The survival game ARK: Survival Evolved recently received its latest DLC: Genesis Part 2. Just in time for the update, the game is available for free on Steam, but only for a limited time.
What is ARK? In ARK, you land on a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs and other creatures. You start more or less naked and must survive, taming the giant prehistoric lizards and researching technologies to ultimately face tough bosses with sci-fi weapons.
Along the way, you build a base either alone or with friends and explore the world and its various biomes from there. With different food, you secure your survival. You have several maps available in different DLCs.
ARK is one of the best survival games for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One and is currently available for free on Steam.
When and where can I play ARK for free? Until June 7, ARK can still be played for free on PC via Steam. During the same period, you can purchase ARK for a reduced price of €10.99, which is an 80% discount – or in a bundle with all DLCs for €40.80.
- you can find ARK currently for free on Steam here
- you can find the Ultimate Survivor Edition on Steam here
Genesis Part 2 brings a ton of new content
What kind of DLC is this? Since June 3, Genesis Part 2 has been available for ARK, the last DLC of the game. With this, a multitude of content and features come to the game, such as:
- new creatures, including a space dolphin
- 2 additional biomes
- a new starter zone, the Eden Zone with all necessary resources
- new weapons, tools, structures, and cosmetics
Even though Genesis Part 2 is the last DLC of ARK, the game will still receive updates throughout 2022. However, those who want to play Genesis Part 1 and 2 need to purchase a season pass. The DLCs are not included in the free version.
Who is ARK worth it for? Anyone interested in dinosaurs, sandbox games, and survival games in general should check out ARK. Currently, ARK is the second largest survival game on Steam after Rust (via steamcharts.com). So there is also no shortage of players.
In terms of the actual mechanics, ARK does not differ significantly from the competition, but the features are unique. Some of the dinosaurs are large enough that you can even build your base on them – even on flying reptiles. In our guide, you will learn how to tame dinosaurs in ARK.
In addition, ARK offers an interesting story revolving around the slightly insane scientist Edmund Rockwell, who more or less controls the world you are on. On your journey to uncover the secrets, you repeatedly face powerful bosses and unique opponents.
However, there is ongoing criticism that bugs or performance issues detract from the gameplay experience. Therefore, you should have some tolerance for frustration if you consider ARK. Problems do not always occur, but when they do, they can be very annoying.
ARK is currently in the process of developing a sequel. So now is also a good time to prepare for the second part, which even features Hollywood legends:
Hollywood star Vin Diesel plays in ARK 2 – Everything you need to know about his role Santiago
