Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure, exploring a vast open world filled with dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and ancient ruins? Look no further than Ark: Survival Evolved, a popular survival game that has captivated gamers worldwide. But before you dive in, you may be wondering: is Ark free on PC? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Ark, exploring its gameplay, features, and pricing models to give you the answer you’re looking for.
What Is Ark: Survival Evolved?
Ark: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. Released in 2017, the game has become a massive hit, with a vast player base across PC, console, and mobile platforms. In Ark, you’re stranded on a mysterious island, known as the Ark, filled with ancient ruins, hidden temples, and of course, dinosaurs. Your goal is to survive, thrive, and uncover the secrets of the island.
The game offers a wide range of features, including:
- A massive open world to explore, complete with diverse biomes, from lush forests to snowy tundras
- Over 100 dinosaurs and mythical creatures to tame, ride, and battle with
- A complex crafting system, allowing you to create a wide range of tools, weapons, and structures
- A dynamic weather system and day-night cycles, affecting gameplay and strategy
- Multiplayer capabilities, enabling you to form tribes, build bases, and conquer the Ark with friends
Is Ark Free On PC?
Now, to answer the question on everyone’s mind: is Ark free on PC? Unfortunately, the answer is no, Ark is not entirely free on PC. However, there are some nuances to consider.
Ark: Survival Evolved is a premium game, requiring a one-time purchase to play. You can buy the game on various digital storefronts, including Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store. The base game typically costs around $50-$60 USD, depending on the region and store.
However, there are some exceptions and special cases to consider:
- Free Trial: Ark offers a free trial on Steam, allowing you to play the game for a limited time (usually 1-2 hours) to get a feel for the gameplay and mechanics.
- F2P Model on Mobile: Ark: Survival Evolved is free to play on mobile devices, with in-app purchases available to accelerate progress or acquire specific items.
- Steam Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye on Steam sales and discounts, as Ark often goes on sale, sometimes with a significant price cut.
Free Alternatives To Ark: Survival Evolved
If you’re looking for a free survival game similar to Ark, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Rust: A popular survival game with a strong focus on PvP combat and base-building.
- Conan Exiles: A survival game set in the world of Conan the Barbarian, with a strong focus on building and managing a kingdom.
- Subnautica: An underwater survival game with a strong focus on exploration and discovery.
Keep in mind that while these games share some similarities with Ark, they offer unique gameplay experiences and may not be exact clones.
The Benefits Of Buying Ark: Survival Evolved
While Ark may not be free on PC, there are several benefits to purchasing the game:
- Unlimited Gameplay: With a one-time purchase, you’ll have access to the full game, without any time limits or restrictions.
- Regular Updates and Expansions: Studio Wildcard regularly releases new content, including updates, expansions, and game modes, which are usually free or low-cost for owners of the base game.
- Access to Official Servers: Buying the game grants you access to official servers, offering a more stable and secure gameplay experience.
- Supporting the Developers: By purchasing the game, you’re supporting the developers and their continued work on the game, ensuring it receives ongoing support and updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Ark: Survival Evolved is not entirely free on PC, there are some exceptions and alternatives to consider. If you’re looking for a premium survival game experience, buying Ark may be the best option. With its engaging gameplay, rich features, and regular updates, Ark: Survival Evolved is a worthwhile investment for fans of the survival genre.
Remember to keep an eye on sales and discounts, and consider trying out the free trial or mobile version to get a taste of the game’s mechanics and gameplay. Happy surviving!
Is Ark Survival Evolved Free On PC?
Ark Survival Evolved is not entirely free on PC. While the game has been on sale several times in the past, it typically retails for around $50. However, there are some exceptions and ways to play the game for free or at a lower cost.
For example, if you’re a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass, you can play Ark Survival Evolved as part of your subscription. Additionally, the game occasionally goes on sale or offers a free trial period, which you can take advantage of to play the game without paying the full price.
Can I Get Ark For Free On Epic Games Store?
No, Ark Survival Evolved is not free on the Epic Games Store. While the Epic Games Store has offered several free games in the past, Ark is not one of them. The game is available for purchase on the platform, but you’ll need to pay the listed price to download and play it.
That being said, the Epic Games Store often offers discounts and sales, so you may be able to get Ark Survival Evolved at a lower price if you’re willing to wait. Keep an eye on the store’s promotions and sales to snag the game at a discounted rate.
Is Ark Free To Play On Steam?
No, Ark Survival Evolved is not free to play on Steam. The game requires a purchase before you can download and play it. However, Steam does offer a free demo of the game, which allows you to try out the game’s features and gameplay before committing to a purchase.
If you’re unsure about buying the game, the free demo can give you a good idea of whether Ark Survival Evolved is right for you. You can also check out user reviews and gameplay videos on Steam to get a better sense of the game’s content and quality.
Can I Play Ark For Free With A Free Trial?
While there isn’t a traditional free trial for Ark Survival Evolved, the game does occasionally offer a free weekend or a demo period. During this time, you can play the game without paying a fee, but you’ll only have access to limited content and features.
Keep an eye on the game’s social media channels and website for announcements about free trial periods or demos. These events are usually limited in time, so be sure to take advantage of them while they’re available.
Is Ark Survival Evolved Free On Xbox Or PlayStation?
Ark Survival Evolved is not free on Xbox or PlayStation consoles. The game requires a purchase on the Microsoft Store or PlayStation Store, respectively, before you can download and play it. However, if you’re a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass, you may be able to play the game as part of your subscription, depending on your region and subscription tier.
If you’re looking for a free gaming experience on your console, you may want to consider free-to-play titles or demos instead. Some games offer a free trial or demo period, which can give you a taste of the gameplay without committing to a purchase.
Are There Any Free Alternatives To Ark Survival Evolved?
If you’re looking for a free survival game similar to Ark Survival Evolved, there are several options available. One popular alternative is Terraria, which offers a similar blend of exploration, crafting, and combat, albeit with a 2D pixel art style.
Another option is No More Room in Hell, a cooperative first-person shooter with survival elements. While not exactly like Ark, it offers a similar sense of survival horror and gameplay. Both of these games are free or low-cost, making them a great alternative if you’re on a budget.
Will Ark Survival Evolved Be Free In The Future?
There’s no indication that Ark Survival Evolved will become completely free in the future. The game’s developers, Studio Wildcard, have not announced any plans to make the game free-to-play or abandon its paid model.
That being said, it’s possible that the game may go on sale or offer a free trial period in the future. Keep an eye on the game’s social media channels and website for announcements about promotions or special events. You can also sign up for the game’s newsletter to stay informed about updates and offers.