No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not currently available on Game Pass.
The prehistoric survival game, Ark: Survival Ascended, has players eager to jump in. Many are asking, “is Ark: Survival Ascended on Game Pass?” This is a valid question considering the popularity of the subscription service.
Unfortunately, for now, the answer is no. You cannot access this specific title through Game Pass. Gamers will need to purchase it separately to experience its world of dinosaurs and crafting.
Is Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass?
The big question on every dinosaur-loving, survival game fan’s mind: is Ark Survival Ascended on Xbox Game Pass? It’s a totally fair question, especially since Game Pass is like a treasure chest of awesome games. Let’s dive deep and explore all the details, so you know exactly where you stand with Ark Survival Ascended and its availability on Microsoft’s popular subscription service. We’ll cover what Game Pass is, what Ark Survival Ascended is all about, and if the two are currently playing nice. We will also look at the past and future possibilities for Ark on Game Pass.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Imagine a library, but instead of books, it’s full of video games! That’s basically what Xbox Game Pass is. For a monthly fee, you get to play a huge selection of games on your Xbox console or PC. There are different plans available, including ones that allow you to play on both console and PC. Think of it like Netflix for games, where you have a catalog of titles you can play anytime as long as you’re a subscriber. Game Pass regularly adds new games and sometimes some leave, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Game Pass Tiers Explained
There are a few different flavors of Xbox Game Pass, and each offers a slightly different experience. It’s good to know what you get for your money.
Game Pass for Console: This one lets you play games on your Xbox console. You download them straight to your system and play away.
Game Pass for PC: If you’re a PC gamer, this option is for you. It provides access to a growing library of PC games to download and play.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: This is the big kahuna. It includes all the benefits of both Console and PC Game Pass. Plus, you get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming (which lets you stream games to various devices), and Xbox Live Gold, which is required for online multiplayer on consoles. Ultimate members also often get extra perks and deals.
Benefits of Subscribing to Game Pass
So, what’s so great about Game Pass? Well, there are plenty of reasons to be a member.
Cost Savings: Instead of buying every game individually, you get a huge library for a flat monthly fee. This can save you a lot of money if you like to play a variety of games.
Access to New Games: Game Pass often includes new games when they first come out. This means you get to play the newest titles without paying full price right away.
Game Variety: The Game Pass library has all sorts of games, from big budget titles to indie gems. There is something for everyone, whether you like racing, shooting, building, or anything else.
Try Before You Buy: If you’re not sure about a certain game, you can try it through Game Pass first before you buy. This can prevent you from spending money on games you don’t end up liking.
What is Ark Survival Ascended?
Ark Survival Ascended is a remake of the popular survival game Ark: Survival Evolved. It’s been completely rebuilt using newer game technology. Imagine Ark but with way better graphics, more detailed environments, and a more refined game experience. In Ark Survival Ascended, you are stranded on a mysterious island populated by dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Your goal is to survive. You will gather resources, build shelters, craft weapons, tame wild creatures, and maybe even figure out the island’s secrets.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Let’s dig into what makes Ark Survival Ascended such a compelling game. It combines elements of survival, crafting, exploration, and creature taming.
Survival: You will need to eat, drink, and manage your health. The island’s environment can be dangerous, with extreme weather and aggressive wildlife, so you must be prepared.
Crafting: Gathering resources is key. You will use wood, stone, metal, and other materials to craft tools, weapons, armor, and build structures. The game has a very deep crafting system with many items to make.
Exploration: The island is huge and full of different areas to explore. You will come across forests, mountains, beaches, caves, and even underwater regions, each with their own dangers and rewards.
Taming: One of the unique aspects of Ark is the ability to tame wild dinosaurs and other creatures. Once tamed, they will become your loyal companions. You will use them for transport, gathering resources, or even combat.
Building: You will have the ability to construct shelters, bases, and even entire towns. These structures will protect you from the elements and provide a safe place to store your loot.
Key Differences from Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark Survival Ascended is more than just a graphics upgrade. It has significant improvements. Here are a few key changes:
Unreal Engine 5: The game is built with the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, which brings incredible visuals. The world looks more realistic, with detailed textures, improved lighting, and stunning effects.
Enhanced Performance: It has been designed to take advantage of modern hardware to run better and provide smoother gameplay.
Updated Mechanics: While many core gameplay elements remain the same, some mechanics have been tweaked and refined to give a more enjoyable experience.
New Content: Ascended will eventually get all of the maps and content from the original Ark: Survival Evolved, but the studio plans to release them incrementally with improved assets.
Is Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass? The Current Status
Okay, now for the main event – is Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass right now? As of the current date, Ark Survival Ascended is not available on Xbox Game Pass. The game is available to purchase separately through the Xbox store, PlayStation Store, and Steam on PC. You will have to buy the game in order to play, unfortunately. This might be disappointing for people who were hoping to try it through their Game Pass subscription.
Why Isn’t it on Game Pass Yet?
Several factors might explain why Ark Survival Ascended isn’t on Game Pass right now:
Release Strategy: Sometimes, game developers choose not to put their game on Game Pass right away. They might want to sell the game at full price for a while before making it available on a subscription service.
Negotiations: Getting a game on Game Pass often involves negotiations between the game developer and Microsoft. These negotiations can take time, and not every game makes it onto the service.
Development Costs: Ark Survival Ascended is a very complex game, and the development process has been expensive. The studio might need to maximize initial sales to recoup its investment before considering a Game Pass release.
Newness: As the game is still relatively new, the developers may prefer to focus on the game launch and fixing bugs before bringing it to a wider Game Pass audience.
Future Possibilities for Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass
Just because Ark Survival Ascended isn’t on Game Pass today doesn’t mean it will never arrive. The game is very popular, and a large percentage of its fanbase are on Xbox. History may repeat itself, as Ark: Survival Evolved was eventually added to Game Pass some time after its release. So, it’s quite possible we could see Ark Survival Ascended added to the service sometime in the future.
Looking at Past Trends
The original Ark: Survival Evolved did eventually make its way to Game Pass. This gives fans hope that its upgraded version will do the same. Here are the reasons why this makes it likely:
Popularity: Games that are highly popular and receive a lot of attention are often considered by Game Pass to be added to its library. This is because they can bring many new subscribers to the platform, as well as keep existing ones engaged.
Long-Term Strategy: Game Pass is always looking to add new titles to their service, and the inclusion of games like Ark keeps their catalog fresh and relevant.
Game Pass Subscriber Base: Game Pass subscribers are generally very receptive to survival games and the like, meaning it’s more likely that adding a game like Ascended will be a good move.
Previous Agreement: The fact that Ark: Survival Evolved was previously on Game Pass is a good indication that the studio may be open to bringing Ascended to the service as well.
What to Expect if It Comes to Game Pass
If Ark Survival Ascended eventually arrives on Game Pass, it will likely include the base game and perhaps some of the early released content. Here’s what you can expect if that happens:
Base Game Access: Game Pass subscribers will gain access to the base game, allowing them to start their survival journey on the island.
Regular Updates: The game will likely receive regular updates while on Game Pass, just as it does for players who buy the game. This can be things like bug fixes, new features, and content additions.
Potential for DLC: While it is not guaranteed, there is a chance that some of the future paid content could eventually arrive on Game Pass. It may be sold separately, or as part of a higher tier of Game Pass.
New Player Surge: The game’s inclusion in Game Pass would undoubtedly bring a surge of new players to the game. This may mean an increase in online servers.
Crossplay: If the game comes to game pass, this is a good opportunity to see the crossplay feature at its peak.
Staying Up-to-Date
If you are keen to know if and when Ark Survival Ascended will be on Game Pass, there are a few ways to stay in the loop:
Official Xbox News: Keep an eye on the official Xbox website, social media channels, and news outlets. They usually announce Game Pass additions through these channels.
Game Pass App: Use the Game Pass app on your console or PC. You will often see announcements and new titles added to the library right in the app.
Gaming News Sites: Follow trusted gaming news websites and blogs. These sites often report news and announcements about Game Pass before other sources.
Social Media: Join gaming communities and forums on platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter). Fans often share news and rumors as soon as they hear of them.
So, while Ark Survival Ascended is not currently available on Game Pass, its future on the service is certainly not out of the question. Keep an eye out for announcements and updates, and you might just be able to join the dinosaur-filled adventure through your subscription. The game is awesome, and its arrival on Game Pass would be something for a lot of players to be excited about.
While Ark Survival Ascended is not part of the Xbox Game Pass library right now, there’s still a lot to be excited about in the gaming world. Game Pass is a great value, with plenty of other games to explore in the meantime. And remember to stay tuned for any news about Ark potentially coming to Game Pass in the future.
Xbox Can't Run it! Ark: Survival Ascended Xbox Series S|X vs. PC
Final Thoughts
Currently, Ark Survival Ascended is not available on Game Pass. Players hoping to access the game through Microsoft’s subscription will need to purchase it separately. The developers haven’t announced plans for a future Game Pass inclusion yet.
Therefore, if you are wondering ‘is ark survival ascended on game pass’, the simple answer is no. You must purchase the game to play it at this time. Keep an eye on official announcements for potential changes.
