Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition represents the latest evolution of the Ark franchise, delivering an increasingly authentic experience akin to the PC and console versions directly to mobile devices. Originally, Ark debuted on mobile platforms with Ark: Survival Evolved Mobile in 2018. Although the initial release was noteworthy, it suffered from noticeable limitations. A major drawback was that it did not feature any expansions, leading to a solitary map and a significantly reduced roster of creatures compared to its console and PC counterparts.
With the launch of Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition, gamers can anticipate a revamped offering that aims to overcome the previous limitations of the mobile experience. Announced on December 18, the newly released version includes access to various expansion packs, which can be purchased individually or through a convenient subscription model. While not all content is available immediately, developers have committed to a timeline that aims for complete expansion accessibility by the end of 2025.
What Is Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition?
An Ambitious Survival Experience on Mobile
Similar to its predecessor, Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition is available as a free-to-play game, granting access to the original island map on which the series first launched. Players dive into a survival-centric gameplay experience, battling against a variety of prehistoric creatures within a treacherous environment. Beginning without resources, players must navigate the challenges of survival, utilize technology, and tame formidable creatures to carve out their domain on the island.
Players seeking to enhance their experience can opt for the paid expansions, which include Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, and Genesis Parts 1 & 2, as well as the community-designed Ragnarok. These expansions introduce new maps and creatures, each presenting unique survival themes and challenges. Released over a span of five years from 2016 to 2021 on PC and console, these expansions are pivotal for diversifying gameplay. Additionally, the revamped Ark: Survival Ascended is currently re-releasing these expansions, with Genesis still forthcoming.
Everything to Know About the Ark Pass Subscription
Expansions & In-Game Benefits
To access the expansions within Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition, players can sign up for the Ark Pass Subscription, priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually. This subscription provides continuous access to all presently available and future expansions, alongside an assortment of monthly perks designed to offer players competitive advantages. Key features include:
- God Console for single-player command privileges
- Bonus XP across all game modes
- Monthly distributions of free ‘keys’ — the in-game currency
- Exclusive entry to designated servers
The overall value of the Ark Pass may fluctuate based on individual usage patterns as well as the appeal of its bonus features, which are also available as standalone purchases. For dedicated players who plan to engage long-term, acquiring expansions individually may be more economical. However, casual gamers who jump in and out may benefit more from short subscription periods, especially if the expansions follow similar pricing as the original versions, ranging from $19.99 to $34.99.
What to Expect from Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition
Version Differences & Available Expansions at Launch
Developed by Grove Street Games, the studio responsible for the Nintendo Switch adaptation of Ark: Survival Evolved, this latest edition harnesses optimizations made for the hybrid platform. The launch trailer reveals some graphical downgrades when compared to ARK’s standard offerings, particularly Survival Ascended, yet it still enhances the experience relative to the previous mobile version.
At launch, players will have access to the initial expansions Scorched Earth and Aberration. Scorched Earth showcases arid desert terrains and introduces fantastic beasts such as dragons, while Aberration invites exploration of an unusual underground realm offering refuge from harsh surface conditions. Extinction is slated to follow, adding a map steeped in the enigma of a fallen advanced civilization.
For those seeking an engaging survival adventure on mobile, Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition offers a promising new destination. This release not only revitalizes interest in the franchise as anticipation builds for the delayed Ark 2, which appears to be on track to miss its anticipated 2024 launch date, but it also provides an exciting opportunity for players to explore the Ark world anew.
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