Ark: Survival Ascended had a rocky launch, but plenty of new content is coming, including a wealth of new maps and DLC.
Unlike its predecessor, all new maps in Ark: Survival Ascended are included in the base edition of the game and do not require an additional purchase, although there are DLC options for those looking to add something more to their game.
You can find all the planned release dates for the new Ark: Survival Ascended maps and details on DLC below.
When will new maps release in Ark: Survival Ascended?
New maps in Ark: Survival Ascended are included for free as part of the full game, with the first having arrived in April 2024 with Scorched Earth. Though the image above gives us a general guideline of when to expect new maps, the information is outdated, and two maps have already seen several changes and delays.
The Center was brought forward from May 2024 to an end-of-February release window before being delayed just days before the new map was due to drop. No updated release window has been provided for the map.
Each new map will add new challenges, bosses, features, and creatures, among other additions. The roadmap for new maps is as follows:
- TBC: The Center
- July 2024: Aberration
- September 2024: Ragnarok
- October 2024: Extinction
- November 2025: Surprise (TBC)
- December 2024: Valguero
- February 2025: Genesis Part 1
- April 2025: Crystal Isles
- May 2025: Genesis Part 2
- August 2025: Lost Island
- October 2025: Fjordur
Every new map in Ark: Survival Ascended will launch alongside a new creature that cannot be found (without using mods) in any other map in the game. Like the maps, these creatures are included in the base game and do not require any additional purchases. So far, the creatures announced are:
- Scorched Earth: Fasolasuchus (out now)
- Aberration: Yi Ling
- Extinction: Dreadnoughtus
- TBC: Shastasaurus
What DLC will be added to Ark: Survival Ascended?
While the new maps in Ark: Survival Ascended aren’t paid DLC, Studio Wildcard has revealed that additional “Adventure Packs” will release periodically alongside new maps that provide in-game goodies when purchased.
The first of these, Bob’s Tall Tales, was released alongside Scorched Earth in April 2024. It came with new skins, items, and an exclusive tamed creature, the Oasisaur, and will be updated with more content in future map releases.
In Q4 2024, alongside the launch of Aberration, new content in the pack will drop featuring “customizable airships” and “retro-futuristic gadgets.” The pack is included with Bob’s Tall Tales and is called “Steampunk Ascent.”
In Q1 2025, a second update to Bob’s Tall Tales, called “Wasteland War,” will drop alongside the release of Extinction. New content will include “high-octane automobile action.”
