Unlike dinosaurs, Ark servers won’t be wiped away at 1.0 launch

RIP Dinos, gone too soon

The end of ARK: Survival Evolved‘s pre-Early Access days comes with a whimper, not a bang, as developer Studio Wildcard has announced that the game’s 1.0 release will not wipe out server data as initially planned. This is good news for dedicated Ark players, but a slap in the face to dinosaur aficionados everywhere, because our prehistoric reptilian friends did not have a choice when faced with extinction. 

Ark‘s 1.0 release is scheduled for August 8, on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. According to Studio Wildcard, both PS4 and Xbox One players will have access the official “Ragnarok” mod, as well as private, rentable servers once the game releases in proper.

Additional information about the private servers and Ragnarok are listed below, courtesy of a recent press release:

Rentable Servers: 

• No need for a second console to host personal servers!
• Complete access to all of ARKs custom server config settings, which will let players change the rules on their custom ARKs
• The option to create cross ARK Clusters for the ultimate ARKExperience — allowing travel across four Maps
• Create a backup of server save files, allowing players to try something new without the fear of losing data
• The servers will result in higher performance due to better optimisation
• Player servers will now be able to support a larger pool of players, up to 100! 

Ragnarok:

• A 144 sq kilometer map designed to be explored by land, sea or air
• Tons of harvest-able or gatherable resources
• Caves of all shapes and sizes, each designed to be built in
• Distinct variations on former ARK creatures, as well a special brand-new creature unique to Ragnarok
• Build tree platforms on unique trees/rocks
• Expansive biomes that were built to reward hardy explorers
• Some of the most challenging dungeons in ARK will await players
• An active volcano that while erupting yields a high amount of resources in the form of lava crystal
• Beautiful vistas and base locations as far as the eye can see
• Hot springs that while dormant yield a relaxing buff, but when active, become dangerous
• Ruins to not only explore but that can also be incorporated into base builds
• A vast ocean with its own ecosystem
• Upcoming future desert biome to find and tame creatures
• Upcoming Explorer Notes that hold the key to Ragnarok’s secrets and history