Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended are two iterations of the same beloved survival game, but they bring different experiences to the table. While both games share the core mechanics of surviving, taming dinosaurs, and building bases, Ark: Survival Ascended, being a remaster, introduces several enhancements and changes that set it apart from its predecessor. This article delves into the key differences between the two games, focusing on graphical and performance enhancements, gameplay and mechanics changes, multiplayer and server differences, and content and expansion packs.
Key Takeaways
- Ark: Survival Ascended features significant graphical and performance improvements, including Unreal Engine 5 integration and enhanced textures, which offer a more immersive experience compared to Ark: Survival Evolved.
- Gameplay mechanics in Ark: Survival Ascended have been updated with new and revised creatures, a revamped crafting system, and improved AI behavior, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay.
- Ark: Survival Ascended offers better multiplayer capabilities with increased server capacity, cross-platform play, and enhanced modding support, making it a more robust choice for community and multiplayer experiences.
Graphical and Performance Enhancements
Unreal Engine 5 Integration
Ark Survival Ascended takes a significant leap forward by integrating Unreal Engine 5. This upgrade brings a host of new features, including Nanite virtualized geometry, which allows for incredibly detailed environments without compromising performance. Expect to see more complex and realistic structures, from rock formations to intricate foliage. The Lumen global illumination system also enhances lighting, making the game world feel more dynamic and lifelike.
Visual and Texture Upgrades
The visual and texture upgrades in Ark Survival Ascended are nothing short of impressive. Here are some of the key improvements:
- More defined and detailed rock formations
- Realistic tree textures and collapsing behavior
- Dynamic and interactive water systems
- Enhanced dynamic lighting and shadows
- Impressive weather system, including rain and fog
- High-quality moonlight and artificial light sources
However, keep in mind that these high graphical fidelities require powerful hardware. Many players have reported performance issues at launch, hoping for optimization improvements in the future.
Performance Optimization
Performance optimization is a critical focus in Ark Survival Ascended. Instance-based rendering reduces the load on the client-side system, resulting in better performance throughout the game, even with the new and improved graphics. Additionally, the game has been optimized to reduce load times and minimize random crashes, although some players still experience occasional issues. The developers are continually working on patches to address these concerns.
Gameplay and Mechanics Changes
New and Updated Creatures
Ark Survival Ascended introduces a variety of new and updated creatures, enhancing the diversity of the game’s ecosystem. You’ll encounter over 140 dinosaurs, including some with unique abilities and behaviors not seen in Ark Survival Evolved. These new creatures offer fresh challenges and opportunities for taming and combat.
Revised Crafting System
The crafting system in Ark Survival Ascended has been overhauled to provide a more streamlined and intuitive experience. Blueprints now have variable statistics and qualities, requiring players to seek out the best resources in the most remote and dangerous locations. This change makes crafting more engaging and rewarding.
Enhanced AI Behavior
One of the standout features of Ark Survival Ascended is its enhanced AI behavior. Creatures now exhibit more realistic and complex interactions with their environment and players. This includes improved predator-prey dynamics, more responsive tames, and smarter enemy tactics. These enhancements contribute to a more immersive and challenging gameplay experience.
Overall, these adjustments contribute to a more satisfying exploration and combat experience.
Multiplayer and Server Differences
Server Capacity and Stability
When it comes to server capacity and stability, Ark Survival Ascended has made significant strides. The game now supports larger player counts per server, which means more action and interaction in the game world. Additionally, server stability has been improved, reducing the frequency of crashes and downtime. This is a big step up from Ark Survival Evolved, where server issues were a common complaint among players.
Cross-Platform Play
One of the most exciting features of Ark Survival Ascended is the introduction of cross-platform play. This means you can now play with friends regardless of whether they are on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation. Cross-platform accounts and cross-progression are also supported, allowing you to maintain your progress across different platforms. This feature is a game-changer, uniting the community and making it easier to find people to play with.
Modding Support
Ark Survival Ascended takes modding support to the next level with its industry-first cross-platform modding experience. PC-based mods can now be delivered to consoles, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for console players. This feature not only enhances the gameplay experience but also fosters a more creative and engaged community. The game also includes cross-platform anti-cheat functions, ensuring a fair playing field for all players.
The integration of cross-platform play and modding support in Ark Survival Ascended is a testament to the developers’ commitment to creating a more inclusive and dynamic gaming environment.
| Feature | Ark Survival Evolved | Ark Survival Ascended |
|---|---|---|
| Server Capacity | Limited | Expanded |
| Server Stability | Frequent Issues | Improved |
| Cross-Platform Play | No | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Modding | No | Yes |
| Anti-Cheat Functions | Basic | Advanced |
In summary, Ark Survival Ascended offers a more robust and inclusive multiplayer experience compared to its predecessor. Whether it’s the increased server capacity, the seamless cross-platform play, or the enhanced modding support, these improvements make for a more enjoyable and engaging game.
Content and Expansion Packs
Included DLCs and Maps
In ARK: Survival Evolved, you have access to a wide array of DLCs and maps. The game includes expansions like Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, and both parts of Genesis. Additionally, there are six free expansions: The Center, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, Lost Island, and Fjordur. This provides a total of 12 maps for you to explore.
On the other hand, Ark: Survival Ascended is still in its early access phase and currently offers only one map, The Island. While more maps are planned for future updates, they are not yet available.
New Game Modes
Ark: Survival Evolved features a variety of game modes, including the popular Survival of the Fittest. However, in Ark: Survival Ascended, some game modes are missing during its early access period. This includes Survival of the Fittest and other modes that were part of the original game.
Additional Features and Items
Ark: Survival Evolved has a plethora of additional features and items that have been added over time through various updates and DLCs. This includes new creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
Ark: Survival Ascended, being in early access, lacks some of these additional features and items. However, the developers have plans to introduce new content, including creatures and items, in future updates.
While Ark: Survival Ascended may currently lack some of the content available in Ark: Survival Evolved, it promises a lot of future updates and expansions that will bring new life to the game.
Conclusion
In summary, while both Ark: Survival Evolved and Ark: Survival Ascended offer the core experience of surviving, taming, and exploring a prehistoric world, there are notable differences that set them apart. Ark: Survival Ascended, being a remastered version, brings enhanced graphics, improved performance, and additional content that enriches the gameplay experience. These improvements make it a compelling choice for both new players and veterans of the original game. However, the fundamental mechanics and the essence of survival remain consistent across both titles, ensuring that the thrilling adventure of Ark continues to captivate players.
