Update [Fri 28th Oct, 2022 00:55 BST]: Studio Wildcard has today confirmed the major "overhaul" update for Ark: Survival Evolved on Switch will launch on 1st November. This will include vastly improved visual quality and performance, reduced load times and a number of QoL features, like improved inventory management.
Ark's Ultimate Survivor Edition as a standalone release will also launch in North America on 1st November. This will be followed by a release in Europe on 8th November. Here's some more information from the PR:
"This definitive ARK collection will include all ARK expansion packs, launching first with Scorched Earth (also launching November 1 in North America and November 8 in Europe); Aberration, Extinction and Genesis Parts 1 & 2 will be released in order."
Then on 9th November, Ark: Dinosaur Discovery will be released - a "kid-friendly, non-violent adventure" exclusive to Switch. It features simplified controls, can be played with a single Joy-Con and allows younger gamers to learn about real-life dinosaurs. This game is a free download for all Ark: Survival Evolved Switch owners, and will also be available for purchase on the eShop.
Original article [Sat 22nd Oct, 2022 04:25 BST]: The delays just keep on coming for the complete revamp of Ark: Survival Evolved. In a new update on the game's official website, Studio Wildcard announced the Ultimate Survivor Edition for Nintendo Switch would no longer be released next week on October 25th.
The reasoning behind this is "due to the unforeseen and unprecedented environment situation happening in the Pacific Northwest" - meaning the scheduled release is no longer possible. Ark: Ultimate Survivor is now targeting a release in early November.
As previously revealed, existing owners of Ark Survival Evolved on Switch will receive this "complete revamp" as a free update. All existing progress and save data will be maintained as well.
Alongside the latest update, Studio Wildcard has also released a brand new trailer of the Switch build:
- ARK: Survival Evolved - revamped and updated to the latest version of Unreal Engine 4 with the features, visuals, and functionality of the other platforms, while maintaining existing save data and progression.
- Scorched Earth Expansion Pack
- Additional Expansion Packs added at regular intervals: Aberration, Extinction, and Genesis Parts 1 & 2
- New cinematic story content that further expands ARK's narrative.
- Dinosaur Discovery: Take a journey through the epochs in this new educational experience that invites families and kids to learn about the fascinating prehistoric creatures that inspired the game. Dinosaur Discovery is appropriate for even the smallest survivors and free for all owners of ARK: Survival Evolved!
- Custom server support powered by Nitrado server networks.
Will you be trying Ark out on Switch when it releases in early November? Comment below.
Comments 28
I guess the ark of this game's troubled history on Switch will continue. Maybe one of the former voice actors will even claim they were underpaid and get the game delayed so far that by the time it releases, the Switch 3 is out.
@HotGoomba : The Switch 3 won't be out until our great-great grandchildren are dead!
I’m trying to work out apart from the graphical upgrade is there any new FREE content for existing Switch Ark owners in this update?
What situation in the Pacific Northwest are they talking about?
SOME shots look pretty good but others look bad but I do think from the trailer it definitely is way better than what we started with I am excited to see how this turns out and most definitely be trying this game when it realizes.
Next week:
"We are sorry to announce another delay. This is due to the unforeseen and unprecedented sausage roll crisis happening in our canteen."
@Williamfuchs420 probably just that it exists and the devs woke up in that toddler "I'm mad at objects for existing" mindframe, and decided the only way they could lash out at the P.NW is by delaying their game again. Look in November for mentions of the great sippy cup controversy for their next excuse.
Jank: Survival Evolved.
Let's be honest, if it was released this month it would be difficult to sell.
With Nier, No Man's, Mario Rabbids, Bayonetta etc all available in October, who in the right mind would purchase Ark?
This game had its chance and missed the opportunity.
Pushing the release to November they might have a better chance to sell it for those that avoided the disaster, well, that is if they really fix the mess of the original version.
Won’t somebody please think about the unforeseen and unprecedented environment situation happening in the Pacific Northwest!
I don’t think this will be released to the fanfare they are looking and hoping for. This game is not going to achieve anything.
@Williamfuchs420 Wild fires and atmospheric pollution.
@Williamfuchs420 Tanis.
@tourjeff Ark isn't a one and done game. It doesn't matter when it releases, it will continue to sell if the game is good. You can literally sink 1000s of hours into it and people will keep buying it as it has a pretty large community, but even playing with just a small group of friends on a private server is a lot of fun. In case it wasn't obvious, I'm very fond of Ark. I only play on Xbox currently with a small group of friends / family. But even more of my friends / family would be willing to play on Switch if the game is actually playable this time around. I don't play on official servers because we don't have time for that constant grind. Instead we play on a private server with toned down settings such that we can reasonably play once a month or so and not worry about everything being destroyed or starved to death.
Ark combat: delays evolved
Are they referring to…. The heat? It’s too hot to….update a video game???🫠
@tourjeff
Because releasing it between Sonic and Pokemon makes a ton of sense?
@Old_Man_Nintendo tbh, I completely forgot about them but in any case there would be less competition.
@tourjeff
How? Bayonetta is a niche game series, No Man's Sky has been out for years, Sparks of Hope is a strategy game which again is a niche genre. Pokemon sells like crazy and if Frontiers can actually pull off what they are trying to do it will sell incredibly well.
Also I think people still have a bad taste in their mouths from Arks first port to the Switch
I’m looking forward to this! I play cross play on Win10, and the kids play on Xbox. Watching YouTube video’s on the upcoming release (Raasclark) he sounds really positive.
Bro this is one with the delays
So, in other words, Im buying it at christmas when it's all patched up and ready to be played.
Hmm, that new trailer looks like the game runs at 20fps in much of it, sometimes worse. I want it to run good. Totally interested if they get it to run acceptably.
I'm glad I hadn't bought the original yet, now I'll definitely check out this improve version.
Local wireless multiplayer gets removed with the update ! They say on their site they "intend" to bring it back with a later patch because some things need more work. But why "intend" and not "will" ?? Until this happens my version of Ark stays the same. Be warned. If you update and it says "we are sorry but local wireless didnt make it hehehee" youll never get your local wireless multiplayer back because its digital release only !
@Tukan Damn thats bad to hear
Is there a gonna be cartridge version on switch?
@DarkRex There already is, since its initial launch.
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