ARK Anniversary: 10 Exciting Updates in the ARK Universe
Celebrating the ARK Anniversary, the popular dinosaur survival game marks a decade of adventure with exciting updates and new content. Originally launched on Steam's Early Access on June 2, 2015, this indie game has evolved into a massive franchise with millions of downloads, several expansions, and even a recent remaster.
To commemorate this milestone, the developers are introducing in-game events, announcements, and fresh content across the expansive ARK universe. Here are 10 exciting developments currently unfolding in the ARK universe.
1. ARK: Survival Ascended Celebrates the ARK Anniversary with Party Content
ARK: Survival Ascended, the remastered version of ARK: Survival Evolved, launched in 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This next-generation upgrade boasts enhanced graphics thanks to its rebuild in Unreal Engine 5. How is this remaster celebrating the ARK Anniversary?
Studio Wildcard has enriched ASA with party-themed content, including new structures, skins, consumables, and emotes. Additionally, the Egg Incubator from ARK: Survival Evolved has been added, allowing players to incubate 10 eggs simultaneously, significantly reducing hatching times.
2. ARK: Genesis Part 1 Now Available on Mobile
ARK: Genesis Part 1, a story-driven expansion pack, is now accessible on ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition. This expansion introduces new gameplay mechanics, creatures, craftable items, and structures. Players awaken in a virtual simulation and must overcome challenges to uncover its secrets, aided by HLN-A, a chatty robot companion.
As with other ARK installments, survival hinges on exploration, taming, building, and combat. However, this time, players must adapt to dynamically changing environments.
3. New Underwater DLC Coming to ARK: Survival Evolved
Many players continue to enjoy the original ARK: Survival Evolved, and now, it's receiving a new DLC titled ARK: Aquatica. This marks the first major content update since the Fjordur map's arrival in summer 2022. What new challenges await players?
Developed by Snail Games to celebrate the ARK Anniversary, Aquatica introduces a new underwater biome and the first fully submerged ARK in the series. This update brings new survival mechanics, environmental hazards, and a large map, three times the vertical size of the Aberration map. The new biome features 20 new tameable water-based creatures, 69 new Engrams (62 learnable and 7 tek), and underwater survival elements like air pockets and submersibles.
4. ARK: Ragnarok Ascended Arrives Soon
ARK: Ragnarok Ascended is set to launch on ARK: Survival Ascended, bringing back the beloved map in a remastered format. In addition to returning favorites like the Griffin and Ice Wyvern, this update introduces the Bison – a fiercely loyal and powerful creature.
With its volcanic landscapes, rugged terrain, and a new beast to tame, Ragnarok promises to challenge Survivors anew. Are you ready for the challenge?
5. Pre-Orders for ARK: Lost Colony Begin
Pre-orders for ARK: Lost Colony, the first major canonical expansion pack for ARK: Survival Ascended, are opening soon. An animated trailer featuring the voice talents of Michelle Yeoh, Madeleine Madden, and Auli’i Cravalho hints at the map’s story.
Set in a sprawling city, this expansion features new creatures, structures, gear, and powers, continuing the story from ARK: Extinction. Pre-ordering unlocks exclusive Day One content, offering a first taste of the action coming soon.
6. Linking to ARK 2
Scheduled for release soon, Lost Colony will lay the groundwork for the highly anticipated ARK 2. Developers have hinted that the DLC will include story threads, lore clues, and new mechanics foreshadowing elements of the sequel. What secrets will be revealed?
7. New Music by Gareth Coker
The Lost Colony map will feature new music from video game composer Gareth Coker, who composed the main theme for ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015. His portfolio includes work on Ori and the Blind Forest, Minecraft, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Halo Infinite, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
8. Astraeos Update Expands the Frontier
The first major content update for Astraeos introduces Lemnokis, a large island map designed by modder Nekatus. This island features diverse biomes, hidden caves, and towering redwoods adorned with ancient ruins and colossal statues.
Beyond sightseeing, players can engage with the game’s first duo minibosses, Kalydonios and Erymanthian, two massive boars wielding fire and poison.
9. Overwolf-Powered Mods in ARK: Survival Ascended
ARK: Survival Ascended embraces modding through a partnership with CurseForge, granting access to thousands of mods, including collaborations like the ARK x Power Rangers mod. Players can customize their game with new creatures, gear, and experiences created by the community.
This modding ecosystem ensures ARK remains fresh, with more original and licensed mods on the horizon. How will you customize your game?
10. ARK: The Animated Series Part 2 Arrives Soon
ARK: The Animated Series Part 2 is set to premiere, continuing Helena Walker’s survival story as she unravels the island’s prehistoric mysteries. Part 1, available now, introduced Helena’s world and a star-studded cast.
Animated series character skins are available in ARK: Survival Ascended, allowing players to bring the show to life in-game.
The ARK Anniversary marks a decade of evolution, innovation, and community engagement. With exciting new content, remastered classics, and a vibrant modding scene, the ARK universe continues to offer endless adventures for players worldwide.