Gameplay Trailer and Steam Launch
Studio Wildcard pulls no punches, dropping the first gameplay trailer for ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) during Microsoft’s Xbox Partner Preview livestream. But they didn’t stop there. Right on cue, the studio announced that ASA is hitting Steam today, so get ready to embark on a next-gen journey into the prehistoric wilderness.
Console Development and Modding
It’s not a one-man show for Studio Wildcard. Partnering up with Grove Street Games, the development team will spearhead the console version of ARK: Survival Ascended. Grove Street Games is also in charge of the innovative ASA modding integration, bringing along Instinct Games for extra engineering support.
Next-Gen Tech and Visuals
ARK: Survival Ascended is not just a simple remake; it’s a ground-up reconstruction that taps into the power of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Expect to see realistic light reflections and jaw-dropping details, courtesy of UE5’s Global Illumination tech, known as “Lumen.” The codebase and artwork for ARK have been completely rewritten and reimagined to take advantage of this cutting-edge engine.
Future-Proofing the Classic ARK Experience
Jeremy Stieglitz, the co-founder and lead designer at Studio Wildcard, made it clear: “ASA provides an evergreen adventure that re-energizes the classic-ARK experience.” Even with the direction of ARK 2 shifting towards a Souls-like adventure, the studio recognizes the community’s love for the original ARK. ASA aims to offer that classic vibe with continued support and content updates.
Modding Community in the Spotlight
Thomas Williamson, CEO of Grove Street Games, shares the excitement about bringing PC mods to the console community. This move will finally give console gamers access to the fantastic mods that PC players have enjoyed, further enriching the ARK experience for all.
Worlds and Content Roadmap
Get ready to traverse not just The Island but also other fan-favorite worlds like Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, and both parts of ARK Genesis. These will be rolled out on a regular basis, accompanied by gameplay/QOL updates, new DLC, seasonal events, and more.
Cross-Platform Modding and Multiplayer
One of the biggest game-changers here is the cross-platform modding facilitated by Overwolf through the CurseForge platform. This means mods crafted on PC can now run on consoles, extending the reach of mod authors and game developers alike. On the multiplayer front, the game will support cross-platform play between console and Windows PC players at launch, with Steam PC players joining in come December 2023.
Additional Features and Competitions
Expect waves, ripples, and splashes with ASA’s Ascended Physics System. The game promises extensive QOL improvements, including smarter creature pathfinding and a whole host of new structures, items, and creatures. Moreover, an official ARK: Survival Ascended Modding Competition will kick off in November, boasting a prize pool of $350,000 USD for the most creative cross-platform mods.
Availability and Pricing
ARK: Survival Ascended is now live on Steam, available for a limited time at $40.49 (MSRP $44.99). Console gamers won’t be left in the dust, as the game is slated to arrive on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 in November.
Got all that, gamers? ARK: Survival Ascended is rewriting the rulebook and bringing the prehistoric adventure to new heights. Don’t sleep on it.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
