Ark Remastered Release Date Updates and Other Details

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Studio Wildcard announces a major update for the beloved game ARK: Survival Evolved. The original game is set to receive a next-generation remaster titled ARK: Survival Ascended, which will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This announcement comes alongside news of a delay for the highly anticipated ARK 2, now rescheduled for release in late 2024.

What is ARK: Survival Ascended?

ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) is a comprehensive remaster of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, utilizing the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. Slated for release in August 2023, ASA promises to enhance the gaming experience with significant updates, quality of life improvements, and additional content. The base game, priced at approximately $39.99, will include familiar environments such as The Island and a revamped Survival of the Fittest, along with all Non-Canon DLC maps to be added progressively.

Exclusive Bundles and Offers

For Xbox Series X/S and PC gamers, an exclusive ARK Respawned Bundle will be available, bundling ARK: Survival Ascended and ARK 2 for $49.99. This offer not only provides a financial incentive but also includes early access to the ARK 2 closed beta, a whole month before it becomes available to the general public. PlayStation 5 enthusiasts can purchase ASA as a standalone game upon its launch.

Additional Content and Expansion Packs

Studio Wildcard has planned further expansions for ASA with the Explorer’s Pass and Genesis Pass, each priced at $19.99. These passes will gradually introduce new maps and content, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, and the two-part Genesis expansion. The rollout for these expansions is scheduled between the end of 2023 and mid-2024.

Enhancements in ARK: Survival Ascended

The transition to Unreal Engine 5 brings not just visual and performance upgrades but also introduces dynamic water interactions, interactive foliage, and a cross-platform multiplayer system. This system ensures that players can maintain continuity in their gameplay experience across different platforms, which includes shared progress and cross-platform voice chat capabilities.

Innovations in Modding

Studio Wildcard is partnering with Overwolf to deliver a pioneering cross-platform modding experience. This collaboration will allow mod creators to develop content that can be seamlessly integrated across PC and consoles, with creators receiving 50% of the revenue generated from their mods. This initiative aims to foster a vibrant modding community around ASA, enhancing the game’s longevity and player engagement.

Survival of the Fittest Revamp

The popular game mode, Survival of the Fittest, is set to receive its own dedicated update within ASA. This update will focus on enhancing gameplay mechanics, balance adjustments, and introducing new maps specifically designed for this mode. The integration of UE5 technology will also allow for better performance and more immersive gameplay experiences in Survival of the Fittest.

Looking Ahead: ARK 2

While ARK: Survival Ascended caters to the current generation of gamers, Studio Wildcard is also hard at work on ARK 2. Despite the delay to late 2024, the development team is committed to leveraging UE5 to deliver a game that exceeds expectations. ARK 2 will initially launch as an Xbox console exclusive and will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PC via Steam.

FAQs

• When will ARK: Survival Ascended be released?
  ARK: Survival Ascended is set to launch in August 2023.
• What platforms will ARK: Survival Ascended be available on?
  The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
• How much will ARK: Survival Ascended cost?
  The base game is priced at approximately $39.99.
• What is included in the ARK Respawned Bundle?
  The bundle includes ARK: Survival Ascended and ARK 2, plus one month of early access to the ARK 2 closed beta.
• What are the major enhancements in ARK: Survival Ascended?
  Major enhancements include an overhaul to Unreal Engine 5, dynamic water and foliage interactions, and cross-platform multiplayer capabilities.
• When is ARK 2 expected to launch?
  ARK 2 is scheduled for release in late 2024.