Unreal Engine 5.5 Update Coming to ARK: Survival Ascended Mid-April

ARK: Survival Ascended is set to undergo a significant transformation with the integration of Unreal Engine 5.5, now officially expected between April 15 and May 15, 2025. Initially planned for March, the update was delayed slightly, which isn’t unusual given Studio Wildcard’s update history. This upgrade aims to improve the game's performance and graphics, making it look and run better than ever.

Enhanced Graphics and Performance

The transition to Unreal Engine 5.5 is expected to bring big changes to how ARK: Survival Ascended looks and plays. Players can anticipate enhanced graphics performance, delivering more immersive and more detailed environments. Multiplayer will also improve, with better server performance to reduce lag and make online play more stable. The upgrade also reintroduces Nvidia's Frame Generation technology, further enhancing visual quality and performance.

Community Anticipation

ARK players have been talking a lot about this update. Some are excited to see better graphics and performance, while others are wondering how it will change the way they play. There's a lot of speculation about what new features might come with it. Whether they've been playing for years or just started recently, many in the community are looking forward to what's next.

Looking Ahead: ARK's 2025 Roadmap

The Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade is just the beginning of an eventful year for ARK: Survival Ascended. Here's what's planned:

• April 15 – May 15 – Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade window.
• June 2 – Ragnarok Ascended map, introducing new creatures like the Bison and a mysterious “Fantastic Tame.”
• August 2025 – Valguero Ascended map, featuring a new creature chosen by the community, the Megaraptor.
• November 2025 – The Lost Colony expansion, developed in collaboration with anime studio MAPPA. This will introduce a frozen world DLC (downloadable content) map and a cinematic story-driven experience centered around the legendary survivor Mei Yin.

With Unreal Engine 5.5 expected to launch between mid-April and mid-May, and a packed roadmap for 2025, ARK: Survival Ascended is moving forward with exciting changes. However, with no specific release date yet, some players are still preparing for the possibility of further delays. Either way, enhanced visuals, smoother performance, and new content promise to make the game even more engaging.