What changed in ARK: Survival Evolved in 2025

ARK: Lost Colony is now live, bridging the gap between Extinction and ARK 2 with an ambitious narrative experience.

Increased spawns in the Abyss.

Fixed many underwater lava volumes in Aquatica counting as air.

Fixed issues with Takifugu stats and melee attackers not gaining torpor damage.

Ocepechelon not being able to pick up fish when a saddle is equipped.

Fixed the river in the Downriver Run race mission on Genesis 2.

Fixed the locations of many lava volumes on Aquatica.

Pygocentrus Trophies can now be uploaded/transferred.

Not being able to add Thalassian ammo into the Ammo Box.

Boot Weights now display if toggled on or off on the player HUD.

Bleed effect not damaging enemies and being applied to allies.

Hydrosphere bubbles not using their material in low memory modes.

Water Wyvern using land cuddle animations when underwater.

Homarus was using the wrong icon.

Cymathoa sometimes moving during combat.

Onchopristis not playing many of their animations.

Fixed some landscape meshes in Aquatica not counting as ground for structure placement.

Abyssal Reapers not using the correct colorsets.

Fixed various meshes in the Aquatica map not having collision.

Infectariums destroying Tek Canteens when crafting Infected Barnacles.

Ranged attacks not spawning their projectiles.

Now immune to the effects of brine and infected corpse harvesting debuffs.

Includes floating foliage, lava volumes, and mesh holes.

This only removes the Oxygen from new dinos, not existing.

Improved nest/egg spawns, slightly increased alpha spawn chance in wyvern cave, removed Alpha Water Talon requirement from Alpha Pygocentrus.

Descriptions now better indicate they increase water pressure acclimation speed.

This applies to players when mounted.

Affected mounts include Tropeognathus, Magmasaur, Exosuit, Tek Hoversail, Dinopithecus, and Stego.

Now called Thalassian Propelled Rocket.

Affected species include Megalodon, Malleocephalus, Dakosaurus, and Seahorse.

Water and amphibious dinos will get reduced benefits from swim speed augments.

Existing Hydrospheres will need to be relocked after the update.

This occurs when taming rates are boosted.

Includes floating foliage, mesh popping, lava volumes, an anti-mesh location, and mesh holes.

Updated for Chinese Traditional and Chinese Simplified.

Provides tools for mod compatibility with the latest version.

Fixed being able to place structures on Ocepechelon saddles.

Fixed Abyssal dinos losing their Underwater Walking ability on game restarts.

Fixed various foliage and mesh hole issues.

Server setting to control the ability to place Floating Foundations in air added.

Dinos who were not intended to be able to equip infected barnacles by design are now unable to equip them.

Fixed Floating Foundations being placeable too high above the ground when not underwater.

Fixed water dinos not being able to target Cymathoa.

Fixed not being able to place Cannons on non-Aquatica maps.

This stops it from happening to newly cryopoded dinos, but does not fix ones that are already 'raptorized'

Official server transfers will be enabled after additional testing.

Updated with more distinct visuals.

Known issue: Some players/dinos may die instantly when entering Vulcanithys Arena. This is being looked into for a solution.

Reduced normal grab swim speed.

Broth of Atlan can now be consumed by dinos and increased the time from 3 to 15 minutes.

Engine fix implemented to allow more mods to load (e.g. Structures +, etc.)

Fixed Pearl Vacuum Compartments having Tek structure settings instead of stone.

Fixed merperson skin color always being green.

Increased stats and damage, added a speed boost when diving into water, increased water pressure acclimation speed, and removed wyvern milk as a cuddle food.

Increased chance of a supply crate spawning on volcano impacts from 33% to 60%.

Fixed buffs not working correctly, equipped skin issues, and added swimming stamina recovery.

Red Obelisk no longer buildable on PVP.

Fix for Fractalis, Cymathoa, Vulcanithys.

Recommend doing a wild dino wipe to clear out old spawns using console command: destroywilddinos.

Fixed Tek Floating Foundations having stone structure settings instead of Tek settings.

New VFX to make them easier to find.

Chainsaw, Stone and Metal Cliff Platforms, Mining Drill, Canoe, Loadout Mannequin, Net Projectile, Whip, and Egg Incubator.

Fixed Vulcanithys boss sometimes not appearing.

Fix for cryopod not saving equipped infection Augments.

Several FPS / Level Optimizations.

Fixing tamed adult dinos not being acclimated to the water pressure they start in.

Fix for cryopod not saving water pressure acclimation.

Fix for Tridacna providing Achatina Paste instead of Cementing Paste.

Currently WIP.

Addressing rendering and mesh popping in the level.

Fix for Abyssal Reaper Offspring not attacking targets.

Enabling tail swipe attack for wild Dakosaurus.

Vehicle updates and Stinger issues to be addressed.

This will reintroduce loss of dinos/ships/cryopod issues without tribe logs.

Includes unintended/abusive ratholes.

Some servers may not see the warnings.

Includes Tek Boots, Gauntlets, Cap, Chestpiece, Leggings, Shield, Shield Riot, Grenade, Sword, Rifle, Cloning Chamber, Light, and Turret.

Monodon ranged attack will no longer count as melee damage.

Fixes for players falling off the map when crossing big pools of lava.

An update was released to fix issues with loading mods.

Updates for rafts, motorboats, and stinger vehicles.

Fixes for rendering and mesh popping issues in the level.

Fixed issues with launching rafts.

New Tek Engrams including Boots, Gauntlets, Cap, Chestpiece, Leggings, Shield, Grenade, Sword, Rifle, Cloning Chamber, Light, and Turret will be added.

Ongoing efforts to improve FPS.

Fixing issues related to the placement of ocean platforms.

Addressing rendering and mesh popping issues in the level.

Addressing the issue of settings resetting with each patch update.

Finalizing fixes for issues related to dinosaurs, ships, and cryopods when logging off.

Fixes related to hydrosphere issues.

Addressed a potential issue with 'PrimalGameData' taking a long time to load.

Ongoing investigation into server cluster transfer issues.

General updates for vehicles including rafts, motorboats, and stinger issues.

Tek Armor and Tek Turret + other select Tek engrams will be added to the boss reward/loot pool for ARK: Aquatica.

Continued efforts on FPS and level optimization.

Continuing to address areas where players are falling off the map when crossing big pools of lava.

Addressing issues with missing Linux binaries.

FPS optimization and server cluster transfer work will be elevated to a higher priority.

An update was released to fix issues related to loading mods.

Updating the locations of Explorer Notes.

Addressing bugs related to infected barnacles.

Ongoing updates to dino spawners.

Including the ability to ride tamed Vulcanites.

Adding Tek Armor and Tek Turret + other select tek engrams, more information on this soon.

Addressing players falling off the map when crossing big pools of lava.

Initial fix for issue with dinos/ships disappearing. This is still a work in progress.

Fix for dino overspawning in a specific section of the level.

Boss Dossiers now found in the Guardian category.

Continuing to address rending and mesh popping in the level.

Updates in general for rafts/motorboats and stinger issues.

Another wave of FPS / Level Optimization solutions.

Addressing areas where players fall off the map when crossing large lava pools.

Addressing issues related to the hydrosphere.

Addressing rendering and mesh popping issues in the game.

Investigating issues with the placement of ocean platforms.

Fix for issues related to boss battle music.

General updates related to vehicles, including rafts and motorboats.

Investigating and fixing bugs related to infection loops.

More solutions for FPS and level optimization are being developed.

Ongoing investigation into server transfer issues.

Investigating issues where dinosaurs and ships disappear, along with cryopod bugs.

Updates related to Linux binaries.

An update to the development kit has been released.

Players can now craft Kibble Mash in player inventory.

Addressing the issue with boss battle music is in the pipeline.

Addressing issues with vehicles including rafts, motorboats, and stinger issues.

Optimizations done to address low FPS performance.

Addressing newly reported bug of increased dinosaur spawning.

An update was released to fix issues related to loading mods.

Work is being done to address rendering and mesh popping issues in the level.

An updated Devkit is being prepared.

Work is in progress to address the issue of players falling off the map when crossing large pools of lava.

Fixes for ocean platform placement issues are being worked on.

Issues related to the hydrosphere are being addressed.

Several FPS and level optimization efforts are currently in progress.

Fixed issues preventing Tridacna from being tamed.

An update was released to fix issues with loading mods, with more fixes to come.

Resolved issues causing swimming in the air.

Warnings every minute starting at 15 minutes before server shut down

Addressing the issue of settings resetting with every update.

The issue with materials failing to load in relation to mods has been fixed.

A potential fix for the issue with dinos and ships disappearing and the cryopod bug when logging off is in progress.

Players can now feed wild Mantis Shrimp a second time while taming.

Players can now feed wild Kathreptis a second time while taming.

Losing references and becoming undeployable on non-native maps.

Players can opt into the 'preaquatica' branch to play a version before the launch of ARK: Aquatica.

Teleportation to the center of the map when picking up a foundation.

Players are advised not to craft Skiffs until this is addressed.

An automatic restart solution has been implemented.

Looking into shader issues built into the engine.

A live stream showcasing fixes made in the game client is scheduled for 07/21.

Ongoing work to improve low performance and FPS issues.

Fixing issues that prevent in-game notifications for server updates and downtime.

Logging instances where players are out of range for rewards after defeating the boss.

Identified issue with missing tames when logging off.

Players can opt into the 'preaquatica' branch to play a version of the game before the Aquatica DLC.

Engrams requiring boss eliminations to unlock are not being rewarded.

Identified content in the base game that may conflict with mods.

Players advised to pause production of Skiffs until addressed.

Ongoing efforts to find and fix mesh holes and instadeath locations.

Addressing specific issues related to taming these creatures.

Fixing issues related to boss combat music not playing correctly.

Allows players to return to a version of the game before the launch of ARK: Aquatica.

Fixes are being tested to be pushed onto the live A.S.E. branch.

Continuing to address issues related to boss engram rewards.

Addressing complex issues with the game engine that cause mods to crash.

Addressing complex issues causing mods to crash.

Fixing an issue where assets are loaded at incorrect distances, causing foliage to load when out of view.

Addressing an issue where wall eel trap animation loops endlessly.

Addressing an issue where assets are loaded at incorrect distances.

Fixed an issue where wall eel trap animation loops endlessly. This animation has been replaced.

Fixing an issue where cyclones are spawning in abnormal conditions.

Low performance/FPS fixes are in progress, including environmental hazards and asset loading issues.

Fixed issue of players playing the Aquatica map without purchasing the Aquatica DLC.

Fixes for low performance and FPS issues are scheduled for release on 7/18.

Fixing an issue where cyclones are spawning in abnormal conditions.

Fixes are being made to address holes in the level/map.

Players can opt into the 'preaquatica' branch to play a version of the game before the launch of ARK: Aquatica.

Fixing an issue with Level of Detail (LOD) rendering.

Organization of the level and level streaming is being looked into for optimization.

Boss Fight Engram issue where engrams aren’t rewarded has been identified and is being addressed.

The team is working on addressing performance issues in waves.

Players can now access all other officially released DLC maps.

An issue with missing packaged binaries for Linux servers is being targeted for an update.

Boss fight would go straight to cinematic and credits upon entering the arena.

Bounds of maps/objects causing players to be killed instantly are being addressed.

An issue with the game engine causing mods to crash has been identified and a fix is underway.

Addressed issues where players and dinos were killed in random locations.

Progress on recovering the ability to load mods on the latest version of A.S.E. is a top priority.

A pre-aquatica release version of A.S.E. has been made available for players to test.

An issue with Official Small Tribe servers for the ARK: Aquatica map has been fixed.

Detailed steps provided for players to access the 'preaquatica' branch.

Players are asked to report issues in the proper Discord channel.

Players can opt into a public branch of the game that was the previous build before the update at launch.

The team is working on fixing mods in the main branch in the coming days.

Players can take advantage of a discount on the Aquatica DLC while waiting for fixes.

Aquatica features five distinct deep-sea biomes with unique challenges and environments.

ARK: Aquatica DLC and game servers go live on July 15, 2025, at 10AM PST.

Teasers for new bosses including Vulcanithys and Fractalis, with more to be discovered in-game.

The first expansion of ARK’s boundaries into the deep sea, launching on July 15.

Official server support for the Aquatica DLC will be available through 2025.

Base price set at $14.99 with a 40% introductory launch sale, available for $8.99.

The DLC features 5 new unique biomes for exploration.

The 10-year celebratory ARK DLC is officially released, featuring expansive underwater gameplay.

Updated memory and shader systems to support Aquatica, with a new DevKit coming soon for mod compatibility.

A new narrative that connects multiple ARKs is introduced.

Upcoming community events including an Aquatica Building Contest and Unique Tames Showcase.

The DLC introduces 21 new creatures to the game.

Players can now access 74 new engrams, including 7 Tek engrams.

An updated Devkit is released for mods that require updates.

A total of 21 brand-new aquatic creatures will be introduced in the Aquatica expansion.

New small tribe servers and PVP servers that are immediately transferable are now available.

Official Servers and Small Tribe Official Servers will launch alongside the Aquatica DLC.

Announcement of the upcoming Aquatica DLC featuring new creatures and gameplay elements.

A fish that requires effort to tame and can be used as a tool.

Introduction of the Mudpuppy, a tamable creature that assists players on land and underwater.

Introduction of the Tridacna, a giant clam that can yield pearls and poses a potential threat if provoked.

An aquatic animal that requires handling to gain loyalty.

A protective creature that demands respect and can be a loyal assistant.

A new creature that uses camouflage and can hide from predators.

Exploration of Shallows, Crystal Caverns, Boiling Sea, Depths, and Abyss biomes.

Two unique items to aid underwater exploration in the Aquatica DLC.

Deploy the TEK Bunker to expand your base underground, creating new gameplay opportunities.

A companion that enhances gameplay with aura-based buffs and can evolve into two forms with new abilities.

New cosmetic items including armor skins and a sword skin with a gothic sci-fi theme.

Step into ARK’s darkest chapter yet with the Lost Colony expansion featuring a new cinematic storyline and gameplay mechanics.

Gain immediate access to Drakelings, miniature dragons that serve as shoulder pets with unique passive benefits and attack capabilities.

Travel to Arat Prime, a war-torn, frozen wasteland that serves as the setting for the Lost Colony expansion.

The full expansion will connect the storylines of ARK Extinction and Genesis, leading into ARK 2.

A new tool that simplifies base building by allowing players to save and replicate structures easily.

Exclusive early access to a new skill system allowing specialization across three distinct trees.