Why Is the ARK File Size So Large? Understanding Storage Needs and System Requirements

Why Does ARK Devour So Much Storage? Unpacking the Gigantic File Size

Have you looked at how much space ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended take? You are not alone. These games seem to hoard data, leading many to question, “Why is ARK so big?” Let’s explore why these games require so much storage.

ARK File Size: A Tale of Two Games (and a Lot of Gigabytes)

First, let’s examine the numbers. The digital size is massive.

ARK: Survival Evolved – The Veteran Size Lord

• Base Game: Expect around 125GB initially. This is before thinking about any extra content.
• With All DLCs: Brace yourself. With all downloadable content, ARK can reach a huge 435GB. Yes, that’s nearly half a terabyte! Some players see sizes hit over 300GB without all DLC depending on updates and maps.
• Initial PS4 Version: Don’t let the initial 16GB download on PlayStation 4 deceive you. After all updates, add roughly 100GB more. Each DLC pack adds about 20GB more to your storage needs.

ARK: Survival Ascended – The Next-Gen Space Invader

• Base Size: ARK: Survival Ascended, remade in Unreal Engine 5, begins at around 70GB. It’s smaller than Evolved but still substantial.
• SSD Required: Note the “SSD Required” in system specs. This is a must. The game streams assets heavily, so ensure you have fast storage.

The Culprits Behind the Colossal Size

What fuels these enormous games? Several factors combine to inflate the file sizes.

• High-Fidelity Assets: ARK’s world features rich environments, detailed dinosaur models, and stunning visual effects. All of this needs high-resolution textures and intricate models. Grass, scales, and effects contribute to the storage needs.
• Content Volume: ARK: Survival Evolved has been around and grown through various updates and DLC. Every new map, creature, item, or story adds to the overall size. It’s like layers of digital archaeology.

ARK in the Storage Arena: How Does It Compare?

To grasp ARK’s massive size, let’s compare it with other storage-hungry games.

As shown, ARK sits atop the “storage hog” list when fully loaded with DLC. While Call of Duty can also reach high sizes, titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator are not light either. Some games like Fortnite look small by comparison.

Can Your Rig Handle the ARK Weight? System Requirements and Performance

The demands of ARK extend beyond storage. Your system needs to cope too.

Minimum System Specs (ARK: Survival Evolved – but similar for Ascended):

• Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 670 or Radeon HD 7870 with 2GB VRAM. Stronger cards improve performance.
• RAM: Minimum 8 GB RAM. Consider 16GB for a better experience with modern games.
• Operating System: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions). A modern OS is suggested for performance.
• Storage: Minimum specs may say 70GB, but plan for more, especially Evolved with DLC.

A powerful gaming PC still faces challenges maxing out ARK settings. Performance tends to dip unless lower graphics settings are used. ARK: Survival Ascended is visually appealing but resource-intensive. Lag can occur, especially on consoles due to the engine and complexity.

RAM and Storage: The Dynamic Duo for ARK

Smooth gameplay often needs 16GB of RAM. For most gamers, a 1TB SSD or HDD works well. If you want to install ARK and other large titles, consider at least 2TB. Fast SSDs help with ARK, especially Ascended, due to quicker loading and smoother streaming.

DLC Dilemma: To Download or Not to Download?

If storage concerns you, manage ARK’s file size by choosing which DLCs to install. Some DLCs provide free substantial content like Fjordur and Lost Island, while others are part of Season Passes for around $14.99 each. Picking which DLCs to install helps save storage space effectively.

Evolved vs. Ascended: Which is Right for You (and Your Hard Drive)?

Choosing between ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended involves looking at file size, performance, and visuals.

• Visuals: For cutting-edge graphics, ASA shines with Unreal Engine 5. It offers a significant upgrade over ASE.
• Performance: ASE is stable and may run better on older systems. ASA demands more power and may encounter issues on weaker hardware.
• Content: ASE has a larger library thanks to its long presence and numerous DLC releases. ASA is still adding content.
• Player Base: ASE boasts a more established community now, although ASA grows rapidly.

If you prioritize graphics and have strong hardware, ARK: Survival Ascended is the better choice. For those on a budget or who prefer existing content and stability, ARK: Survival Evolved is an amazing choice. Prepare for significant digital space usage with either game!