ARK: Survival Evolved is more than just a survival game set on a mysterious island filled with dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. At its core, ARK has a rich and intricate storyline that unfolds as players explore the environment, gather resources, and uncover hidden secrets. This article delves into the story of ARK, from the origins of the ARKs to the final confrontation with their creators.
Key Takeaways
- The ARKs are artificial, self-sustaining environments created for unknown purposes, and their origins are shrouded in mystery.
- Explorer Notes scattered across the ARK provide crucial insights into the backstory and the experiences of the first survivors.
- Obelisks play a significant role in the ARK storyline, serving as points for travel, data transfer, and ultimately, the key to confronting the creators.
The Origins of the ARKs
The Creation of the ARKs
The ARKs are massive, floating islands in space, created by an unknown, highly advanced civilization. These artificial environments serve as experimental fields where humans and creatures from different times and places interact. The inhabitants of these ARKs are constantly monitored and tested through various challenges. The true nature of the ARKs and their creators was revealed after many adventures. This unknown civilization, referred to as the "Overseers," designed the ARKs as testbeds for a grand experiment, constantly testing our abilities, will to survive, and intelligence.
Purpose and Function of the ARKs
The ARKs were created to serve as self-sustainable environments, posing as artificial habitats. They are essentially space stations that have remained in orbit far longer than 646 years. The purpose of these ARKs is to test and select the "best" individuals for an unknown but crucial purpose. The ARKs begin to malfunction hundreds of years after The Collapse, leading to various challenges for the inhabitants.
The First Survivors
The first survivors on the ARKs were subjected to numerous challenges and adventures. They had to uncover the secrets of the ARKs and understand the intentions of the Overseers. Among these early survivors was [Edmund Rockwell](https://ark.fandom.com/wiki/Edmund_Rockwell), a 19th-century London chemist, who became curious about the wondrous properties of the flora and fauna on the island. The survivors’ journey involved piecing together the true nature of the ARKs and discovering their purpose.
The Explorer Notes and Their Significance
Who Wrote the Explorer Notes?
The Explorer Notes in Ark: Survival Evolved are penned by four distinct characters, each from different historical periods and backgrounds. These authors include Helena Walker, a modern-day biologist from Australia; Sir Edmund Rockwell, a 19th-century chemist from London; Gaius Marcellus Nerva, an ancient Roman warrior; and Mei-Yin Li, a fighter from 3rd century China. Each character provides unique insights and perspectives on the ARK, contributing to the game’s rich lore.
Key Discoveries from the Notes
The Explorer Notes are more than just backstory; they are crucial for understanding the mysteries of the ARK. They reveal information about the creatures, the environment, and the technology within the game. For example, Helena’s notes often delve into the biology of the creatures, while Rockwell’s notes take a darker turn, exploring the more sinister aspects of the ARK’s technology.
How to Find Explorer Notes
Finding all the Explorer Notes can be a daunting task, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you on your quest:
- Use a GPS or Compass: These tools can help you navigate the vast landscapes of the ARK.
- Consult Online Maps: Many players have shared maps marking the locations of Explorer Notes.
- Explore Thoroughly: Notes can be hidden in caves, underwater, and in other hard-to-reach places.
Collecting all the Explorer Notes not only enriches your understanding of the game’s story but also provides in-game benefits like experience boosts.
The Role of the Obelisks
Obelisks are towering, mysterious structures that play a crucial role in the world of ARK: Survival Evolved. These monolithic constructs are not just for show; they are the power centers that keep the ARKs operational. Each ARK contains at least one Obelisk, and these structures are responsible for maintaining the energy balance within the ARK. In the Extinction ending cutscene, the power of the obelisks is dramatically showcased when they release enough energy to cause a shockwave, leveling the nearby remains of the city of Sanctuary.
Obelisks serve as more than just power sources; they are also key to player mobility and data management. By accessing an Obelisk, you can upload and download your character data, items, and even creatures. This feature allows you to travel between different ARKs, making it possible to explore new environments and challenges. Here’s a quick guide on how to use Obelisks for travel and data transfer:
- Approach an Obelisk and access its terminal.
- Select the "Upload" option to save your character, items, and creatures.
- Travel to a different ARK and find another Obelisk.
- Access the terminal and select the "Download" option to retrieve your data.
In the storyline of ARK: Survival Evolved, Obelisks are more than just functional structures; they are deeply intertwined with the lore. Characters like Helena Walker and Edmund Rockwell have interacted with these monoliths, uncovering their secrets and using them to activate boss fights. For instance, Helena and Mei-Yin approached one of the towering obelisks to activate a boss fight, managing to defeat the Megapithecus. The obelisks also play a significant role in the Scorched Earth city of Nosti, where they began to shine brightly and hum with energy before the city sank into the sand.
The Endgame: Confronting the Creators
After many challenges and adventures, we discovered the true nature of the ARKs and their creators. This unknown civilization, whom we called the "Overseers," had created the ARKs as testbeds for a grand experiment. Our abilities, our will to survive, and our intelligence were constantly tested to select the "best" individuals for an unknown but crucial purpose.
To confront the creators, you must solve puzzles and defeat powerful boss enemies. These challenges are designed to test your skills and determination. By overcoming these obstacles, you eventually gain control of the ARK and escape the experiment. However, what you find is even more shocking: an abandoned Earth, destroyed by the same technologies that created the ARKs.
The endgame offers several possible outcomes. One theory suggests that the ARKs were an attempt to find a permutation of artificial memories and DNA that could cleanse the planet of corrupted element. This theory gains traction when your character beats the King Titan in Extinction, leading to the eventual cleansing of the planet. Another theory posits that the ARKs are a continuous cycle, with each generation of survivors being tested for a higher purpose yet to be revealed.
The endgame is not just about survival; it’s about understanding the larger narrative and the role you play in it. The journey to confront the creators is filled with twists and turns, making it a compelling conclusion to your adventure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "ARK: Survival Evolved" offers a rich and intricate storyline that goes beyond its surface-level survival mechanics. From the mysterious ARKs to the detailed Explorer Notes, players are invited to uncover the secrets of this primeval world. The game’s evolving narrative, combined with its dynamic ecosystem and multiplayer interactions, provides a unique and immersive experience. Whether you are taming dinosaurs, crafting items, or exploring the vast landscapes, understanding the story behind ARK adds a deeper layer of engagement and purpose to your gameplay. As you continue your journey, remember that every discovery and every challenge is a step closer to unraveling the true nature of the ARK.
