ARK: Survival Ascended
- October 25, 2023
- Instinct Games
- 20h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"ARK: Survival Ascended" is a dinosaur-themed survival game with crafting, building, and online multiplayer. You begin with nothing, surviving on a mysterious island filled with prehistoric creatures. Gather resources, create tools, and form tribes with other players to build structures, tame dinosaurs, and conquer the land. Fight for survival against hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and other players in this immersive, open-world adventure.
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Xbox Game Pass
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Reviews
- graphics5,899 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Ark: Survival Ascended" have received widespread praise for their stunning visuals and significant improvements over the previous title, "Ark: Survival Evolved." However, many players report that the game is poorly optimized, requiring high-end hardware to run smoothly, often leading to crashes and low frame rates even on powerful systems. While the enhanced graphics and quality of life updates are appreciated, the game's performance issues and persistent bugs have left some players feeling disappointed, suggesting that it may not be worth the price for those without top-tier PCs.
“The graphics are amazing; the environments are immersive and well done, and the gameplay loop of taming dinos and surviving keeps me coming back.”
“The visuals are jaw-dropping; every corner of the map feels alive and vibrant.”
“The graphics are stunning, the game feels more immersive than ever, with these stunning visuals while the core gameplay remains as challenging and engaging as the original.”
“I've dealt with it on Survival Evolved, but to charge people 45 quid for the same game just with better graphics and not even better graphics because you cannot run this game on good settings otherwise you will lag all the time and crash all the time.”
“It's the same shitty game with the same shitty bugs with a minor graphical update at best but so poorly coded that it uses most of your PC's resources.”
“The graphics are so demanding that even with a high-end PC, I have to run it on low settings and still experience constant crashes.”
- optimization4,323 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Ark: Survival Ascended" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, frequent crashes, and a general lack of polish. Despite some improvements through patches, the game remains unoptimized for a significant portion of the player base, particularly those with mid-range hardware, leading to frustration and disappointment among fans of the franchise. Players are advised to wait for further updates and optimizations before purchasing, as the current state is often described as a buggy, resource-intensive experience that fails to meet expectations for a modern remaster.
“I was skeptical of ASA in the beginning because of some performance issues, but it seems like Wildcard has most of them worked out.”
“The game has come a long way in terms of performance, and if you’re on a low-end setup, some tweaks can make the game both smooth and visually appealing.”
“The performance issues are real, and do understand that also.”
“The optimization is terrible.”
“A year after release... it is still a horribly optimized buggy mess.”
“The game is an unoptimized mess that does not deliver on the promises made by the developers.”
- stability1,934 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The stability of "Ark: Survival Ascended" has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users express frustration over performance issues, even on high-end systems, and note that the game often freezes or fails to load properly. While some acknowledge improvements in graphics and gameplay mechanics, the overwhelming consensus is that the game remains a buggy and unoptimized experience, reminiscent of its predecessor at launch.
“The game runs great and has a whole lot less bugs than at launch, the graphics are beautiful, and at times stunning to look at.”
“I only play single player so I can't speak for the multiplayer side of things, but the game has been extremely enjoyable and bug-free for me and a huge improvement over Survival Evolved.”
“The game runs great, hasn't had a single crash, and many of the changes and quality-of-life updates are immediately noticeable to someone that has spent years playing Ark.”
“Continuing issues with crashing; I can't do anything meaningful for fear of losing progress to crashes or glitches.”
“A year after release... it is still a horribly optimized buggy mess.”
“The game is a buggy mess, even more so than its predecessor.”
- gameplay1,277 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Ark: Survival Ascended" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the improved graphics and enhanced building mechanics, which make the experience feel more immersive. However, numerous technical issues, including frequent crashes, server instability, and performance problems, have marred the overall experience, leading to frustration among players. While some enjoy the nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of the original "Ark: Survival Evolved," others criticize it for lacking significant innovation and for being plagued by the same bugs and gameplay mechanics as its predecessor.
“The new mechanics, mod system, and cross-play ability for unofficial servers has created a whole new universe for gamers.”
“The enhanced mechanics have made managing our tribe and building bases more engaging than ever.”
“Gameplay improvements like smoother animations, better building mechanics, and an updated UI make it much more enjoyable.”
“Constant server issues, keyboard layout for gameplay is laughable, characters randomly get erased, I mean the list keeps going...”
“Honestly, Ark is a great game, but they do such a bad job with it. Every new piece of content they release basically breaks the game. It seems like they never fix any of the major issues. I've never experienced a game with so many unresolved issues in 20+ years of gaming.”
“The gameplay requires a ton of grinding to do anything, and you often end up losing hours of work because you run into a giant monster.”
- monetization455 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 12 % neutral mentions
- 87 % negative mentions
The monetization model of "Ark: Survival Ascended" has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players expressing frustration over excessive microtransactions, paid DLCs, and the introduction of premium mods. Many reviewers feel that the game lacks meaningful improvements over its predecessor, instead prioritizing profit over player experience, leading to a perception of greed and exploitation by the developers. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with calls for players to avoid purchasing the game due to its monetization practices and ongoing performance issues.
“Instead of building on what made the game great, they've stripped away the essence and replaced it with monetized content and a focus on microtransactions.”
“The new monetization practices are pretty scummy unfortunately, but I really can't expect much else from the developers after seeing all the issues that have happened with them.”
“I used to love this game series... and honestly still do... but I cannot support all the microtransactions and overpriced DLCs.”
“The monetization model they are ramping up with this is mobile gaming levels of shitty, and it's only going to get worse as time goes on.”
“All of the silly things that are being added by the Bob's DLC, along with all the microtransactions with premium mods, all while the same old song and dance from Wildcard of not properly fixing their game has just destroyed the experience of a game I used to love.”
“This game is a cash grab to fund/pay off debts the company has.”
- story256 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Ark Survival Ascended" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the intriguing lore and character progression, while others criticize the execution and pacing of the narrative. Some users express disappointment over the slow release of story maps and the need for additional content to fully experience the storyline, while others highlight the game's immersive world and the potential for personal storytelling through gameplay. Overall, while the foundation of an interesting story exists, technical issues and content delivery have hindered the experience for many players.
“The story is very interesting.”
“There is backstory and tons of lore to discover as well and can't wait to see what content is up next in the ever-evolving ascension process that is Ark.”
“The backstory and the somewhat of a campaign that follows is just amazing; the downfall is to fully understand the story you have to read the explorer notes, but you do get a gain in XP for doing so, even if you're just grabbing and running.”
“The story was and is irrelevant; you survive, craft, build, and tame dinosaurs on your way to beating bosses if you want.”
“Wildcard lied and pulled a story out of their ass about how they needed money for Ark 2, which will almost certainly be just as bad if not worse.”
“Sadly, Wildcard is terrible at storytelling and rather than improving, they shove more of their asinine woke political ideology on us instead of maintaining and fixing the plethora of bugs and other graphical issues in the game.”
- grinding227 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a major point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively time-consuming and often frustrating due to frequent bugs and server issues that can result in lost progress. While some players find the grind rewarding and enjoy the immersive experience of taming and building, others feel that the tedious nature of resource gathering and the risk of losing hard-earned items detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the game is characterized as highly grindy, requiring significant time investment, which may appeal to dedicated players but can be off-putting for those seeking a more casual experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Depends on how much you like grinding.”
“The gameplay requires a ton of grinding to do anything, and you often end up losing hours of work because you run into a giant monster.”
“Months of trivial grinding that goes into 'super saddles' and hatching incrementally mutated dinos before even thinking about taking on the bosses.”
“It's a game that feels like an absolute slog to play 90% of the time, where you have to talk yourself into getting on and doing absolutely tedious tasks or sit in one spot to stare at a dinosaur for several hours straight as it tames or grows.”
- humor119 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- -2 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted by players, who find the quirky dinosaur antics, bugs, and chaotic gameplay to be both amusing and entertaining. Many reviews express a sense of irony and laughter regarding the game's performance issues and design flaws, often describing the experience as hilariously frustrating. Overall, the combination of funny moments, unexpected glitches, and the absurdity of certain game mechanics contributes to a lighthearted atmosphere that players seem to enjoy, despite the game's shortcomings.
“The amount of time I put into this game is hilarious; I could've been married and having 9 kids with a castle and car, but instead, I kept playing Ark.”
“It's chaotic, demanding, and occasionally hilarious.”
“Funny dino game go brr then make PC go brr.”
“The humor in this game falls flat and feels forced.”
“The jokes are so predictable that they lose their charm.”
“I found the attempts at humor to be more cringeworthy than funny.”
- music66 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and emotional impact, with many players praising the soundtrack as one of the best in gaming. Composed by Gareth Coker, the music enhances the immersive experience, although some users have noted issues with volume levels and the persistence of menu music. Overall, while the soundtrack is celebrated, technical problems related to audio settings have detracted from the enjoyment for some players.
“Nothing slapped harder than ending a session of Aberration just to be graced with the beautiful soundtrack and cover art that came along with it.”
“The soundtrack is the best out of any game, thank you Gareth Coker.”
“Outstanding graphics with amazing new soundtracks that get you on the edge of your seat.”
“All of the silly things that are being added by the DLC, along with all the microtransactions with premium mods, all while the same old song and dance from the developers of not properly fixing their game has just destroyed the experience of a game I used to love.”
“The intro music with screaming fighting dinosaurs over the original really sucks. This is a weird thing to complain about, but the reason I am complaining is that the game intro music will blast through my speakers when the game isn't even loaded!”
“Game is very loud on launch with the music; I had to take my headphones off it was so loud (my computer max volume is at 25/100).”
- replayability60 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting its infinite replay value due to procedural generation and diverse gameplay options. Recent performance patches have significantly improved playability, making the game more enjoyable, although some users still report issues with server stability and optimization. The modding community also enhances replayability, providing additional content and experiences for players.
“The game's procedural generation ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same, adding to its replayability and sense of adventure.”
“There is nothing more enjoyable to me than a game that has been a recurring and replayable experience in my life, and Ark has always been one of those games for me.”
“The modding community continues to provide a wealth of user-generated content, enhancing the game's replayability and longevity.”
“The game would be much more playable if they recommended/worked with a different platform to host servers as their current one never ever works.”
“While the depth of content and replay value is substantial, the upfront cost may deter some potential players.”
“I don't see myself playing multiple characters like I did in the old game, even with freshness, it's still the island.”
- atmosphere49 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game has received widespread acclaim for its stunning graphics, improved lighting, and immersive environmental effects, creating a captivating and realistic experience. Players appreciate the dynamic weather systems, ambient sounds, and lush vegetation that enhance the feeling of survival in a prehistoric world. However, some users have noted performance issues on lower-end systems and occasional graphical bugs that can detract from the overall experience.
“The dynamic weather system and day-night cycles contribute to the game's overall atmospheric brilliance.”
“Beautifully crafted environments with atmospheric lighting and sound.”
“Walking through the jungle with sounds of life and activity all around you is extremely atmospheric.”
“Many of the models still look ugly and it completely breaks the fresh atmosphere of Ascended.”
“It lacks the atmosphere and feel of the original, and changes the entire lighting and character of most of the map.”
“The lighting will cut in and out at night during storms; if it is a normal night and it starts raining, it will just cut to a darker and foggy atmosphere.”
- emotional46 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game reveal a deep connection among players, with many expressing feelings of nostalgia and attachment despite frustrations with performance issues and gameplay mechanics. While some players find joy in the game's beauty and potential, others describe it as an emotional rollercoaster that leads to disappointment and heartbreak, highlighting a complex relationship where love for the game is often overshadowed by its flaws. Overall, the emotional experience is marked by a blend of attachment, frustration, and a longing for improvement.
“I loved this game, but it genuinely made me feel like I wasted 12 hours of my life.”
“I cried when I first saw gameplay of ASA... it is beautiful, my favorite game in the whole world getting a visual overhaul as well as amazing new features!”
“It's incredibly heartbreaking to love a game so much and not be able to play because it will just crash.”
- character development8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the improved character design and customization options, while others criticize the limitations imposed by alpha tribes and technical issues that hinder gameplay. The character design is noted for its humor and depth, but the overall experience is marred by poor graphics and performance problems, leading to frustration among players.
“Character design is hilarious; I definitely got a laugh out of making my own character.”
“The new character designer is a nice improvement as well.”
“Character design is 10/10 in my opinion.”
“The alpha tribes effectively have cut off upper tier character development.”
“Terrible graphics, destroyed the official PvP community. They should've just copied normal Ark into this and it would've been better. I have a decent PC, paid my 40 bucks, and I played for 10 minutes just in character design (which is, by the way, just copied from mobile and Switch to PC) at a stunning 6fps, and then when trying to spawn, I crashed twice!”
“Much more in-depth character design.”
