Is Ark 2 and Ark Ascended the Same?
ARK: Survival Evolved and its predecessor, ARK: Ascended, have been widely discussed among gamers and developers alike. With the latter being an early access title and the former being an upcoming sequel, many players are wondering if there’s a connection between the two games. In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between ARK 2 and ARK Ascended, to help you understand what lies ahead.
Similarities
At first glance, it’s easy to get confused between the two titles. Both ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Ascended share the same basic premise – surviving on a mysterious, prehistoric island filled with dinosaurs and other creatures. Both games feature a wide range of creatures, including dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and even mythical beasts from various cultures.
Same Game Engine
Another crucial similarity between the two titles is the game engine they use. ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Ascended share the same game engine, Unreal Engine 4, which means they share some common coding and architecture.
Same Core Mechanics
The core mechanics of the two games are also eerily similar. Both titles feature a mix of combat, exploration, and building, with players having to gather resources, craft equipment, and construct shelter.
Differences
However, despite these similarities, there are significant differences between ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Ascended.
DLC vs. Full-Game
ARK: Ascended is an early access title, which means it’s a downloadable content pack for ARK: Survival Evolved. This implies that ARK: Ascended is an extension or an upgrade to the base game, rather than a standalone title.
Revised Graphics
ARK: Ascended features revised graphics, which means it offers improved visuals compared to its predecessor. The game features more detailed environments, smoother animations, and enhanced particle effects.
New Maps and Game Modes
ARK: Ascended introduces new maps and game modes to the series. The new maps offer a fresh environment to explore, with new landscapes, terrain, and vegetation. The new game modes, on the other hand, introduce new challenges and gameplay mechanics to the table.
Key Features Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key features of ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Ascended:
| Feature | ARK: Survival Evolved | ARK: Ascended |
|---|---|---|
| Maps | 6 maps (including The Center) | 4 new maps |
| Game Modes | Standard, Survival, and Endless | New game modes (Tournament, Expedition, and more) |
| Graphics | Unreal Engine 4 (base version) | Unreal Engine 4 (revised, with improved visuals) |
| Creatures | 65+ dinosaurs and creatures | 80+ dinosaurs and creatures (including new species) |
| Building Options | Basic building options (walls, doors, fences) | Enhanced building options (including advanced structures, bridges, and more) |
Conclusion
To answer the question, is ARK 2 and ARK Ascended the same? The answer is no. While they share similarities in terms of game mechanics and game engine, they are distinct titles with differences in terms of graphics, maps, game modes, and features.
ARK: Ascended is an early access title, an upgrade to ARK: Survival Evolved, with new maps, game modes, and features. ARK 2, on the other hand, is a forthcoming sequel, with its own unique features, gameplay, and story.
In the end, whether you prefer ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Ascended depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a seasoned player looking for a challenge and new experiences, ARK: Ascended might be the way to go. If you’re waiting for a fresh start, ARK 2 promises to deliver.