Are Ark Servers Shutting Down? Is Ark Ending in August 2023?
by A Maria | Updated Jun 19, 2023
Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved, stylized as ARK, is an action-adventure survival video game that was developed by Studio Wildcard and released in 2015. The game immerses players in a challenging environment where they must strive to survive after being stranded on various maps teeming with roaming dinosaurs, mythical creatures, prehistoric animals, natural dangers, and potentially hostile human players.
Ark: Survival Evolved offers players the choice to experience the game from either a third-person or first-person perspective as they navigate its vast open world. Players can explore the environment on foot or choose to ride one of the game's prehistoric animals.
To defend themselves against aggressive creatures and other players, players can utilize firearms and improvised weapons. They also have the ability to construct bases on the ground and even on certain creatures as a means of defense. The game provides both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up and form tribes in servers.
The maximum number of tribe members varies depending on the server. In multiplayer mode, tamed dinosaurs and built structures are typically shared among tribe members. Additionally, there is a Player versus Environment (PvE) mode where players cannot engage in combat with each other unless a prearranged war event is triggered and agreed upon by both parties.
Development of Ark: Survival Evolved began in October 2014, and the game was initially released on PC as an early access title in the middle of 2015. The development team conducted research to ensure the physical appearance of the animals in the game was as accurate as possible, while also taking creative liberties to enhance gameplay.
Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, and Virtual Basement were involved in facilitating the game's development. The game had its official release in August 2017, becoming available for Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.
In subsequent years, versions for Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch were released in 2018, with a version for Stadia following in 2021. Additionally, a second Nintendo Switch version was released in 2022, providing players with further opportunities to embark on their survival adventures in the world of Ark.
Ark Servers Shutting Down?
With the surprising announcement of ARK: Survival Ascended, players will have the opportunity to embark on a fresh start in a remastered version of their beloved survival game. While cross-play and cross-progression features won't be available, there are still options to explore.
Players can engage with unofficial servers or enjoy playing with friends locally, even after the official servers shut down in August 2023. Determining the exact target audience for this remake can be challenging.
However, aside from those who may be interested in experiencing the ARK series for the first time, the availability of unofficial servers and local play can help sustain the community surrounding the original game long after the official servers have ceased operation.
Ideally, Wildcard, the game's developer, will provide players with the opportunity to transfer their progress to this remastered version, although only time will reveal if such a feature will be implemented.
Fortunately, consoles offer support for unofficial servers, but it's important to note that there may be instances of hacking and disruptive behavior by some players, which can diminish the overall enjoyment of the game.
To ensure a positive experience, players may need to create their own servers or join trusted ones where the game environment remains enjoyable. Nonetheless, the dedicated support from the community will undoubtedly keep this title alive for years to come.
Is Ark Ending in August 2023?
The unexpected unveiling of ARK: Survival Ascended brings exciting news for players, granting them the opportunity to embark on a fresh adventure in a remastered edition of their beloved survival game.
Although cross-play and cross-progression features will not be supported, there are alternative avenues for enjoyment. Players will still have the ability to join unofficial servers or engage in local play with friends once the official servers go offline in August 2023. This allows players to continue their ARK experience, exploring new worlds and facing challenges alongside fellow survivors.
By venturing into unofficial servers or enjoying local play, players can maintain their connection with the game and create lasting memories within their own circles. Despite the absence of cross-play and cross-progression, the community can still come together and forge new adventures in the world of ARK: Survival Ascended.
Ark: Survival Evolved Gameplay
Ark: Survival Evolved is an immersive action-adventure survival game that takes place within a vast open world, where the cycle of day and night adds a dynamic element to the gameplay. Players can choose to experience the adventure from either a third-person or first-person perspective, offering different perspectives on the captivating environment.
Survival in Ark requires players to establish a sturdy base equipped with essential resources like fire and weapons. However, further progression demands additional endeavors such as taming and feeding dinosaurs, which necessitate gathering more resources and expanding one's capabilities.
The game's expansive world, known as the "Ark," spans approximately 48 square kilometers (19 square miles). This impressive landmass encompasses around 36 square kilometers (14 square miles) of diverse terrain, complemented by 12 square kilometers (4.6 square miles) of vast oceans teeming with untold mysteries.
Within the Ark, players will encounter a remarkable array of creatures, currently numbering at 176. Initially, the game predominantly featured real dinosaurs and prehistoric beings, lending an authentic touch to the experience.
However, as the game's storyline progressed, mythical creatures like wyverns, griffins, golems, and phoenixes were introduced, expanding the realm of possibilities. With the release of expansions, players were treated to entirely original creatures such as the Karkinos and Velonasaur, as well as futuristic robotic creations like the Enforcer and Scout.
This diverse ecosystem of creatures adds depth and excitement to the game, ensuring that players have a captivating and ever-evolving experience as they navigate the enchanting world of Ark: Survival Evolved.
About Ark: Survival Evolved
Developer(s)
Studio Wildcard
Publisher(s)
Studio Wildcard
Director(s)
Jesse Rapczak
Jeremy Stieglitz
Producer(s)
Navin Supphapholsiri
Dave Loyd
Designer(s)
Craig Brown
Kayd Hendricks
Composer(s)
Gareth Coker
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Platform(s)
Linux
macOS
PlayStation 4
Windows
Xbox One
Android
iOS
Nintendo Switch
Stadia
Release
Linux, macOS, PS4, Windows, Xbox One
August 29, 2017
Android, iOS
June 14, 2018
Nintendo Switch
November 30, 2018
Stadia
September 1, 2021
Genre(s)
MMORPG, Action-adventure, survival
Mode(s)
Single-player, multiplayer
Specifications
Details
Ark Servers Shutting Down - FAQs
Ark: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival video game developed by Studio Wildcard and released in 2015. It offers players a challenging environment where they must survive after being stranded on maps filled with dinosaurs, mythical creatures, prehistoric animals, natural dangers, and potentially hostile human players.
No, the official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved are not shutting down. However, a remastered version called ARK: Survival Ascended has been announced. While cross-play and cross-progression won't be available in the remastered version, players can still join unofficial servers or play locally with friends after the official servers go offline in August 2023.
Yes, unofficial servers are available for Ark: Survival Evolved. Players can join these servers to continue playing even after the official servers shut down. However, it's important to be cautious as unofficial servers may have instances of hacking or disruptive behavior. Creating your own server or joining trusted ones can ensure a better experience.
Ark: Survival Evolved is available on Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia platforms.
Ark: Survival Evolved falls under the genres of MMORPG, action-adventure, and survival. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes.