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ARK: Survival Evolved News

Snail Games apologizes for Ark Aquatica DLC as update breaks the survival game

Ark: Aquatica was supposed to be a special celebration of Studio Wildcard's original survival game, but it's been met with a hugely negative response as many players find their saves unplayable, settings reset, and mod compatibility broken. The underwater expansion has just launched to mark ten years of Ark Survival Evolved, reimagining the world and giving a reason to return from its newer Unreal Engine 5 remaster. Unfortunately, an accompanying update appears to have caused a plethora of issues with the core game, even affecting players who haven't bought the new DLC.


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ARK: Aquatica and A.S.E. announcement

[h2]Hello everyone,[/h2][p][/p][p]We wanted to make this announcement today to apologize for the issues currently affecting both ARK: Survival Evolved as well as the ARK: Aquatica DLC.[/p][p][/p][h3]*UPDATE*[/h3][p]We have enabled a public branch of the game that was the previous build before the update at launch (7/15). Players will be able to opt into that branch and continue to play A.S.E. pre-Aquatica release[/p][p][/p][p]The branch is called "preaquatica", in order to navigate to the branch:

Right Click ARK: Survival Evolved in your Steam Library -> Click Properties -> Betas -> Beta participation -> "preaquatica"[/p][p][/p][p]The branch is available for clients and dedicated servers. We will be working on fixing mods in the main branch in the coming days. If you are unable to see this branch, please restart/exit Steam.[/p][p][/p][p]Even if you have purchased Aquatica, you can use the branch to get back to the mods while we update![/p][p][/p][p]If you haven’t purchased Aquatica yet, you can now launch the pre-Aquatica version to play with your existing mods.[/p][p]Take advantage of the introductory Aquatica discount in the meantime — you can buy it now and play later once fixes have been made.[/p][p][/p][h3]In order to properly address current issues, we are currently asking for reports of issues to be made in the proper Discord channel listed here: bug-reports-forum. The Official ARK: Aquatica Discord is currently being looked at as the primary source for gathering all issues.

We ask that players make sure to document bugs and be able to present them in a forum post on discord as accurately and well constructed as possible.[/h3][p][/p][h3]Community members are already contributing by forming active mod-tracking sheets as well as the Aquatica Discord staff team logging active issues. Please join us![/h3][p][/p][h3]We ask for patience, collaboration and trust that fixes are coming to both ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Aquatica. We remain dedicated to making sure that ARK: Survival Evolved is celebrated for this 10 year milestone.[/h3][p][/p][p][/p]

ARK: Aquatica is out now!

[h2]Available now on Steam! ARK: Aquatica DLC is here![/h2][p]The 10-year celebratory ARK DLC is officially here, make your way over to the DLC page and take advantage of our limited time introductory sale![/p][p][/p][h2]Launch Trailer[/h2][p]The Official Launch Trailer was made again by an incredible community creator: Jukari. Thank you and your team for all of your hard work for multiple trailers![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Here's a basic run-down of the DLC's contents![/h2]
  • [p]The first submerged ARK DLC with expansive underwater gameplay brings:[/p]
    • [p]21 New Creatures[/p]
    • [p]74 New Engrams with 7 Tek Engrams[/p]
    • [p]5 New, Unique biomes[/p]
    • [p]A narrative that bridges muiltiple ARKs[/p]
    • [p]Official server support for Aquatica only through 2025[/p]
    • [p]Small Tribe servers[/p]
    • [p]PVP servers that are immediately transferrable[/p]
    • [p]Updated Devkit coming for mods that need updates[/p]
[p]We look forward to hearing feedback and bug reports through the Steam Discussions as well as our community Discord! Make your way to the #bug-reports channel as well as #bobs-with-probs for any issues you may encounter, the community is banding together to help each other quickly![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

ARK: Aquatica, Pre-Release Dip

[h2]ARK: Aquatica release is upon us![/h2][p]With the impending release, we wanted to provide some answers and information to the community that have come up over the past few days. Make sure to join the Discord for more information and join the rest of the community![/p][h3][/h3][h2]Official Server Support[/h2]
  • [p]Official Servers will be available and supported through the end of 2025, with the possibility of extension[/p]
  • [p]Small Tribe Official Servers will also be launching alongside standard ones[/p]
  • [p]Official support will only be for the Aquatica DLC map[/p]
  • [p]Regular PVP servers will have transfers available immediately upon release.[/p]
  • [p]Game version will also be updated to the live ASE version.[/p]
  • [p]DLC and Game servers live starting 7/15, Tuesday at 10AM PST
    [/p]
[hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Modding and Developer Kit Update[/h2][p]To support ARK: Aquatica's expanded engine capabilities, we’ve updated the game's memory and shader systems. This may require some mods to be recompiled.[/p]
  • [p]A new DevKit will be released in the coming weeks[/p]
  • [p]This will allow creators to update and optimize their mods for compatibility.
    [/p]
[h3]It is our priority to ensure the modding community - which has kept the ASE system going for over 10 years - is supported and celebrated.[/h3][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Pricing and Launch Discount[/h2][p]ARK: Aquatica will have an introductory launch sale for a limited time![/p]
  • [p]Base Price: $14.99[/p]
  • [p]Introductory Launch Sale: 40% off — available for $8.99 for a limited time only
    [/p]
[hr][/hr][h2]
Community Events[/h2][p]Yes, community events will be going on for ARK: Aquatica, here are a few listed events to look forward to, with more information releasing soon![/p][p][/p][h3]Aquatica Building Contest[/h3]
  • [p]Show off your best underwater base-building skills.  Submit on Steam Discussions, make sure to link your steam post in Discord, in a specified channel.[/p]
  • [p]Top 3 winners each week receive Steam Gift Cards ($100,$50,$25)[/p]
  • [p]First place winners will also receive an Aquatica Merchandise Pack[/p]
[h3]Unique Tames Showcase[/h3]
  • [p]Which creatures will you bring into the deep through mutation? Show us your most unique or effective underwater tame/tame(s)[/p]
  • [p]Submit on Steam Discussions with a short write-up on your choices, make sure to link your steam post in Discord, in a specified channel.[/p]
  • [p]50 unique winners selected for creativity and effectiveness.[/p]
  • [p]Winners receive $25 Steam Gift Card codes [/p]
[h3]TikTok Creator Campaign[/h3]
  • [p]Content creators, this one’s for you. Look out for our official TikTok Creator Campaign via the TikTok Gaming Incentive Program.[/p]
[h3]Noiz Quests[/h3]
  • [p]Another one for the content creators, check out the incoming quests via Noiz.gg[/p]
[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Sneak Peek - Aquatica Bosses[/h2][p]A few teasers of the bosses to follow![/p][p][/p][h3]Vulcanithys[/h3][p][/p][p][/p]
  • [p]This Serpent has spent eons absorbing energy form nearby lava pools. It emanates extreme heat and seems to thrive inside the crushing pressure that somehow keeps lava from solidifying in the Boiling Sea.[/p]
[p][/p][h3]Fractalis[/h3][h3][/h3]
  • [p]A massive Crystal that seems to thrum with some unknown energy. It shifts in and out of reality, causing energy waves from nearby crystals. Don't get too close, or it may pull you into another reality as well.[/p]
[p]Additionally, more bosses can be discovered in-game:[/p][p][/p][h3]Cymathoa[/h3][p][/p][h3]Pygocentrus[/h3][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]More details, trailers, and patch notes to come as launch approaches.[/p][p]ARK: Aquatica is almost here — get ready to dive in.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]

ARK: Aquatica Creature Files #2 + Bonus reveal

Back to back posts! ARK: Aquatica is almost here!
[p][/p][h3]With the Aquatica DLC releasing soon with new, unique additions to the game, we wanted to make another post to highlight more creatures and a couple items. Expect more community posts to continue![/h3][p][/p][p]As a reminder, the community has its own Discord server linked here, for all things ARK: Aquatica community wise, we will keep a close eye on both the Discord server and the ARK Survival Evolved community hub on Steam![/p][p][/p][p]Today's post will be led off with FOUR creature dossiers, reveals of the unique biomes and TWO unique items in the DLC.[/p][p][/p][h3]Creature Dossier reveals:[/h3][p][/p][h3]Tiktaalik[/h3][p]Tiktaalik Roseae[/p][p][/p][p]"Even with its deficits, the Tiktaalik persists. It flees in danger, but not with exceptional speed. Its largest defense is its ability to hide in place. Saying it uses camouflage is generous. The act of covering its eyes seems to trick any hostile creature into leaving it alone."[/p][p]Initially appearing to be fearful then turning playful, the Tiktaalik will look to find a playmate and as you come across these cute creatures in the wild, don't expect them to be masters at hiding.[/p][p][/p][h3][/h3][h3]Onchopristis[/h3][p]Onchopristis serratmatus[/p][p][/p][p]"This fish is both creature and tool to anyone brave enough to master them. Taming requires force and some agility to avoid their razor sharp, exposed teeth. These creatures won’t be ridden bareback. With a saddle, you can travel the waters with a chainsaw carving your path."[/p][p]Obviously intimidating yet purposeful, a creature that requires effort to tame but can become a great asset, one that will put up a good fight. Keep your distance unless you dare![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Mantis Shrimp[/h3][p]Odontodactylus concussus[/p][p][/p][p]"They are protective of their homes and the eggs of their offspring. Yet they are not impossible to reason with. A typical peace offering is not effective as it is clear to me that the wild Mantis Shrimp has a deep sense of pride. It will not be handfed. They demand respect and I find it easy to give."[/p][p]A tame that can also be a loyal assistant, these will be worth the respect they demand with their utility. Watch your limbs and extremities with this one.[/p][p][/p][h3]Monodon[/h3][p]Monodon magicosceros[/p][p][/p][p]"Monodons appear to be a typical aquatic animal. They swim where simple fish can be found in abundance. To gain their loyalty, you must hop on to the back of this wild animal and prove you can handle it."[/p][p]The legend come to life, set to be one of the best companions in the expansion. For transporation, utility and defense, seeking these creatures may prove essential.[/p][p][/p][h3]Check out the listed creatures and teaser of other creatures in the video below:[/h3][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]Revealing the 5 Unique Biomes in Aquatica:[/h3][p][/p][p]In ARK: Aquatica, there will be 5 Unique Biomes and sub-biomes in between that survivors will explore for secrets and treasures while also searching for biome-specific creatures to tame.[/p][p][/p][p]The 5 biomes are as follows:

Shallows [/p][p]Crystal Caverns [/p][p]Boiling Sea [/p][p]Depths [/p][p]Abyss [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Pictured here is the Shallows biome. the introductory biome in the world of Aquatica. A gorgeous and friendly biome teeming with colorful corals, happy beasts, and mystical plants that somehow allow humans to breathe underwater.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Pictured here is the opposite end of the biome spectrum, the Abyss, residing below the Depths, this biome looks like another world at the bottom of the ocean. Aquatic in nature but somehow twisted, like it doesn't quite belong in this reality.[/p][p][/p][p]While we have only described 2 of the 5 unique biomes, we hope that the players enjoy and explore all 5 biomes and also the sub-biomes in between.[/p][p][/p][h3]Bonus: Two unique items in Aquatica[/h3][p]Two amazing tools to aid your underwater journey, the Tek Trident and the Seafin Glider Suit will be essential items in this expansion![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]With more creature reveals and items on the way, we hope that not only the community remains excited but also looking forward to seeing and meeting these creatures upon release.[/p][h3]Thanks for waiting! More coming soon.[/h3][h2] [/h2][h2]Wishlist Now and Be the First to Dive in on July 15![/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]