Ark: Survival Ascended (2023)
Game Description:
In 2023, Ark: Survival Ascended emerges as a next-generation remaster of the iconic ARK: Survival Evolved, utilizing the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. Players awaken on a mysterious island teeming with prehistoric creatures and must harness their survival instincts to thrive. Craft tools, build shelters, and tame dinosaurs to establish dominance in a world where danger lurks at every turn. The base game includes Survival of the Fittest (SOTF) and promises the gradual addition of all ARK: Survival Evolved DLC maps. With enhanced graphics, dynamic weather systems, and improved mechanics, Ark: Survival Ascended offers a revitalized experience for both new adventurers and seasoned survivors.
Game Details
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What Parents Should Know About Ark: Survival Ascended
Age Rating
Release Date
2023
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
ARK: Survival Ascended is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Blood, Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, and Violence. Also includes Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. This is an adventure/survival game in which players create a human character who must gather resources and learn skills in order to survive on a planet filled with dinosaurs. From first and third-person perspectives, players harvest food/resources, craft items/structures, and battle human and animal enemies. Players use axes, spears, and machine guns to kill enemies. Fighting is highlighted by impact sounds, gunfire, and splashes of blood. Players can also tame and ride dinosaurs into battle, commanding them to bite and slash at enemies. Corpses sometimes appear with blood stains on their bodies. During the course of the game, players can unlock the ability to brew beer from various ingredients; when players click on the beer, a gulping sound is heard before the screen distorts and bubbles appear over player characters' head. Players can press a “poop” button that causes their character to drop a pile of feces, accompanied by a flatulence sound effect; dinosaurs can also emit feces, which can be collected and used as fertilizer.
Content Warnings:
Blood, Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Interactive Elements:
Users Interact
In-Game Purchases:
Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Ark: Survival Ascended is not suitable for young kids. The game features mild profanity and intense violence, with players using weapons like axes, spears, and machine guns to battle enemies, resulting in blood splashes and impact sounds. The ability to brew and consume alcohol, along with crude humor such as a “poop” button, adds to the mature themes. Corpses with blood stains and the option to command dinosaurs in combat further contribute to the graphic content. Many parents recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to its mature elements and in-game purchases.
Why Your Kid Might Like Ark: Survival Ascended
Ark: Survival Ascended offers an exciting blend of adventure and strategy that keeps teens engaged for hours. The thrill of exploring a vast, mysterious island filled with prehistoric creatures is a major draw. Teens enjoy the challenge of using their survival instincts to craft tools, build shelters, and tame dinosaurs. The game's dynamic weather systems and enhanced graphics, powered by Unreal Engine 5, provide an immersive experience that feels fresh and exciting. The inclusion of Survival of the Fittest (SOTF) mode adds a competitive edge, allowing players to test their skills against others in a battle for dominance.
The gradual addition of all ARK: Survival Evolved DLC maps ensures that there's always something new to discover, keeping the gameplay experience fresh and engaging. The social aspect of the game, where players can team up with friends to tackle challenges and build communities, is another reason why it's popular among teens. The combination of strategy, exploration, and social interaction makes Ark: Survival Ascended a game that resonates with its audience, offering a revitalized experience that appeals to both new players and those familiar with the original ARK: Survival Evolved.