Future Creature DLC In Ark: Survival Ascended Needs To Learn From Its Biggest Past Mistake

Overall, this strategy has been a huge success for the franchise; the game has sold over two million copies going into September 2024. This is further helped by the staggering sales of all the DLC packs. The one downside to all of this success has been the lack of updates on the heavily anticipated sequel to the prehistoric survival game.

Ark: Survival Ascended's Creature DLC Hasn't Always Been Fair

Continued Controversy

Though each has its good points, there has been controversy over both Fantastic Tame additions. The Pyromane is a versatile unit capable of devastating opponents, whether as a shoulder pet or in its full form. Along with this, it can be used to cook meat or fuel forges. However, Ascended's fiery feline faced backlash with many concerns around PvP, which has already been neglected. To make matters worse, the Pyromane was then nerfed to the point that its price tag felt like a scam.

Ark: Survival Ascended's Dreadmare is a recent addition and slightly more balanced. The demonic flying equine can heal itself and remove enemy buffs, while also having the old Cyropod effect from Evolved. Though the Dreadmare hasn't had as many PvP concerns, the recent planned reversion of Cyropods in Ascended has tanked this beast's reputation.

Creature DLC Can Be A Good Idea For Ark

A Win for Both Sides

If done correctly, creature packs can be a great thing for Ark's profit and the community. They represent a way to get fresh new content while rewarding Studio Wildcard. If the Pyromane and Dreadmare are an example, clearly these creatures are meant to be steps above regular creatures. This is fine given that they have a price tag, and the price itself is not large, but both have run into too much trouble.

If these packs are only meant for Ascended, then it is not as big of a deal. When Ark 2 releases and the content for Ascended fades out, then these will simply be remnants of the past. There is a chance they will carry over to the sequel, which would not be bad if they were free, but if they must be purchased, then the same issues arise. The possibility also exists that Ark 2 will continue the trend and introduce new creature packs, possibly even stronger given the sequel's anticipated advancements.

The Ideal Outcome For Ark Creature Packs

Striking The Right Balance

Custom Image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

Luckily, there are multiple paths that creature packs could take to succeed with little to no issues. The easiest thing for Studio Wildcard while maintaining the power fantasy of these creatures would be server limitations. Essentially, PvP and PvE servers would be divided into those that allow creature packs and those that do not. This would avoid many of the complaints about advantages while keeping creature power intact. The downside of this is that separating players is never a good thing, especially if the game falls into a low point.

Option two would be smoother for players and that's finding a proper balance for these creatures while not sabotaging them. Even if they are meant to be akin to some of the coolest modded dinosaurs in Ascended, balance is crucial. One way to do this is to make the creature a specialized unit, excelling in one area and not multiple. In this regard, it would also have to be on par with other top options, like if the Pyromane was level with a Rex.

Overall, there is no one solution to the creature pack dilemma. However, the main point is they cannot remain as they are now. If they do continue, then it will only lead to more controversy, and while it may be a net profit for Studio Wildcard, it will continue to hurt the reputation of the game. Though the franchise still has a large player base and likely a prosperous future, this is one of many recent concerns that could bring it down. Ark: Survival Ascended's creature packs have been turbulent so far, but the series' past mistakes can be remedied with future releases.

Source: Ark: Survival Ascended/YouTube

ARK: Survival Ascended is a reimagined version of the 2017 action-adventure survival MMORPG by the developers at Studio Wildcard and Grove Street Games. Built in Unreal Engine 5, players will return to ARK to build tribes, fight and tame dinosaurs, and brave the elements as they battle to survive in a unique sandbox where crafting and resource management is essential.

Franchise ARK

Platform(s) PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released October 26, 2023

Developer(s) Studio Wildcard

Publisher(s) Studio Wildcard

Multiplayer Online Multiplayer

Engine Unreal Engine 5

ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Use of Alcohol, Violence