The world of ARK has been reborn with the release of ARK: Survival Ascended, a complete remake using Unreal Engine 5. This isn't just a visual upgrade; it's a reimagining of the entire experience. But with the graphical overhaul and early access status, many are asking: is ARK: Survival Ascended worth jumping back into, especially with the initial performance concerns? Let's dive into the details.
What is ARK: Survival Ascended?
ARK: Survival Ascended isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's a ground-up rebuild of the original ARK: Survival Evolved in Unreal Engine 5. This means stunning visuals, improved physics, and a host of quality-of-life improvements. Players still find themselves stranded on a mysterious island, needing to survive by crafting, building, taming dinosaurs, and forming tribes. The core gameplay loop remains, but it’s enhanced by the new engine's capabilities. The target audience is fans of survival games, dinosaur enthusiasts, and those looking for a visually impressive and challenging experience. Cross-platform multiplayer is supported, allowing players on different platforms to team up.
Performance and Value: Is It Worth the Price?
One of the biggest concerns surrounding ARK: Survival Ascended has been its performance. The demanding Unreal Engine 5 visuals require a beefy PC to run smoothly, even on lower settings. Initial reports indicated significant performance issues, but patches have improved the situation. However, it still requires a powerful rig to truly shine. Considering the current price of 22,49€ (discounted from 44,99€), the value proposition depends heavily on your hardware. If you have a high-end PC, the visual fidelity and updated gameplay make it a worthwhile purchase. However, those with older systems may want to wait for further optimizations. Server hosting is also a consideration for those wanting a dedicated experience.
The Future of ARK: Survival Ascended
ARK: Survival Ascended is currently in early access, which means the game is still evolving. The developers have committed to releasing all of ARK's worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction, at no additional cost. This promises a steady stream of new content and challenges. The game also boasts cross-platform modding, allowing players to create and share their own maps, creatures, and items. This feature has the potential to significantly extend the game's lifespan and create a vibrant community. The availability of ARK: Survival Ascended server hosting provides options for customized gameplay experiences.
Our Final Verdict
ARK: Survival Ascended is a visually stunning and ambitious remake that offers a fresh take on the classic survival formula. The Unreal Engine 5 upgrade brings a new level of immersion, but it also demands powerful hardware. If you have a capable PC and enjoy survival games with a strong focus on dinosaurs and exploration, ARK: Survival Ascended is definitely worth checking out. However, be prepared for potential performance issues and the inherent uncertainties of early access development. Consider your system specs and tolerance for bugs before diving in.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Stunning visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5
- Improved physics and quality-of-life features
- Cross-platform multiplayer support
- Cross-platform modding for endless content
- Access to all ARK worlds at no extra cost
❌ Cons
- Demanding hardware requirements
- Potential performance issues, especially on older systems
- Early access status means bugs and unfinished features
- High initial price compared to the original ARK
- Requires a significant time investment