launch date to ensure a polished experience across all platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The new release timeline sets the game to debut in October 2023, with early access pricing set at $44.99, discounted to $39.99 at launch.

The decision to delay was influenced by the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of Unreal Engine 5.2. This advanced engine has allowed the developers to explore new technological heights, promising a groundbreaking gaming experience. However, the complexity of creating a cross-platform moddable game ecosystem has necessitated additional development time.

Staggered Release of Expansion Maps

Studio Wildcard has also revised the rollout of ASA’s expansion maps. The Island will be the first map available, with Scorched Earth now scheduled for a December release. Following these, Ragnarok and Aberration are expected in the first quarter of 2024, with other maps to follow. This staggered release schedule allows the developers to maintain a high standard of quality for each map, ensuring each one offers a unique and immersive experience.

The separation of the release dates for The Island and Scorched Earth was a strategic decision based on the lessons learned from remastering The Island. The developers realized that achieving the same level of quality for Scorched Earth within the original timeline was unfeasible without compromising the game’s standard.

Gameplay and Features

ARK: Survival Ascended promises to bring a host of new features and improvements, leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. Players can expect enhanced graphics, dynamic water simulations, interactive foliage, and much more. The overhaul also includes a new third-person camera option, improved creature path-finding, and a revamped inventory system. Moreover, the game will introduce cross-platform multiplayer and modding, expanding the possibilities for community engagement and creativity.

Despite the delay, the excitement for ASA remains high. Studio Wildcard plans to reveal gameplay footage closer to the launch date, ensuring that what players see is reflective of the final product. This approach aims to manage expectations and ensure that the community knows exactly what they will be getting in the new iteration of ARK.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Studio Wildcard has been actively engaging with the ARK community, addressing questions and providing updates through various forums and social media. They have reassured players that despite the delay, the wait will be worthwhile with the amount of content and features coming their way. The developers are also continuing with creature votes, allowing the community to have a say in which new dinosaurs make it into the game. The Gigantoraptor is one such community-chosen creature currently in development.

Looking ahead, ARK: Survival Ascended is set to leave Early Access in late 2024, after which it will feature the complete next-generation remastering of all content. The roadmap also hints at future expansions and updates post-launch, ensuring that the game continues to evolve and offer new challenges and adventures to players.

Conclusion

ARK: Survival Ascended is shaping up to be a significant evolution of the beloved ARK: Survival Evolved. With its advanced graphics, new features, and community-focused development, ASA is poised to offer a fresh and exciting experience to both new players and seasoned survivors. While the wait may be longer than expected, the meticulous attention to detail and quality suggests that the game will be well worth the patience.

FAQs

1. When is ARK: Survival Ascended releasing?
   ARK: Survival Ascended is scheduled to launch in October 2023 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
2. Will there be a price discount at launch?
   Yes, the early access price will be $44.99, with a launch discount bringing it down to $39.99.
3. What are the major new features in ASA?
   The game will feature Unreal Engine 5 graphics, cross-platform multiplayer and modding, dynamic water simulations, interactive foliage, and much more.
4. Why was the release date for ASA delayed?
   The delay was due to the challenges and opportunities presented by Unreal Engine 5.2, requiring more time to perfect the cross-platform moddable game ecosystem.
5. Will all original ARK maps be available in ASA?
   Yes, all maps will eventually be remastered and released for ASA, starting with The Island and followed by others like Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, and Aberration.
6. Can the community participate in deciding new features or creatures?
   Yes, Studio Wildcard runs creature votes allowing the community to choose new dinosaurs to be included in the game.