In the latest twist in the gaming realm, ARK: Survival Ascended has rolled out a recent update, sparking excitement among its dedicated community. This update, primarily centred on enhancing maps and eradicating pesky bugs, also sets the stage for the impending release of the highly anticipated Scorched Earth expansion later this month. As players eagerly await the expansion, reminiscent of its 2016 predecessor, ARK: Survival Evolved, the recent update lays the groundwork for what’s to come.
Scorched Earth, the inaugural paid expansion for ARK: Survival Evolved, mesmerised gamers with its introduction of a desert-themed world, hailed by many as one of the finest maps within the ARK universe. Pioneering a new dimension, the DLC not only introduced a plethora of fresh challenges but also ushered in a diverse array of content, including a new boss, a dozen creatures, and a wealth of engrams. Now, as Scorched Earth makes its grand entrance into Survival Ascended, players can anticipate an additional treat in the form of the Frontier Adventure pack, a treasure trove brimming with desert-inspired paraphernalia, from outfits to accessories and beyond.
Beneath the bonnet of this update lies a labyrinth of enhancements, meticulously crafted to streamline the gaming experience. One notable improvement lies in the optimisation of character creation processes, simplifying the intricacies of animation and asset creation. With a few tweaks to female character proportions, the update aims to refine the visual aesthetic, ensuring a more immersive journey for players. Moreover, a plethora of bug fixes and map adjustments have been implemented, further enhancing gameplay stability and immersion.
Addressing concerns regarding potential delays, a spokesperson for ARK: Survival Ascended reassured fans that Scorched Earth remains on track for a late March release, dispelling any fears of further setbacks. Originally slated to accompany the launch of ARK: Survival Ascended, the expansion has weathered multiple postponements, intensifying anticipation among the community. With promises of a new menagerie of creatures, including the formidable Fasolasuchus, the expansion is poised to redefine the landscape of Survival Ascended.
The journey of ARK: Survival Ascended hasn’t been without its challenges. Following a turbulent debut marred by delays on Xbox and PlayStation platforms in 2023, the game currently grapples with a lukewarm reception, reflected in its mixed rating of 58% on Steam, based on over 41,000 reviews. However, hopes remain high as the game gears up for a resurgence, fuelled by forthcoming updates such as the imminent Scorched Earth expansion.
Studio Wildcard’s commitment to delivering quality content is evident in its pledge to offer all future DLC maps for free. As the horizon of Survival Ascended expands, players can look forward to revisiting beloved expansions from the original game, including The Center, Aberration, Ragnarok, and beyond. Coupled with enhanced graphics and upgraded dinosaur AI, Survival Ascended promises a reinvigorated gaming experience for enthusiasts old and new alike.
The v36.8 update, a harbinger of things to come, brings with it a slew of improvements and fixes, laying the groundwork for an exhilarating journey into the heart of Scorched Earth. From revamped character models to meticulous bug squashing, every aspect of the game has been fine-tuned to perfection. As players embark on this odyssey, the realm of Survival Ascended awaits, brimming with adventure, challenges, and boundless possibilities.
