ARK: Survival Ascended is the ultimate survival adventure game rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. If you’re stepping onto the beach for the first time or returning to see how far the island has evolved, this guide is your perfect starting point. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the key differences from ARK: Survival Evolved game, help you survive your first nights, and show you how to avoid early-game pitfalls, taming strategies and and the best ways to get started. Let’s start!
What Is ARK: Survival Ascended?
ARK: Survival Ascended (also known as ARK SA or Ark Ascended) is a complete rebuild of the original ARK: Survival Evolved game. The developers rebuilt it in Unreal Engine 5, bringing modern graphics, better performance, and long-awaited features like cross-platform multiplayer and modding. Now available on Steam and other platforms, ARK SA isn’t just a graphic upgrade, it’s a whole new survival experience.
ARK Ascended vs ARK Evolved: What’s the Difference?
ARK: Survival Ascended isn’t just a re-master, it’s a complete rebuild of the original game that changes how it looks, feels, and performs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of ARK Ascended vs ARK Evolved:
| Feature | ARK: Survival Evolved | ARK: Survival Ascended |
| Game Engine | Unreal Engine 4 | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Graphics | Dated visuals | Nanite, Lumen, RTXDI |
| Multiplayer | Platform-specific | Cross-platform |
| Mods | PC-only | Available across all platforms |
| Anti-Cheat | Varies | Built-in and cross-platform |
| Server Networking | Legacy code | Threaded networking for smoother performance |
| Camera | Limited third-person | Fully redesigned toggle system |
| DLC Support | Per platform | Unified access |
What Do You Do in ARK: Survival Ascended?
The game starts with you stranded on a beach, surrounded by prehistoric creatures. You’re hungry, exposed, and unarmed. Your mission is clear: gather resources like wood, stone, fiber, and berries; craft tools, weapons, and shelter; tame dinosaurs to help with transport, farming, and battle; explore caves, biomes, and underwater secrets; survive hunger, enemies, and harsh weather; and ascend by defeating bosses to unlock new maps.
ARK: Survival Ascended Features
The base game is priced at $44.99 on Steam, with expansions available separately or as part of a bundle. The download size is around 70 GB, but with mods and DLCs installed, it can exceed 120 GB. To improve performance, enable DLSS or FSR in the game settings, lower shadow and post-processing quality, switch to performance mode, and install the game on an SSD. For the best multiplayer experience, consider playing on a high-performance server using Gaming VPS Hosting. ARK SA delivers a polished and optimized version of the original with features built for the modern gamer.
Other Key Features and Enhancements
- Bug fixes galore for a smoother ride.
- A fully redesigned third-person camera.
- Cross-platform anti-cheat for fair play.
- Better performance for big bases with instanced rendering.
- Low-lag connections thanks to threaded networking.
- Stunning graphics from Nanite, Lumen, and RTXDI.
- Cross-platform multiplayer means more friends can join.
- Universal mod support with CurseForge integration.
Top ARK SA Tips, Tools, and Starter Strategies
Craft a bed early, as it becomes your respawn anchor. Tame a Parasaur quickly because it’s easy and boosts your carrying capacity. Start small with thatch structures, then upgrade to wood and stone. Use bolas and clubs for quick early-game tames like raptors. Always carry water and food since starvation can happen quickly. Keep torches handy to survive cold, dark nights.
Useful tools include Dododex, a dino taming planner; the ARK Wiki, which offers recipes and build guides; and the CurseForge Mod Manager for one-click mod installations.
Mistakes New Players Should Avoid ARK SA
Avoid ignoring weight upgrades, as moving too slowly can prevent escape from danger. Building right on the beach is risky since these areas are high-traffic and dangerous. Never leave storage unlocked because other players can steal your loot in PvP. Don’t forget to carry water because early-game thirst kills faster than enemies. Also, avoid letting your dinos roam freely—they often get into trouble or die.
Hosting vs Joining a Server in ARK SA
For smooth gameplay and community hosting, go with Gaming VPS Hosting. It’s optimized for ARK VPS performance, supports mods, and prevents lag—even on large maps. Choosing the right server determines how smooth and fun your experience feels.
Choosing the right server can greatly affect your gameplay experience. Official servers offer a large player base but often suffer from lag and provide no admin control. Public unofficial servers allow faster XP and taming rates with mod support, but you might face bad admins or unexpected wipes. For the best experience, private VPS hosting gives you total control, excellent performance, and freedom to use mods, though it requires some setup time. Using Gaming VPS Hosting ensures smooth gameplay optimized for ARK VPS performance, even on large maps.
Conclusion
Now you want to know if the ARK Survival Ascended game is worth playing, right? Absolutely. The visuals alone are a huge leap forward, but the real value lies in the revamped networking, cross-platform systems, and modding tools. It’s a strong starting point for new players and a fresh playground for returning veterans.
Ready to tame a T-Rex or build a base that touches the clouds? Grab your gear, download ARK SA, and level up your experience with mod-friendly Gaming VPS Hosting. It’s time to ascend.
