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Release Date: December 16, 2024

The ARK universe is about to evolve again with the highly anticipated Extinction Ascended update for ARK: Survival Ascended. This monumental update reimagines the acclaimed Extinction expansion, leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 to deliver stunning visuals, enriched gameplay, and innovative features that promise to redefine the ARK experience.

What is Extinction Ascended?

Extinction Ascended serves as a narrative and gameplay continuation in the ARK saga. Players return to a dystopian version of Earth, where survival is not just a struggle against the elements but a desperate battle against colossal Titans, hostile wildlife, and limited resources.

The original Extinction map has been entirely rebuilt to offer enhanced graphics, new exploration zones, and dynamic environments that respond to player actions. The map features both lush biomes and desolate wastelands, each with its own challenges and rewards.

Key Features of the Update

1. Unreal Engine 5 Overhaul

The transition to Unreal Engine 5 brings groundbreaking improvements to ARK: Survival Ascended, including:

Photorealistic Graphics: Enhanced textures, shadows, and dynamic lighting effects.
Improved Water Physics: Rivers and oceans now react realistically to movement and weather conditions.
Interactive Foliage: Trees, bushes, and other vegetation now respond to player interactions.
Expanded Weather System: Includes dynamic storms, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena.

These upgrades aim to immerse players deeper into the ARK universe than ever before.

2. The Dreadnoughtus

A new dinosaur makes its debut: the Dreadnoughtus, a behemoth of unparalleled size and strength. Features include:

Platform Saddle: Build structures or deploy artillery on its back.
Acid Bomb Attack: A unique ability that allows the Dreadnoughtus to launch corrosive acid bombs, effective against Titans and large groups of enemies.
Siege Beast Role: The perfect ally for taking on bases or enemy tribes.

3. Expanded Narrative: Bob’s Tall Tales

The update introduces a brand-new narrative called Wasteland War, adding rich storytelling elements. Highlights include:

New NPCs: Interact with AI-driven characters that provide quests and challenges.
Companion System: Players can now tame a loyal dog that assists in exploration, combat, and item retrieval.
Faction Wars: Align with different factions to claim territory and resources.

4. Tek Tier 2.0

The Tek system has been significantly expanded, offering new upgrades for endgame players:

Tek Exosuit Enhancements: Improved mobility, durability, and energy efficiency.
Advanced Tek Weapons: New armaments designed to combat the toughest Titans and rival tribes.
Tek Drones: Deployable drones that provide reconnaissance and support during battles.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics

1. Wasteland Survival

Surviving the wasteland has been redefined with new mechanics, such as:

Limited Resources: Encourage players to explore and scavenge.
Radiation Zones: Require specialized equipment to traverse safely.
Random Events: Including meteor showers and corrupted creature outbreaks.

2. Vehicle Customization

The update introduces Battle-Cars, allowing players to craft modular vehicles for transportation and combat. Options include:

Armor Plating: Protect your ride from enemy attacks.
Mounted Weapons: Equip turrets or flamethrowers for offense.
Speed Boosters: Improve mobility to escape dangerous situations.

Quality of Life Improvements

Bug Fixes

Addressed long-standing issues like crashes during Titan battles.
Fixed clipping problems with certain creature saddles.
Resolved inconsistencies with damage scaling in PVE environments.

Performance Enhancements

Optimized memory usage for smoother gameplay across consoles and PCs.
Reduced load times significantly, particularly in larger biomes.
Implemented better server stability to handle increased player counts.

EVO Events and Celebrations

To celebrate the release of Extinction Ascended, ARK developers have scheduled a series of in-game events. These include:

Double XP Weekends: From December 16 to January 1, enjoy accelerated leveling rates.
Special Loot Drops: Rare items and skins exclusive to the update.
Community Challenges: Participate in global objectives to unlock unique rewards.

What’s Next?

Studio Wildcard has ambitious plans to keep ARK fresh and engaging. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

New Maps: Expanding the universe with entirely new regions to explore.
Additional Creatures: Introducing exotic fauna that enrich the ecosystem.
Seasonal Events: Celebrating real-world holidays with themed content.

How to Prepare for the Update

To ensure a seamless experience when the update drops:

Free Up Disk Space: The update is expected to require over 50GB of storage.
Backup Your Saves: To avoid losing progress during the transition.
Join the Community: Stay informed by participating in discussions on the official forums and Discord.

Final Thoughts

The Extinction Ascended update is shaping up to be a landmark release for ARK: Survival Ascended. Whether you’re a veteran player or new to the franchise, this update promises to deliver an unparalleled survival adventure. Gather your tribe, prepare your gear, and brace yourself for the ultimate test of endurance and strategy.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date!