It has been ten years since ARK: Survival Evolved The game has launched into Early Access. Studio Wildcard is using this anniversary not only to look back at its beginnings but also to provide current players with new content and technical improvements. The event is already underway and brings with it some fun new features, including cosmetic skins, emotes, and a revamped island design with a party vibe. At the same time, there was a technical update that will likely be much more relevant for many – especially PlayStation 5 Pro owners.
PS5 Pro and PSSR in the party hat
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the developers released a free update that ARK: Survival Ascended from Unreal Engine 5.2 to version 5.5. According to Wildcard, the performance gain should be noticeable: faster loading times, improved graphics, and smaller installation sizes thanks to optional DLC downloads.
There are a few extras specifically for the new PS5 Pro. In addition to higher-resolution shadows in the distance, the game now also supports Sony's PSSR technology (PlayStation Spectral Super ResolutionAccording to Wildcard, the feature can increase the frame rate by up to 30% – however, realistic measurements from the community are still pending. Whether and how much of an improvement is noticeable in everyday gameplay will likely depend on individual setups and expectations.
New island, new bosses, old acquaintances
Beyond the technical aspects, the game also delivers new content. The Lemnokis update for the paid Astraeos DLC introduces another island to the game, designed by ARK veteran and modder Nekatus. The environment is varied – biomes, caves, redwoods, snowfields – and should appeal to fans of exploration and base building. Particularly interesting: the game's first minibosses make their debut. Kalydonios and Erymanthian – two oversized boars with fire and poison attacks – add a new dimension to the PvE endgame.
The return of the popular snowy owls, along with new resource zones and mysterious environments like the coastal maelstrom, expands the game with additional content. Players on private servers can manually activate the birthday event. There's now a more convenient option for this in the host menu.
Studio Wildcard is combining the anniversary with a solid technical update and content expansion. Anyone who still plays ARK regularly – or was curious about the remaster – should now find it a good time to jump back in or take a fresh look.
What do you think of the update? Let us know in the comments.
