Community Crunch 392: Development Update, Cross-Platform Mod Spotlight, and More

13 Jan 2024Developer post

Source: Steam Community (opens in a new tab)

Hey survivors! We're here with a quick update on some of the top priorities keeping us busy in the trenches throughout early 2024. As always, a smooth and enjoyable ARK experience is our main goal, and we're laser-focused on tackling three key areas:

1. Server Performance: We hear you loud and clear on server performance. We're relentlessly optimizing the server infrastructure to ensure silky-smooth gameplay. Expect continued improvements throughout January, and know that we're constantly monitoring and tweaking to make the Official Network stable.

2. Exploits and Hacks: No one enjoys being disrupted by unfair play. We're actively battling exploits and hacks with a vengeance, deploying new detection and prevention measures at a frequent and regular cadence. We'll keep you posted on our progress, and remember, report any violations to the Code of Conduct to our enforcement team here. Your reports are invaluable in keeping ARK a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

3. Network Movement: Improving network movement for both characters and dinos is a top priority. Expect continued improvement throughout the month of January and going forward.

Full server transfers on official servers across all platforms will be enabled on the 24th January. Once enabled, players will be able to download items and creatures onto the map without restriction.

We will also launch some fresh non-transfer Official PvP servers at this time and we’ll share more info on those prior.

We're thrilled to announce that a SOTF dev kit update will be released by mid next week. Craft custom arenas, create devious new battle-royale style game modes, and sculpt the ultimate battlegrounds where your fellow ARK survivors will fight to see who will be the ultimate survivor! Gather your coding cohorts, fire up your imaginations and show the community what you can do!

By the end of this month, we're unleashing a colossal-sized dev kit update that'll put the power of unbridled game creation directly in your hands. Imagine it: crafting not just ARK mods, but entire custom Unreal Engine games to be made available inside ASA.

Want to build a Mario-esque rampage through Crystal Isles? Go for it! Dream of a PvP arena where Tek Rexes joust against Spinos? Buckle up. This dev kit update will come with a completely playable Mario-inspired platformer example to help show you the ropes, but your imagination is the true architect. Design custom main menus, host and browse your own multiplayer game sessions from within the mod, and even create a mod that progresses (seamless travel) from one level to the next – the sandbox is officially yours to play in. Get ready to unleash your inner game dev, push the limits of ARK's potential, and build experiences that will leave the community speechless. We can't wait to see what you cook up!

Mark your calendars for the end of February! The Center and Gigantoraptor make a grand debut! The Center is a sprawling, diverse map that will redefine your ARK experience. Lush jungles teem with hidden secrets, treacherous ice peaks pierce the sky, and crystalline caverns beckon with untold treasures.

Towering above the horizon comes the Gigantoraptor, a feathered behemoth unlike anything ever seen. Whether you choose to tame this gentle giant or respect its territorial might, the Gigantoraptor's arrival will forever alter the delicate balance of power on The Center.

The searing sands of Scorched Earth will arrive on April 1st, bringing along a taste of sun-baked survival unlike any you've known. Brace yourselves for an unforgiving desert where every oasis is a hard-won prize and every sandstorm a test of your grit. Don your rugged frontier leather chaps, customize your base with western-themed structures, and tame the ultimate desert steed: the Fasolasuchus.

But hold on, pardners’ 🤠, that's not all! April 1st also sees the debut of the Frontier Adventure Pack, a DLC treasure trove of desert-themed goodies that'll make you the envy of any wasteland wanderer. And did we mention trains!? Build train tracks that crisscross the scorching landscape, choo-choo your way past sandworms, and create your own Wild West-style dino raids.

Strap yourselves in, because Winter Wonderland was just the first snowflake in a blizzard of freshly-designed ARK events coming your way in 2024! Whether it's Love Evolved or Eggcellent Adventures, we’re planning plenty of new event content!

ARK Survival Ascended will be going live on PlayStation in Japan later in January! We’ll follow up with the details in a future Community Crunch.

That’s about it for the time being. Keep your feedback, bug reports, player reports and suggestions coming; they’re invaluable to us!

Watch video on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-bowser 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:

Atlas creatures: Fish by Myrmecoleon
Draconis Glaucus by Myrmecoleon
Marnii Mods: Hairstyles by Marnii
Any Colour Sets by Eclipse
Moros Tylosaurus by Moronada

Download in full resolution

During Extra Life 2023, we hosted a draw along with Clayton and Svala, where chat votes determined the prompts. Clayton's final drawing had to be a unique creature, blending an axolotl head, unicorn horn, ringed-lemur tail, armadillo body, bat wings, T-rex limbs, bioluminescence, and a habitat on Aberration. This collaboration showcased the incredible power of collective creativity in our community. Here is Clayton's final product!