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Studio Wildcard has confirmed that the fan-favorite Ragnarok map will launch for ARK: Survival Ascended on June 19, 2025, rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5.5. Known for its vast landscapes and challenging gameplay, Ragnarok's return isn't just a remaster, it's a full-scale evolution. Here's what survivors need to know.
Why Ragnarok Still Matters
Ragnarok first debuted as a free DLC for ARK: Survival Evolved and quickly became a fan favorite due to its diverse biomes: deserts, snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and more, all seamlessly stitched into one massive map. Its variety and scale made it feel like multiple maps in one, offering something for every type of player. Now, with Unreal Engine 5.5, Studio Wildcard has the tools to elevate Ragnarok to new heights. We can expect visual upgrades like more realistic water physics in its iconic waterfalls, dynamic weather systems (such as sandstorms that affect visibility and structures), and improved lighting that makes bioluminescent caves glow authentically. These changes could make the map feel more immersive and alive than ever before.
What's Actually Confirmed
Ragnarok Ascended Map Release:
- The release has been delayed to evening PST Thursday June 19, 2025 (originally planned for April, and most recently June 18).
- The delay aligns with the Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade, now launching on June 2.
- Ragnarok Ascended will remain a free DLC.
- Developed entirely in-house by Studio Wildcard.
New Creature - Giant Bison
- First teased in June 2024 via official reveal.
- Will release for free with Ragnarok Ascended on June 19, 2025.
- Originally featured in multiple community creature votes before being selected by Wildcard.
- Part of the free creature rollout, not locked behind paid content.
Behavior & Combat Role
The Bison is a territorial herbivore that roams in herds and becomes aggressive when large predators approach, like Allosaurs or T. Rexes. Once provoked, it fights hard to defend its group, even capable of knocking massive creatures off cliffs. Its tanky nature and refusal to flee make it a strong frontline fighter that's hard to take down.
Abilities
- Herd Defense - Rushes to defend nearby Bisons when one is attacked.
- Territorial Aggression - Becomes hostile toward large predators in its vicinity.
- Heavy Knockback - Can slam enemies backward with enough force to push larger dinos away.
- High Knockout Resistance - Difficult to tranquilize due to its thick build.
- Combat Durability - Soaks tons of damage, making it a reliable tank.
- Bison Milk (Female Only) - Produced while nursing; used in recipes and functions as a Wyvern Milk substitute for raising baby creatures.
Male Bison: Teased as having a larger build, hitting harder, and carrying more weight.
Female Bison: Produces Bison Milk while nursing, which can be used to raise baby creatures, including Wyverns. Also useful in high-tier recipes. Shares all core traits like herd defense and tankiness.
Griffin Returns with Breeding Capabilities
- The Griffin is officially coming back in Ragnarok Ascended, and this time, it's getting a major upgrade: you'll be able to breed them.
- This is something the community has wanted for years, it means you can now raise your own Griffins with better stats and colors.
- Classic features like the dive-bomb attack and shooting from the passenger seat are expected to return as well.
- More info will likely drop as we get closer to launch, but it's already shaping up to be a big win for Ragnarok fans.
Dev Q&A Reveals
During a surprise appearance on Phlinger Phoo's stream on May 4, Studio Wildcard Dev Jackson Lawrence shared a bunch of new details about Ragnarok Ascended. Here's what we learned:
- The Highlands waterfall cave was nearly changed but is staying mostly the same.
- The Labyrinth is getting reworked to be easier to move through but with more danger and hidden surprises.
- Ice Wyverns are getting bonus features, but details are still secret.
- The snow biome is changing, and with it, egg spawns are being fully redone.
- The dev team is experimenting with new flyer spawning systems. This could hint at wild baby flyers, but nothing is confirmed yet.
- Eurypterids may be removed from Viking Bay, as underwater creature spawns are being shifted around the map.
Ragnarok Ascended is shaping up to be one of the most exciting additions to ARK: Survival Ascended yet. That said, Studio Wildcard's history with updates and launches means it's wise to keep expectations grounded. While the potential is there, the final product will depend on how well the team executes these upgrades and addresses any technical issues that arise. Ragnarok's foundation is strong, and with the right care, it could become a standout map in Survival Ascended. Only time will tell if it lives up to its legacy.
