ARK: Survival Ascended Release Delayed and Discounted
Studio Wildcard recently announced on their community website that the highly anticipated remastered version of ARK: Survival Evolved, titled ARK: Survival Ascended, will be delayed until October. This delay comes as no surprise to ARK fans, as the sequel ARK II was also delayed not long ago.
However, there is some good news amidst the disappointment. ARK: Survival Ascended will now be available at a discounted price. The game will launch in Early Access for $44.99, with a $5 launch discount bringing the price down to $39.99.
Content Release Schedule Altered
The delay not only affects the game release but also the content release schedule. Originally, ARK: Survival Ascended was planned to launch with The Island map and the first big DLC, Scorched Earth. However, the release of The Scorched Earth map will now be split up. The Scorched Earth map will release in December, while Ragnarok and Aberration will be moved to Q1 2024. All remaining DLC and maps will be released after that.
![ARK Survival Ascended Tree Updates Unreal 5](https://www.destructoid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ARK-Survival-Ascended-Tree-Updates.png?w=640&resize=640%2C360)
Mixed Reactions from Fans
ARK fans have experienced frustration throughout the remaster process. Initially, the remastered version of ARK: Survival Evolved was bundled with ARK II, leading to a higher price for the game. However, after facing backlash from fans, Studio Wildcard decided to separate the two games.
Despite this change, some fans are still unhappy. Many expected the Unreal Engine 5 version of the game to be a free update, but it now comes with the price of a AAA game. Considering the original ARK: Survival Evolved was released at $29.99, it’s understandable why fans are frustrated.
With two price cuts already implemented, from $60 to $50 and now $50 to $40, some fans may find solace. Who knows, if the delays continue, fans may eventually get their wish for a free update.
ARK: Survival Ascended is set to launch in October on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and PC.