Ark: Survival Ascended is a Studio Wildcard action-adventure survival video game that seems more of a remastering of its 2017 predecessor Ark: Survival Evolved. It is available for play on Windows, Xbox Series S/N, and PlayStation 5 and promises an engaging journey into the prehistoric world.
If you loved Evolved, Ark: Survival Ascended presents an exciting proposition. You get access to the essence of the original game with a few upgrades that make it a worthy title for new players and seasoned survivors. The game promises to provide a nostalgic and cutting-edge experience, whether you are into it for a chance to build massive structures, tame dinosaurs, or survive against the odds.
What We Like
- Improved graphics
- Better building
- Built-in mods
- New dinosaurs
- Cross-platform multiplayer support
- Smoother gameplay
What We Didn’t Like
- Frequently crashing and lagging official servers
- Resource-intensive graphics settings are not adjustable
- Fewer features than Ark: Survival Evolved
- Does not carry over progress from Evolved
Gameplay Experience
Game Supplies
Resource management is critical in Ark: Survival Ascended. You start with minimal supplies and must hunt, scavenge, and gather to build an inventory. An extensive crafting system allows the creation of many items, including simple tools and advanced machinery. The gradual progression from basic stone tools to powerful metal weapons and armor is a feature that brings players a sense of advancement.
Resources are available at different locations, with each biome boasting unique materials. The system’s organization lets you explore the magnificent world while allowing for strategic planning. Players can explore dangerous territories or stay within the safety of familiar grounds while looking for rare items.
Streamlined crafting to make your adventures more intuitive without sacrificing the depth hardcore fans of action-adventure niche fans expect. Get on board and discover new crafting blueprints and stations while progressing, unlocking multiple conquest and survival possibilities. Electrical grids, automated defenses, and other advanced technology weapons provide a rewarding and complex endgame.
Mechanics
Hunger, thirst, and stamina management are core survival elements in the Ark: Survival Ascended game. While challenging, these elements ensure hours of entertainment. The game also has detailed environmental and animal behavior effects that add depth and realism.
Vital mechanical features you will find in the game include:
- Taming dinosaurs through unique and rewarding sessions that also allow for adding mutations and traits for your unique creatures
- Snap points, advanced structures, and other building system features ease building complex bases with new construction materials and architectural styles
- Combat features such as accurate hit detection and an increased number of weapons support different play styles; from up close and personal to combat with guns and bows
Mission Structure
Beginning the Game
New Ark: Survival Ascended players get access to a guide that takes them through the basics of surviving, crafting, and combat. Use the first few hours in the game to establish your presence, build a shelter, and tame your first dinosaur. Returning players will find the early stages are fine-tuned to reduce frustration for a smoother kick-off.
Fans of the series will be disappointed because the game does not allow transferring hard-earned progress from Evolved. All the effort and time you have put into the predecessor is unrecognized, which may dissuade some from getting into the new adventure.
Difficulty Progression
The early stages involve facing off small threats, such as compys and dilophosaurs, before progressing to more dangerous predators and harsher environments. Expect larger predators and complex missions as you progress up the game levels. The boss battle levels require careful preparation, a strategy, and the help of other players to win and unlock powerful rewards that dramatically impact gameplay.
Multiple Environments
Environments in Ark: Survival Ascended are relatively forgiving at the beginning. However, they slowly evolve to feature extreme weather conditions, more aggressive wildlife, and fewer resources as you progress. Surviving the hostile environments requires acquiring better gear and a deeper understanding of the game systems and mechanics.
Multiplayer Experience
Ark: Survival Ascended boasts a powerful multiplayer feature that lets you join forces with friends across different platforms. Together, you can build a base, explore new game areas, and even take on powerful enemies. A tribe system lets you and your friends share resources and collaborate, while a Player vs. Player (PvP) feature allows attacking other players’ bases for significant rewards. Player vs. Environment (PvE) servers let players focus on construction and exploring the environment without the constant threat of other players.
Graphics & Sound
Visual Quality
An excellent feature of Ark: Survival Ascended is its breathtaking visuals. The virtual world comes alive in stunning detail highlighting lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and intricate creatures. The lighting and weather effects make navigating the dense jungle at sunset or fighting the thunderstorms in the mountains immersive experiences.
The developers have also given the creatures a significant visual upgrade. Prehistoric beasts in the story take on a more detailed and lifelike appearance with improved animations that feel real. Some awe-inspiring sights you can expect include watching a herd of triceratops grazing in the valley or viewing the T-rex roar in the distance.
However, the stunning visuals come at a cost. The game requires more resources from the system, and limited adjustability makes gaming harder when running on less powerful machines. Some players, especially those using older hardware, struggle to balance aesthetics and performance.
Sound
Ambient environment sounds, including the rustling of leaves and the distant roars of dinosaurs, bring a unique level of immersion to the game. The soundtrack features music that adapts to different situations in Ark: Survival Ascended, including relaxing at the base, exploring, and battling. You also get audio cues that help you detect threats and locate resources.
Verdict
Ark: Survival Ascended is a good improvement on the Ark: Survival Evolved. It brings you a more immersive and polished experience that retains the core elements that fans love. Improved graphics, refined mechanics, and expanded content make the game a must-explore option for fans of the survival gaming genre.
Unfortunately, stability issues with the official servers and the increased demand for computer resources can be frustrating for some players. The title also lacks content from the original chapter and does not allow carrying over your progress.
If you want an exciting and engaging survival experience, consider Ark: Survival Ascended. Newcomers and seasoned survivors will enjoy many memorable moments in the game filled with exciting challenges and thrills.