No, Ark Ascended is not currently available on Game Pass.
Curious about where you can play the graphically enhanced dinosaur survival game? Many players are asking, is ark ascended on game pass? It’s a valid question given how many games land on Microsoft’s subscription service.
The anticipation surrounding Ark Ascended is huge, but at the moment, access requires purchasing the game directly. Perhaps the future will bring a Game Pass option, but there isn’t one currently.
Is Ark Ascended on Game Pass? A Deep Dive
Alright, let’s get straight to the point. You’re here because you want to know if you can play the super cool dinosaur survival game, Ark Ascended, on Game Pass. It’s a question a lot of gamers are asking, and for good reason! Game Pass is awesome, giving you access to a bunch of games for a monthly fee. But is Ark Ascended one of them? The answer isn’t quite as simple as a yes or no, so let’s explore all the details together.
What is Ark Ascended Anyway?
Before we dive into Game Pass, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about Ark Ascended. It’s basically a remade, super-shiny version of the original Ark: Survival Evolved. Imagine the dinosaur adventures you loved before, but now they’re even prettier with improved graphics and new features! You get to explore a wild island, build bases, team up with friends, and, of course, tame a whole bunch of amazing dinosaurs. Think of it like a supercharged version of the game you might already know and love.
Key Features of Ark Ascended
- Stunning Visuals: The game has been rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5. This makes the world, the creatures, and everything else look super realistic and detailed. You’ll really feel like you’re there!
- Improved Gameplay: Not just a pretty face, Ark Ascended also has changes to the game mechanics. There are updated building tools, better ways to move around, and things are generally smoother and easier to use.
- Same Core Fun: You still get all the core Ark gameplay that makes the game fun. Taming dinos, crafting items, building bases, fighting bosses, and exploring a huge open world are still the main focus.
- Cross-Platform Play: This is big! If you have friends playing on a different system, like Xbox or Playstation, you can still play together.
The Initial Launch of Ark Ascended
When Ark Ascended first came out, it was a brand new game, not a free upgrade to Ark: Survival Evolved. This meant players needed to buy it separately. It wasn’t immediately available on Game Pass. This caused a lot of confusion as many players who were used to the old Ark on Game Pass were wondering when the new and updated version would arrive.
The Importance of Game Pass for Ark Fans
For a lot of people, Game Pass is how they originally played Ark: Survival Evolved. The old Ark was a big hit on Game Pass, giving many people a chance to try out the fun and crazy game. Because of this, it’s understandable why so many people were asking about Ark Ascended and Game Pass.
So, Is Ark Ascended on Game Pass NOW?
Here’s the main question you’ve been waiting for: Is Ark Ascended currently on Game Pass? As of right now, the answer is YES! That’s great news for players who are looking forward to trying the game without buying it separately. But it’s important to understand when and how it arrived on Game Pass.
The Game Pass Release
Ark Ascended became available on Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and PC on January 1, 2024. This was a big moment for Game Pass subscribers who had been eagerly anticipating its release. This means that if you have a Game Pass subscription for console or PC, you can now download and play Ark Ascended as part of your subscription, without needing to buy the game separately. There are several editions and bundles, make sure you only need a basic subscription to play Ark Ascended.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, this news is fantastic! Here’s what it means for you:
- Access to a Great Game: You get to play the awesome Ark Ascended without spending extra money on the base game, if you already have a Game Pass subscription.
- Try Before You Buy: If you’re unsure if you’ll like Ark Ascended, playing it through Game Pass is a great way to try it out before you decide if you want to buy it.
- Play with Friends: If your friends are playing on console or PC through Game Pass or purchased, you can all join up and go exploring together, since the game has cross-platform functionality.
Understanding Different Game Pass Tiers
It’s good to remember that Xbox Game Pass comes in different tiers. Make sure you have either the Xbox Game Pass for Console, or the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Xbox Game Pass for PC. Ark Ascended is available through each of these Game Pass subscriptions, depending on where you would like to play it.
It’s also worth noting that sometimes games do leave the Game Pass library. While it’s unlikely Ark Ascended will leave soon, always be aware of which games might be exiting the Game Pass library in the coming months. There are usually announcements from Xbox/Microsoft, so keeping an eye on that will be helpful.
Gameplay on Game Pass
Playing Ark Ascended through Game Pass is exactly the same as playing it if you bought it separately. There are no restrictions on features or content. You get access to the full game experience, including all the dinosaurs, maps, building options, and online play. There’s no special version of the game just for Game Pass users. Everyone gets the same exciting experience. And because it supports cross-platform play, if you are on Game Pass with a console and your friend is on a PC and bought the game, you can still play together!
Game Pass Saves and Progression
Your game progress in Ark Ascended is tied to your Xbox account, so if you switch between console and PC versions, you should find that your data transfers with you. If you decide to buy the game at some point, any progress you made while playing on Game Pass should carry over to the purchased copy. So, you don’t have to worry about losing anything you have worked hard for.
Is Game Pass the Best Way to Play Ark Ascended?
Whether Game Pass is the best way to play Ark Ascended depends on your personal gaming style and preferences. Let’s look at some points to consider:
Benefits of Game Pass:
- Cost Effective: If you’re already a Game Pass subscriber, it’s the most affordable way to start playing Ark Ascended because you already pay for the subscription.
- Try Before You Buy: You can play the full game and see if you like it before purchasing it outright.
- Huge Library: Game Pass gives access to a huge library of games, so you always have more to play.
Benefits of Buying the Game:
- Ownership: You own the game and don’t have to worry about it leaving the Game Pass library.
- Updates: The game is on your system and ready whenever there’s an update.
- No Subscription Required: You don’t need a subscription to play whenever you want.
If you are a regular player of multiple games and you play quite often, the cost of game pass can offset the cost of buying many games. So it might be wise to continue paying the subscription monthly. However, if you only play a couple of games each year, then it might be a better idea to just buy the game outright. It all depends on what suits you and your gaming experience. The choice is yours!
Ark Ascended’s Performance on Game Pass
Many gamers are wondering if the performance of Ark Ascended is any different when playing through Game Pass than if they bought a copy. Luckily, there’s really no difference. Your performance of the game, such as FPS, graphics, and lag, is purely based on your PC or console specs. If you have a strong system, you will have a good experience. If you have a weaker system, you may experience some lag or lowered quality. All Game Pass does is grant you access, the game will still run the same as if you bought a digital or physical copy.
Things that Affect Performance
Here are some things to keep in mind, regardless if you bought or are using Game Pass:
- Console/PC Specs: A more powerful system, better graphics card, more RAM and storage, and the correct version of DirectX (12) will all contribute to a better gameplay experience.
- Internet Connection: If you are playing online with friends, ensure your internet connection is stable and fast. Low-speed or unstable connections will cause lag and make the game difficult to play.
- Game Settings: Adjusting your graphics settings down can help lower the demand of the game on your system and increase performance.
Community Feedback
The general feedback from the community seems to be positive about Ark Ascended being on Game Pass. Players enjoy having access to a beautiful and improved version of the game without paying for it as a separate purchase. The cross-play functionality has also been well-received since friends are able to join and play together, regardless of their consoles or pc platforms.
Negative Feedback
Like with any game, there are also negative points. Some players note that the game is very demanding on the graphics card, meaning that you need a modern and powerful computer to have a good experience with the game. Players with older systems have struggled with performance. In addition, some gamers have had issues with game crashes and online play. Thankfully these issues are always being addressed by the game’s developers who continue to update the game to fix any problems.
Updates and Future of Ark Ascended
The developers of Ark Ascended are always working hard to fix bugs, add new content, and make the game even better. This means that there’s always something new for players to do. They also listen to feedback from the community and adjust the game, so player feedback is always welcome.
Future Content
Keep an eye out for new updates in Ark Ascended, especially if you are a fan of the Ark universe! More maps, creatures, items, and challenges are likely to appear in future updates. This will only make the gameplay experience even more rich and fulfilling. Ark Ascended is designed to be constantly updated, improved, and enjoyable for many years to come.
The inclusion of Ark Ascended in Game Pass represents a big step for both the game and players. It offers an affordable entry point for those new to the experience, and lets long-time fans experience the game in a fresh way. Game Pass is a perfect way to try out if you like the game enough to buy it separately later on. It definitely is a great value to have Ark Ascended on Game Pass. So, jump in, start taming those dinosaurs, and get ready for a lot of amazing adventures!
Xbox Can't Run it! Ark: Survival Ascended Xbox Series S|X vs. PC
Final Thoughts
Currently, Ark Ascended is not available on Game Pass. Players wanting to experience this survival game must purchase it separately. Keep checking official channels for any future announcements about game availability.
The developers often make changes to their distribution plans. This also applies to ‘is ark ascended on game pass’. It remains a frequently asked question among players and gamers.
Therefore, as of now, you will not find it through the subscription service.
