There’s always something new to do in Ark: Survival Ascended, as 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 anu additional purchases, although there are a few DLC options for those looking to add something more to their game. So you don’t need to make any extra payments to play in the new maps.
While most games don’t share much when it comes to their content release schedules, that’s not the case with Ark: Survival Ascended. You can find all 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, 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, there can always be delays.
Each new map will add new challenges, bosses, features, and creatures, among other additions. The roadmap for new maps is as follows:
- June 2024: The Center
- July 2024: Aberration
- September 2024: Ragnarok
- October 2024: Extinction
- November 2024: Surprise (TBC)
- December 2024: Valguero
- February 2025: Genesis Part One
- April 2025: Crystal Isles
- May 2025: Genesis Part Two
- August 2025: Lost Island
- October 2025: Fjordur
The Center was brought forward from May 2024 to an end-of-February release window before being delayed just a few days before the new map was supposed to drop. No updated date has been provided for the map yet.
All new creatures coming to Ark: Survival Ascended
Every new map in Ark: Survival Ascended will launch alongside a new creature that cannot be found (without using mods) in any other map. These creatures are included in the base game and do not require any additional purchases.
So far, the new Survival Ascended creatures announced are:
- Scorched Earth: Fasolasuchus
- Frontier Adventure Pack/Scorched Earth: Oasisaur
- The Center: Shastasaurus
- Aberration: Yi Ling
- Extinction: Dreadnoughtus
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 additional “Adventure Packs” will release periodically alongside new maps that provide in-game goodies when purchased.
| Release date | Adventure Pack name |
| April 2024 | Bob’s Tall Tales |
| April 2024 | Frontier Adventure Pack |
| July 2024 | Steampunk Ascent |
| October 2024 | Wasteland War |
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, “Wasteland War,” will drop alongside the release of Extinction. New content will include “high-octane automobile action.”
How to keep up with the latest developments in Ark: Survival Ascended
As new information regarding Ark: Survival Ascended‘s roadmap becomes available, we’ll update this article. In addition keep this page bookmarked, you can also join Ark: Survival Ascended‘s online communities, found on Discord and Reddit.
On these community hubs, you’ll find Ark: Survival Ascended fans who’ll be discussing everything related to the game. News from the developers and opinions regarding the latest updates will first be available on these platforms, and if there happens to be a change in schedules, you can hear it first in these platforms.
