ARK: Survival Ascended News

Shell we get this party started? Prepare for some righteous action in ARK!

Download in full resolution


The next ARKpocalypse wipe kicks off September 19, and this time it’s back to basics. ARKpocalypse will now run as a mod-free experience, a throwback to the raw survival challenge of classic ARK.

We’re excited to see this retro-style ARKpoc make its comeback.



If you’re transferring or ascending to another server with an Armadoggo or Veilwyn in Companion Mode, be sure to exit Companion Mode first. Leaving it active may cause issues during the transfer.

Engineers are continuing to work on the fix with high priority and we hope to set it live soon.


[previewyoutube]MODSPOLIGHTLINK[/previewyoutube]
Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-browser directly within the game. Enjoy an endless stream of new ARK content as the creativity and talent of the community is fully unleashed for the first time across gaming platforms and stay tuned as we spotlight more Cross-Platform Mods each week!

This video features:

• Shiba Doggo Skins by RodrigoCunha (premium)
• Modern Glass by Kokou_kohiro (premium)
• Patio Furniture Structure Skins by Genade92
  
• Chinaes_Structure_Skin by 1050695222
  
• Doro Pistol Cosmetics by Shina_Lena
  
• Giao Long by Xumbrai
  
• More Yuty’s by Izurichan93
  
• Obsidian Equipment by Jojosef
  
• Quetzal Turret Saddle by Shinygati
  

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Unleash your imagination and transform your ARK experience with our latest premium mods!

This video features:

• Lanthanum’s Custom Cosmetics: Modern Military Vol.1 - Infantry by Lanthanum
  
• Advanced Weapons Premium by Troyar_ARK
  

[h2]Voting is Now Live for the ASA Build Template Contest! [/h2]

We’ve seen some incredible entries so far, and now it’s your turn to help shape the future in-game templates!

To vote

• Head over to the ⁠#asa-build-contest on the Official ARK Discord.
  
• React with the golden check mark on the thread of the build you like best
  
• You can vote on as many builds as you want, but only reactions with the special golden check mark count!
  

The top 10 eligible builds with the most golden check mark reactions by Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PT will move on to the final round of public voting, which kicks off in the Crunch of Friday, September 19, 2025.

Competition Timeline

• Discord Voting end: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PT
  
• Finalists Announced in the Crunch and Final Voting starts: Friday, September 19, 2025
  
• Winners Announced in the Crunch: Friday, September 26, 2025
  

Prizes

• 2 Community Winner – chosen by popular vote
  
• 2 Wildcard Winner – hand-picked by the Studio
  

All four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates. Plus, as an added little bonus, each winner will receive a Lost Colony Expansion Pass!


While we won’t be able to host our usual 24-hour Extra Life livestream this year, we’re still going all-in on what matters most: uniting as a community to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and unlocking something special for the future of ARK: Survival Ascended.

For every $30,000 raised through the Studio Wildcard Extra Life charity campaign, the community will unlock a Dino TLC pass to be released throughout 2026, breathing new life into a classic creature of the ARK with updated gameplay and style. Up to four TLCs can be unlocked at the $120,000 milestone!

1. Araneo
   
2. Giganotosaurus
   
3. Thylacoleo
   
4. Brontosaurus
   
5. Megalosaurus
   
6. Quetzalcoatlus
   
7. Carnotaurus
   
8. Megalania
   
9. Titanosaur
   
10. Ankylosaurus
    

When donating to anyone on the Studio Wildcard Extra Life Team, not just Studio Wildcard directly, include a message with your chosen creature’s full first name preceded by a hashtag, like this (we’ll do our best to identify typos, but try to spell them correctly!):

• #Giganotosaurus
  
• Hello #Giganotosaurus
  
• Please give #Giganotosaurus a TLC!
  

If no hashtag vote is included in the donation message, the donation will still count towards the TLC total, but it won’t advance any particular dino’s voting tally.

• Every $1 donated = 1 vote
  
• A $50 donation with #Giganotosaurus = 50 votes for Giganotosaurus
  
• Five $10 donations with #Giganotosaurus = 50 votes for Giganotosaurus (10 x 5)
  

To keep the vote balanced and consistent, eligible creatures must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a creature from The Island
  
• Must be tameable
  
• Must be rideable or a shoulder pet
  
• Must not have previously received a TLC pass
  
• The following creatures have already had a TLC pass and are not eligible:
  • Argentavis
    
  • Dire Bear
    
  • Direwolf
    
  • Gigantopithecus
    
  • Mammoth
    
  • Parasaur
    
  • Procoptodon
    
  • Raptor
    
  • Tyrannosaurus Rex
    
  • Sabertooth
    
  • Sarcosuchus
    
  • Spinosaurus
    
  • Stegosaurus
    
  • Triceratops

• November 7 – First Winner
  
• November 14 – Second Winner
  
• November 21 – Third Winner
  
• November 28 – Final Winner

[h2]Donate now to any team member listed here to ensure your vote counts![/h2]





Starting October 31st thru November 10th, we’ll be rolling out a selection of the community’s favorite dino colors on the official network, along with a sweet twist in place of the traditional boosted donation rates. For the event, you’ll be able to dig into Cake Slices that grant hefty bonuses to:

• Taming
  
• Breeding
  
• Imprinting
  
• EXP
  
• Harvesting
  

Our next Community Creature submission will take place in the simulated biomes of Genesis Part 1! From the crushing depths of the ocean trenches and volcanic hellscapes to the desolate lunar surfaces and treacherous bogs, this unique map offers an unparalleled variety of habitats for your real-world prehistoric creature to call home.

Start brainstorming your creature concepts and prepping those designs now, as submissions will open in the coming weeks. We’re excited to see how your creature adapts to the challenges of the simulation.

Please note that this creature will be released for Genesis Part 1, so make sure your real-world submissions are thematically suited to the map’s diverse environments. We’re always blown away by the creativity and passion the community brings to creature submissions and we can’t wait to see what wild things you’ll unleash this time around!

• Must be a real-world extinct/prehistoric creature (dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, etc)
  
• Supplemental information (wiki links, images, art) is preferred.
  

*Note that the proposed features for the creatures from the submission entry are meant to inspire their design, but certain aspects may still be modified.
PLACEHOLDER BONUS EVENT IMAGE
This weekend, the Official Network will be receiving bonus rates! It will be active until Monday, September 15.

• PVP/PVE: 2x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience, and Breeding
  
• Small Tribes: 4.5x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience + 4x Breeding
  
• ARKpocalypse: 5x Harvesting, Taming and Experience, and Breeding
  

Fan Art Gallery | Screenshot Gallery | Artist Feedback Form



Creator: Akalas feat. Asfax *international corner* Akalas and Asfax dive deep into the ocean to find an Excellent Tusotheuthis from the mod ARK Descended.
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]

Creator: Skwirelle
Tired of the same old Rex? Want your Thyla to turn heads? Skwirelle showcases 10 free creature custom cosmetics that will totally reimagine your favorite tames!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]



Perhaps only I see the vision by dovethecat


Managarmr by lunarsiren


Drew my favorite Wyverns by kaijukat


It was a bit cold certainly, but it was still egg shaped and that was good enough for Ginger. by coffeedragonart


It’s always watching… by amethystthegreat


Starter Pack, Land, Air, and Sea by Tox


Giga Fanart by Tiwonix




Photo Mode by nesvog


Photo Mode by tiagozuff2006


Photo Mode by phant0m3595


Father and Son by strides993


Photo Mode by petitpaf


Enjoy your weekend!
Studio Wildcard

Twitter: twitter.com/survivetheark
Discord: discord.com/invite/playark
Reddit: reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: instagram.com/survivetheark
Twitch: twitch.tv/survivetheark
Steam: steamcommunity.com/app/346110
Youtube: youtube.com/survivetheark
Facebook: facebook.com/survivetheark
Threads: threads.net/@survivetheark
Official Wiki: ark.wiki.gg

The Deinonychus will make its official debut in ARK: Survival Ascended alongside the launch of Valguero Ascended on September 30th! This agile predator isn’t just fast; it climbs, pounces, and latches onto its prey with terrifying precision. Whether it’s clinging to cliffs or clawing through your defenses, it’s a creature you won’t want to underestimate!

Download in full resolution

While we won’t be able to host our usual 24-hour Extra Life livestream this year, we’re still going all-in on what matters most: uniting as a community to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and unlocking something special for the future of ARK: Survival Ascended.

For every $30,000 raised through the Studio Wildcard Extra Life charity campaign, the community will unlock a Dino TLC pass to be released throughout 2026, breathing new life into a classic creature of the ARK with updated gameplay and style. Up to four TLCs can be unlocked at the $120,000 milestone!




When donating to anyone on the Studio Wildcard Extra Life Team, not just Studio Wildcard directly, include a message with your chosen creature’s full first name preceded by a hashtag, like this (we’ll do our best to identify typos, but try to spell them correctly!):

• #Giganotosaurus
  
• Hello #Giganotosaurus
  
• Please give #Giganotosaurus a TLC!
  

If no hashtag vote is included in the donation message, the donation will still count towards the TLC total, but it won’t advance any particular dino’s voting tally.

• Every $1 donated = 1 vote
  
• A $50 donation with #Giganotosaurus = 50 votes for Giganotosaurus
  
• Five $10 donations with #Giganotosaurus = 50 votes for Giganotosaurus (10 x 5)
  

To keep the vote balanced and consistent, eligible creatures must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a creature from The Island
  
• Must be tameable
  
• Must be rideable or a shoulder pet
  
• Must not have previously received a TLC pass
  
• The following creatures have already had a TLC pass and are not eligible:
  • Argentavis
    
  • Dire Bear
    
  • Direwolf
    
  • Gigantopithecus
    
  • Mammoth
    
  • Parasaur
    
  • Procoptodon
    
  • Raptor
    
  • Tyrannosaurus Rex
    
  • Sabertooth
    
  • Sarcosuchus
    
  • Spinosaurus
    
  • Stegosaurus
    
  • Triceratops

• November 7 – First Winner
  
• November 14 – Second Winner
  
• November 21 – Third Winner
  
• November 28 – Final Winner

[h2]Donate now to any team member listed here to ensure your vote counts![/h2]





Starting October 31st thru November 10th, we’ll be rolling out a selection of the community’s favorite dino colors on the official network, along with a sweet twist in place of the traditional boosted donation rates. For the event, you’ll be able to dig into Cake Slices that grant hefty bonuses to:

• Taming
  
• Breeding
  
• Imprinting
  
• EXP
  
• Harvesting
  

Our next Community Creature submission will take place in the simulated biomes of Genesis Part 1! From the crushing depths of the ocean trenches and volcanic hellscapes to the desolate lunar surfaces and treacherous bogs, this unique map offers an unparalleled variety of habitats for your real-world prehistoric creature to call home.

Start brainstorming your creature concepts and prepping those designs now, as submissions will open in the coming weeks. We’re excited to see how your creature adapts to the challenges of the simulation.

Please note that this creature will be released for Genesis Part 1, so make sure your real-world submissions are thematically suited to the map’s diverse environments. We’re always blown away by the creativity and passion the community brings to creature submissions and we can’t wait to see what wild things you’ll unleash this time around!

• Must be a real-world extinct/prehistoric creature (dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, etc)
  
• Supplemental information (wiki links, images, art) is preferred.
  

*Note that the proposed features for the creatures from the submission entry are meant to inspire their design, but certain aspects may still be modified.


If you’re transferring or ascending to another server with an Armadoggo or Veilwyn in Companion Mode, be sure to exit Companion Mode first. Leaving it active may cause issues during the transfer.

Engineers are continuing to work on the fix with high priority and we hope to set it live soon.



We’re hosting a special building competition! Four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates for everyone to use.

This is your chance to leave a mark on ARK — create something iconic, creative, and functional that survivors across Official servers will be able to build and enjoy.

Competition Timeline

• Entries Open: Friday, August 22, 2025
  
• Entries Close: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
  
• Discord Voting start: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM PT
  
• Discord Voting end: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PT
  
• Finalists Announced in the Crunch and Final Voting starts: Friday, September 19, 2025
  
• Winners Announced in the Crunch: Friday, September 26, 2025
  

Prizes

• 2 Community Winner – chosen by popular vote
  
• 2 Wildcard Winner – hand-picked by the Studio
  

All four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates. Plus, as an added little bonus, each winner will receive a Lost Colony Expansion Pass!

Submission Guidelines

• Your build must be Official-compatible:
  
• No overlapping or modded structures.
  • Should be built on a flat surface so players can recreate it easily.
    
  • Must be completable/playable.
    
  • Each submission must include a proper template name + in-game description.
• Builders must provide their template code so we can verify it against the rules.
  
• Must have screenshots of your work
  
• Content must be your own work.
  
• Content rules:
  • No NSFW, derogatory, discriminatory, or disrespectful content.
    
  • PG-13 only.
    

How to Enter
Submit your entry as a thread in #asa-build-contest on the Official ARK Discord.

• Your submission must include:
  
  • Your template code
    
  • A brief title and description of your build
    
  • Screenshots of your build
    

This weekend, the Official Network will be receiving bonus rates! It will be active until Monday, September 8.

• PVP/PVE: 2x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience, and Breeding
  
• Small Tribes: 4.5x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience + 4x Breeding
  
• ARKpocalypse: 5x Harvesting, Taming and Experience, and Breeding
  

Fan Art Gallery | Screenshot Gallery | Artist Feedback Form



Creator: Queen of ARK
Never carry around simple cooked meat again! The Queen of ARK shows you how to create custom recipes for all appetites!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]

Creator: LolsAtLance
Learn to build this cozy starter home with LolsAtLance in this easy-to-follow tutorial! Perfect for both Official and Unofficial players looking to upgrade their early-game base.
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]



Fan Art by duckydave


Rockwell by nanostel


Shadowmane by lunarsiren


Giga vs Giga by draken_ash


Gelu of the ice by Wyvernadas


Doggie from ARK by @apple-owl


Helicoprion by @rin_survival




Aquatic best friend by xgxbatmanxcx


When she gives you this look by crispnugget


Local survivor discovers cardio works differently underwater by midnight_queen_


The Cedarsaurus by fizzy_pop110


I love these ALOT already by akarimmu


Enjoy your weekend!
Studio Wildcard

Twitter: twitter.com/survivetheark
Discord: discord.com/invite/playark
Reddit: reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: instagram.com/survivetheark
Twitch: twitch.tv/survivetheark
Steam: steamcommunity.com/app/346110
Youtube: youtube.com/survivetheark
Facebook: facebook.com/survivetheark
Threads: threads.net/@survivetheark
Official Wiki: ark.wiki.gg

Beneath the frozen wastes of Arat Prime, the true cost of Element becomes impossible to ignore. Figures stalk the city, their wills bent and their bodies reshaped into living weapons. When you set foot in this forgotten city of Arat Prime in December, you'll discover that some things are worse than extinction... and not everything that walks still breathes.

Download in full resolution

We know many of you look forward to Extra Life every year, and so do we. It’s always been a special time where we go live for 24 hours, celebrate together, and push those donation milestones in a way only the ARK community can. Over the years, you’ve helped raise an incredible amount for kids in the Children’s Miracle Network, and we’re so grateful for how the ARK community has always come together to support the cause.

This year, our team is heads-down finishing Valguero Ascended and Lost Colony, which means we won’t be able to host our usual Extra Life livestream on Game Day. We’re disappointed we can’t share that experience with you this year, but we’re committed to making sure the event is still something to look forward to while continuing to support the kids and families who rely on the Children’s Miracle Network for care.

Starting October 31st thru November 10th, we’ll be rolling out a selection of the community’s favorite dino colors on the official network, along with a sweet twist in place of the traditional boosted donation rates. For the event, you’ll be able to dig into Cake Slices that grant bonuses to:

• Taming
  
• Breeding
  
• Imprinting
  
• EXP
  
• Harvesting
  

Here’s the part we’re most excited to share with you: every $30,000 contributed towards the Studio Wildcard Extra Life charity campaign will unlock a Dino TLC pass, breathing new Ascended life into one of ARK’s classic creatures, up to a maximum of 4 creatures (at $120,000) delivered throughout 2026. When you donate, please include the full name of the creature you’d like to see receive some love. Every dollar counts as one vote towards that specific creature, and the community’s combined support will determine which creatures evolve with renewed gameplay and style.

In next week’s crunch, we’ll be opening up the Studio Wildcard Extra Life page to start receiving donations, as well as explaining the donation/reveal schedule and any important information that would be necessary to know in order to vote for a Dino TLC.

Starting after Game Day, we’ll reveal one winner each week throughout November. Before each reveal, donations will continue to be counted, so if your favorite hasn’t been picked yet you’ll still have time to support it. In every Community Crunch during this time, we’ll also share the current Top 5 contenders still in the running, so you’ll have a chance to rally behind your favorite and affect the results.

We may not be streaming this year at Studio Wildcard, but we’re still celebrating Extra Life with you, and this time you hold the power to decide the future of ARK’s OG creatures. Stay posted for more details and let’s make it another amazing year for the kids!




[previewyoutube]MODSPOLIGHTLINK[/previewyoutube]

Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-browser directly within the game. Enjoy an endless stream of new ARK content as the creativity and talent of the community is fully unleashed for the first time across gaming platforms and stay tuned as we spotlight more Cross-Platform Mods each week!

This video features:

• LudopARK CASINO Freemium by Troyar_ARK (premium)
  
• CryoFridge Catalogue - Custom Cosmetics by Fernandess
  
• O_manao - Clothing Cosmetics by Fernandess
  
• GliderCostumes by TeamMIROKU
  
• Feral Fauna: Majungasaurus (Update) by Lazuli_Live
  
• Defense Plus by NN17
  
• ClaysPachyrhinoEdit by TheClay_art
  

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Now officially swimming the open waters of ARK: Survival Ascended, this spiral-jawed predator is ready to grind its heart away. With a tail built to slap and a bite built to shred, the Helicoprion is officially in the wild! So maybe look twice before you cannonball into the deep end?

Download in full resolution


If you’re transferring or ascending to another server with an Armadoggo or Veilwyn in Companion Mode, be sure to exit Companion Mode first. Leaving it active may cause issues during the transfer.

Engineers are continuing to work on the fix with high priority and we hope to set it live soon.



Expire servers are temporary servers across the network that will eventually be removed, and you can find them by searching for "Expire" in the session filter.

These servers will be online until 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st. We're preemptively using our allocation for future maps to host some additional sessions that players can travel onto to farm, tame, and experience the newest content Gameplay. The same transfer restrictions apply in that you are only able to download your character, but you can freely take anything off. This is to help reduce load off some of the other servers, or provide players an option for those who just want to jump onto a new map temporarily.

Please note that these servers will no longer exist after 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st, so if you intend to use them, remember to transfer your items/creatures/characters off before that date, as nothing will be saved beyond that time period.



We’re hosting a special building competition! Four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates for everyone to use.

This is your chance to leave a mark on ARK — create something iconic, creative, and functional that survivors across Official servers will be able to build and enjoy.

Competition Timeline

• Entries Open: Friday, August 22, 2025
  
• Entries Close: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
  
• Discord Voting start: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM PT
  
• Discord Voting end: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PT
  
• Finalists Announced in the Crunch and Final Voting starts: Friday, September 19, 2025
  
• Winners Announced in the Crunch: Friday, September 26, 2025
  

Prizes

• 2 Community Winner – chosen by popular vote
  
• 2 Wildcard Winner – hand-picked by the Studio
  

All four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates. Plus, as an added little bonus, each winner will receive a Lost Colony Expansion Pass!

Submission Guidelines

• Your build must be Official-compatible:
  
• No overlapping or modded structures.
  • Should be built on a flat surface so players can recreate it easily.
    
  • Must be completable/playable.
    
  • Each submission must include a proper template name + in-game description.
• Builders must provide their template code so we can verify it against the rules.
  
• Must have screenshots of your work
  
• Content must be your own work.
  
• Content rules:
  • No NSFW, derogatory, discriminatory, or disrespectful content.
    
  • PG-13 only.
    

How to Enter
Submit your entry as a thread in #asa-build-contest on the Official ARK Discord.

• Your submission must include:
  
  • Your template code
    
  • A brief title and description of your build
    
  • Screenshots of your build
    

This weekend, the Official Network will be receiving bonus rates! It will be active until Tuesday, September 2.

• PVP/PVE: 2x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience, and Breeding
  
• Small Tribes: 4.5x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience + 4x Breeding
  
• ARKpocalypse: 5x Harvesting, Taming and Experience, and Breeding
  

Fan Art Gallery | Screenshot Gallery | Artist Feedback Form



Creator: Mystic on Ark
Watch this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about mutation breeding in ARK!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]

Creator: BEYPlaysGames
Check out BeyPlaysGames' comprehensive guide of his top 10 Creature mods that work on Ragnarok Ascended!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]



Spring by @falco_luna


Did I cook? by @SirDripstein


Fan Art by @WolfTek7


My ARK Parasaurolophus by @vulturescale


Pyromane by Markos550


Raptors are not good babysitters, but are quite enthusiastic, Part 2. by @coffeedragonart


Managarmr by lunarsiren




Taking flight in the sunset by sirduckington_dusk


Ocean Eyes by nesvog


Photo Mode by jidait


Photo Mode by godzilla402


Photo Mode by catcatswaggin


Enjoy your weekend!
Studio Wildcard

Twitter: twitter.com/survivetheark
Discord: discord.com/invite/playark
Reddit: reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: instagram.com/survivetheark
Twitch: twitch.tv/survivetheark
Steam: steamcommunity.com/app/346110
Youtube: youtube.com/survivetheark
Facebook: facebook.com/survivetheark
Threads: threads.net/@survivetheark
Official Wiki: ark.wiki.gg

This week’s Crunch comes with a touch of the mystical! The Spirit Bear has stepped out of legend and onto the pages of its dossier, a reminder that the ARK’s mysteries run deeper than tooth and claw. And while we’re marveling at that ancient warden of the wilds, the countdown is on for next week’s big splash: the arrival of the Helicoprion, ready to make waves with its jaw-dropping debut.

Download in full resolution


Species: Osto silvanimus
Time: Unknown
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Passive


This time it feels like I’m trying to describe a supernatural entity, instead of the usual living fossil. Crossing paths with Osto Silvanimus (commonly called Elderclaw) is like communing with a forest’s soul. As much flora as fauna, this ursine avatar seems attuned to local plant life.

Although Elderclaw rarely attacks unprovoked, it won’t shy away from a fight. It instinctively controls nearby vegetation to wrap itself in a thick tangle of protective vines, while sending out roots to entangle any aggressor... assuming it doesn't just knock them into a stupor with its massive paws.

A nettled Elderclaw will conjure up a Spirit Echo to help ward off threats. This ethereal talisman will then emanate vibrations that weaken threats while invigorating those in its protection. A Spirit Echo collects the energies of nearby violence and imbues its Elderclaw master with enough fury and power to trigger explosive growth.

While Spirit Echoes generally stay immaterial, they can also become tangible long enough to explode. The resulting cloud of charged spores will affect friend and foe differently, burning aggressors but closing wounds on allies.


While I've yet to see a tame adult Elderclaw, their cubs (or shrubs?) seem much more impressionable. Sadly, this has led Survivors to hunt and kill these lumbering giants for their seeds. Propagating your own is a long, difficult process, but once a sproutling has grown enough to leave its garden, you’ll gain a protective forest warden that can use its roots to sustainably harvest nearby trees.





[previewyoutube]MODSPOLIGHTLINK[/previewyoutube]
Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-browser directly within the game. Enjoy an endless stream of new ARK content as the creativity and talent of the community is fully unleashed for the first time across gaming platforms and stay tuned as we spotlight more Cross-Platform Mods each week!

This video features:

• Rising Blood: Premium Structure Skin Set by J26arkitecto
  
• Tribal Utility Saddles by Blitzfire Studios
  
• Tribal Warrior Saddles by Blitzfire Studios
  

We’re shifting the arrival of the Helicoprion from August 20 to August 27. This gives us a little more room to ensure its debut makes a real splash when it surfaces in ASA’s oceans.

Thanks for your patience, the wait won’t be long, and we’re excited for you to take the plunge with it next week!



If you’re transferring or ascending to another server with an Armadoggo or Veilwyn in Companion Mode, be sure to exit Companion Mode first. Leaving it active may cause issues during the transfer.

Engineers are continuing to work on the fix with high priority and we hope to set it live soon.



Expire servers are temporary servers across the network that will eventually be removed, and you can find them by searching for "Expire" in the session filter.

These servers will be online until 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st. We're preemptively using our allocation for future maps to host some additional sessions that players can travel onto to farm, tame, and experience the newest content Gameplay. The same transfer restrictions apply in that you are only able to download your character, but you can freely take anything off. This is to help reduce load off some of the other servers, or provide players an option for those who just want to jump onto a new map temporarily.

Please note that these servers will no longer exist after 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st, so if you intend to use them, remember to transfer your items/creatures/characters off before that date, as nothing will be saved beyond that time period.



We’re hosting a special building competition! Four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates for everyone to use.

This is your chance to leave a mark on ARK — create something iconic, creative, and functional that survivors across Official servers will be able to build and enjoy.

Competition Timeline

• Entries Open: Friday, August 22, 2025
  
• Entries Close: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
  
• Discord Voting start: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM PT
  
• Discord Voting end: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PT
  
• Finalists Announced in the Crunch and Final Voting starts: Friday, September 19, 2025
  
• Winners Announced in the Crunch: Friday, September 26, 2025
  

Prizes

• 2 Community Winner – chosen by popular vote
  
• 2 Wildcard Winner – hand-picked by the Studio
  

All four winning builds will be added as official in-game templates. Plus, as an added little bonus, each winner will receive a Lost Colony Expansion Pass!

Submission Guidelines

• Your build must be Official-compatible:
  
• No overlapping or modded structures.
  • Should be built on a flat surface so players can recreate it easily.
    
  • Must be completable/playable.
    
  • Each submission must include a proper template name + in-game description.
• Builders must provide their template code so we can verify it against the rules.
  
• Must have screenshots of your work
  
• Content must be your own work.
  
• Content rules:
  • No NSFW, derogatory, discriminatory, or disrespectful content.
    
  • PG-13 only.
    

How to Enter
Submit your entry as a thread in #asa-build-contest on the Official ARK Discord.

• Your submission must include:
  
  • Your template code
    
  • A brief title and description of your build
    
  • Screenshots of your build
    

ARKpocalypse servers have been wiped today!

What is ARKpocalypse?

• ARKpocalypse are monthly-wipe servers with higher than usual rates.
  
• Next wipe: September 19th, 2025

For this round, the following mods will be included: 

• Myrm's Custom Creations: Draconis Glaucus by myrmecoleontidae
  
• Vectispinus by Tristans_Modding
  
• Super Spyglass Plus by kavan87
  
• Upgrade Station by Ghazlawl
  
• Kibble Vending Machine by Cannibalistik
  
• Crafting Skill Potion by Firesolved
  
• Silent Structures by srdev
  

You can join them by searching in the server browser! Happy Surviving!

This weekend, the Official Network will be receiving bonus rates! It will be active until Monday, August 25.

• PVP/PVE: 2x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience, and Breeding
  
• Small Tribes: 4.5x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience + 4x Breeding
  
• ARKpocalypse: 5x Harvesting, Taming and Experience, and Breeding
  

Fan Art Gallery | Screenshot Gallery | Artist Feedback Form



Creator: Mike
Mike bred Pyroraptors and discovered their secret power before placing the rest into their paddock in the Sanctuary!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]

Creator: Brini
Discover this beautiful city built entirely in ARK: Survival Ascended using Flora Moderna Structure Skins!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]



“Helena…? I’m afraid!” by dovethecat


ASA, ASE model Tamyia 1/35 by nawar111


Battle of Desert Beasts by unalio


Exploring Ragnarok with Ernest by ArwennDelta


Parasaurolophus by IzzyCatacombo


Tenebris by eordaeppel


Light Pet by shinyiguana




Battle for Freedom by akarimmu


Photo Mode by ArkonaDragon


Photo Mode by Skye


With relentless determination, the hunter will never waver until it catches its prey. by thethinguknow2


Precious Dog by strides993


Enjoy your weekend!
Studio Wildcard

Twitter: twitter.com/survivetheark
Discord: discord.com/invite/playark
Reddit: reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: instagram.com/survivetheark
Twitch: twitch.tv/survivetheark
Steam: steamcommunity.com/app/346110
Youtube: youtube.com/survivetheark
Facebook: facebook.com/survivetheark
Threads: threads.net/@survivetheark
Official Wiki: ark.wiki.gg

This week’s Crunch is on the lighter side, but only because the seas and skies are about to come alive!

The Helicoprion will make waves on August 20, bringing fresh thrills to Ark: Survival Ascended's oceans. And where flowers bloom, danger follows, with the Elder Claw set to arrive on Valguero Ascended, September 30.

Big adventures are on the horizon, and we have been hard at work behind the scenes to make sure they are worth the wait!


[previewyoutube]MODSPOLIGHTLINK[/previewyoutube]

Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-browser directly within the game. Enjoy an endless stream of new ARK content as the creativity and talent of the community is fully unleashed for the first time across gaming platforms and stay tuned as we spotlight more Cross-Platform Mods each week!

This video features:

• LostCity (Map) by SnowyTrain (premium)
• Heroes of the ARK Wave 3 by Jams_uWu (premium)
• Tek Doggo (Cosmetic Skin) by SurviveDeimos
  
• Pullourpo Eyes by BrandiMade
  
• LF Skin - Onsen by Lettucefry1234
  
• WAK Spinosaurus by BigAl_Swagbob
  

If you’re transferring or ascending to another server with an Armadoggo or Veilwyn in Companion Mode, be sure to exit Companion Mode first. Leaving it active may cause issues during the transfer.

Engineers are continuing to work on the fix with high priority and we hope to set it live soon.



Official Ragnarok transfers are now fully open, allowing players to move items, creatures, and characters onto the map without restriction! Please pack your dodos in bubble wrap!



Expire servers are temporary servers across the network that will eventually be removed, and you can find them by searching for "Expire" in the session filter.

These servers will be online until 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st. We're preemptively using our allocation for future maps to host some additional sessions that players can travel onto to farm, tame, and experience the newest content Gameplay. The same transfer restrictions apply in that you are only able to download your character, but you can freely take anything off. This is to help reduce load off some of the other servers, or provide players an option for those who just want to jump onto a new map temporarily.

Please note that these servers will no longer exist after 10 am PST / 1 pm EST on September 1st, so if you intend to use them, remember to transfer your items/creatures/characters off before that date, as nothing will be saved beyond that time period.

This weekend, the Official Network will be receiving bonus rates! It will be active until Monday, August 18.

• PVP/PVE: 2x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience, and Breeding
  
• Small Tribes: 4.5x Harvesting, Taming, and Experience + 4x Breeding
  
• ARKpocalypse: 5x Harvesting, Taming and Experience, and Breeding
  

Fan Art Gallery | Screenshot Gallery | Artist Feedback Form




Cover art "A Noble Giant" by @WolfTek7



Creator: Veno feat. Raasclark
In episode 4 of Dingle Cup Season 5, Veno and Raasclark choose their tames based solely on knowing the time period they lived in!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]

Creator: DarkEdgeTV SURVIVAL
Big Al introduces the grandiose WAK Spinosaurus, a collaborative effort with Xako!
[previewyoutube]YOUTUBE URL[/previewyoutube]



Raptors are not good babysitters, but are quite enthusiastic. by @coffeedragonart


The Power of Friendship by dovethecat


X-Rex by darkspark789


Ice Wyvern flying in Ragnarok by GalacticSheep


Shadowmane by ShadowHunter


Tangerine lady by @ackusia


Camping by @falco_luna





Photo Mode by anhagath


Biggest boi by mr_chkn76


Photo Mode by TheDustyBroom


Cozy place by Emily


Nice sunset by tomboynerdy


Enjoy your weekend!
Studio Wildcard

Twitter: twitter.com/survivetheark
Discord: discord.com/invite/playark
Reddit: reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: instagram.com/survivetheark
Twitch: twitch.tv/survivetheark
Steam: steamcommunity.com/app/346110
Youtube: youtube.com/survivetheark
Facebook: facebook.com/survivetheark
Threads: threads.net/@survivetheark
Official Wiki: ark.wiki.gg