Are ARK DLCs Free? Let’s Dive into the Dino-Sized Downloadable Content Dilemma
So, you want to know about ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended. The big question is: “Are these DLCs going to cost me money?” Don’t worry, survivor. We will explore ARK’s downloadable content. Get ready for maps, expansions, and the truth about ‘free’ versus ‘paid’.
Free Goodies in ARK: Survival Evolved – The OG ARK is Generous!
Let’s start with the original game, ARK: Survival Evolved. If you play the first ARK, you are in luck. Studio Wildcard is generous with free maps. These are massive digital playgrounds. Here are some:
- Ragnarok: A fan favorite. Truly huge and has diverse biomes.
- The Center: True to its name. Another vast map for exploration (and Raptor encounters).
- Valguero: Want to explore both Aberration and regular ARK? Valguero offers that.
- Crystal Isles: Imagine stunning floating crystal islands. It’s beautiful and dangerous.
- Lost Island: Monkeys, Dinopithecus, Amargasaurus! Another vast map to conquer.
- Fjordur: Viking themes with mythical creatures. This Norse-inspired map is epic.
You heard right. All these maps – Ragnarok, The Center, Valguero, Crystal Isles, Lost Island, and Fjordur – are totally free for ARK: Survival Evolved players. Enjoy this buffet of biomes without extra costs.
ARK: Survival Ascended – The Remastered Realm and its DLC Pricing
Now, let’s look at ARK: Survival Ascended, the stunning remaster with Unreal Engine 5. The situation differs slightly here.
Is ARK: Survival Ascended Throwing a Free Party?
Hold on a moment. ARK: Survival Ascended isn’t a typical free-to-play game. You must buy the base game. But it’s not all bad news. Look out for:
- Free Weekends on Steam: Studio Wildcard hosts free weekends on Steam. It serves as a ‘try before you buy’ deal. A great way to test the upgraded ARK without commitment.
- Xbox Game Pass: Game Pass subscribers are in luck! ARK: Survival Ascended is included in the Game Pass library. Essentially, it’s ‘free’ as part of your subscription. Winning!
Free DLC Maps in ARK: Survival Ascended – What’s Up for Grabs?
Now, let’s discuss free maps in Ascended. Currently, and later, free content awaits:
- Scorched Earth (Free April 1, 2024): Prepare for the desert! Scorched Earth is FREE for all players. Once a paid DLC for Survival Evolved, it’s now yours in Ascended. It’s real!
- Ragnarok (Coming March 2025): Ragnarok will be free in ARK: Survival Ascended when it launches in March 2025. Mark your calendars!
- The Center: Like Ragnarok, The Center will also be free for ARK: Survival Ascended. Double the free maps!
Paid DLC in ARK: Survival Ascended – Where the Wallet Might Weep
Now let’s discuss what will cost you money in ARK: Survival Ascended:
- Bob’s Tall Tales (Season Pass Style): Treat this as a season pass with ongoing content. If you seek extra goodies, this is your choice.
- Astraeos (Map – $14.99 / £12.79): Want a new map now? Astraeos is available for around $15. Dive into fresh landscapes immediately.
Story Maps in Ascended – Included or Extra?
Great news! The core story maps from ARK: Survival Evolved are generally included when buying ARK: Survival Ascended. However, some optional DLC content linked to story maps may be available for extra purchase. But you do not need to buy it to enjoy the base maps. Think of it as extra toppings on your favorite cake.
Ragnarok DLC: Free Across Both ARKs – A Double Dose of Free!
Let’s be clear: Ragnarok is FREE in both ARK versions. Studio Wildcard confirms that this large map is a gift for players. Whether on PC, Mac, Linux, or consoles, Ragnarok’s dino-filled landscapes are waiting.
Scorched Earth DLC: From Paid to Free in Ascended – A Desert Mirage No More!
Remember when Scorched Earth was a paid DLC? Well, that has changed! Starting April 1, 2024, Scorched Earth is now free for all players of ARK: Survival Ascended. What was a $20 purchase is now a free adventure. Enjoy this incredible deal!
The Center DLC: Free and Enormous in Ascended – Size Does Matter!
The Center is another fantastic freebie for ARK: Survival Ascended. It’s not just free; it’s HUGE too. Almost double the size of “The Island” at around 70 square kilometers. Plus, its hand-drawn, Tolkien-esque style is stunning!
ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition – Free ARK on the Go!
Wait, there’s more! For those wanting survival on mobile, there’s ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition. Guess what? It’s free-to-play like ARK: Survival Evolved for mobile. You can play without costs, and yes, the Ragnarok map is also free on mobile! An optional ARK Pass for extra perks exists, but the core game remains free.
DLC – Decoding the Acronym: Downloadable Content Explained
If you are new to gaming terms, DLC stands for Downloadable Content. This refers to additional digital items you can add after buying a game. DLC varies from new maps to cosmetics and storylines. Sometimes they are free, as we see with many ARK maps. In other cases, they allow developers to generate revenue after initial sales.
This is your guide to the ARK DLC landscape! Whether playing on free maps of Survival Evolved or exploring updates in Survival Ascended, much content awaits you to discover! Now go forth, survivor, and tame those dinosaurs – responsibly!
