Ark: Survival Ascended" Revamps the Dino Adventure with Unreal Engine 5

In a recent showcase, the highly-debated project "Ark: Survival Ascended" revealed its Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals. Players got a first look at enhanced environments, creatures, and gameplay during the Xbox Partner Preview event. The game developers assured viewers that the footage is all in-engine.

Studio Wildcard, the team behind "Ark," discussed their use of Unreal Engine 5's advanced technologies, including Lumen, Nanite, and fluid and foliage animation in a recent Xbox Wire blog post. The modding community will also benefit from new tools, allowing direct access to Unreal Engine 5, expanding modding capabilities. Additionally, console players will gain access to a wide range of "Ark" mods.

"Ark: Survival Ascended" promises significant improvements to core gameplay, such as a third-person camera for players and creatures, a detailed map system, and intelligent creature pathfinding. The game offers more character customization options, unique color sets, split-screen multiplayer, audio enhancements, new gameplay items, and redesigned elements across "The Island."

However, it's important to note that "Ark: Survival Ascended" has sparked controversy due to its replacement of the original "Ark: Survival Evolved." The original game's servers will be shut down, and players looking to upgrade will need to purchase the new version as a full-priced product, without credit for owning the original game.