2025 was a huge year for ARK: Survival Ascended. From epic new maps to creatures inspired by the community and massive expansions, players got to explore, tame, and battle like never before. This post rounds up some of the highlights– some coming straight from Wildcard, others brought to life by the community’s creativity.
February 7, 2025
It’s Morphin’ time!
Suit up and morph into legends with the iconic looks of the Green Ranger and White Ranger, or embrace your dark side as the nefarious Lord Zedd, Rita Repulsa, and more. And, once you’re worthy, show off your zordplay by conquering the King Titan as a towering Megazord!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Wave 2
February 13, 2025
A grand mythic journey begins
Explore and survive in a land of colossal proportions, steeped in Greek mythology. Nekatus’ original map offers a narrative-rich journey with vast biomes, towering temples, and mythological encounters.
Astraeos on Steam
March 26, 2025
The animated series comes to life
Deck out your Survivors and creatures with 109 vibrant costumes inspired by ARK: The Animated Series. Iconic characters, creatures, and styles carried the spirit of the show into every ARK adventure.
ARK Animated Series Costumes Pack
March 26, 2025
The mighty Deinotherium stomps its way into ARK
From the ARK: Additions mod by Garuga, this giant towers over even the largest mammoths, ready to dominate the open plains.
ARK Additions on CurseForge
April 1, 2025
We let the cat out of the bag!
Whether you see cats as unpredictable little goblins or as fuzzy little fiends, no one is surprised that they have survived (and thrived) beyond the end of the world. Maybe what’s more surprising is that survivors still want to tame them after all.
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Sorry, mine just walked on my keyboaaaggggko;;;;.
June 19, 2025
The legend returns, reborn
Journey through a massive 144 square kilometer world where elements of The Island, Scorched Earth, and all-new biomes combine to deliver the ultimate survival experience. Ragnarok Ascended reintroduced a fan-favorite map with enhanced visuals and renewed danger.
Technical Milestones
Unreal Engine 5.5 brought improved performance, stability, and visual fidelity. We also added optional map downloads to save space and introduced features like single-player backups and performance-focused graphics settings
Looking ahead, Unreal Engine 5.7, planned for early 2026, targets further framerate and rendering improvements, particularly in dense foliage and high-activity areas. Players can expect smoother performance, denser environments, and the foundation for exciting new content across ARK: Survival Ascended!
Ragnarok Ascended on Steam
June 19, 2025
The Bison shakes up the earth of Ragnarok
After dealing with an endless parade of mutants, monsters, and elemental nightmares, there’s something oddly comforting about a good old-fashioned angry Bison.
June 19, 2025
Fantastic new companions take flight
Four miniature dragons, each tied to a season with distinct abilities and tactical utility. Playful companions enhance traversal, combat, and exploration.
Included in Lost Colony Expansion Pack
August 29, 2025
Community creativity, made official.
The iconic shark Helicoprion surfaced as a free, officially integrated tame, originating from the ARK: Additions mod by Garuga.
ARK Additions on CurseForge
October 7, 2025
Ancient echoes and brutal beauty
Valguero returned as a free remastered map where medieval legend meets primeval ferocity across ten distinct biomes. Lore-rich landscapes and fresh survival challenges gave players new reasons to explore.
Valguero Ascended on Steam
October 7, 2025
Something stalks the shadows…
Chosen by players, the Megaraptor makes its debut on Valguero Ascended with one goal: domination. Watch your backs, Survivors. This relentless hunter is ready to claw its way to the top of the food chain.
October 7, 2025
Nature’s ancient guardian
From oak and vine rises a living spirit of the forest. Using roots, totems, and Spirit Echoes, it protects allies and counters threats, blending powerful support abilities with deep lore.
Included in Lost Colony Expansion Pack
October 31, 2025
Cowabunga, Survivors
Tie on your ninja masks and bring the personality of your favorite half-shelled heroes or villains into Survival Ascended. Over 40 cosmetics, weapons, voiceovers, and themed creature and vehicle skins.
ARK x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
December 19, 2025
The first massive canonical expansion
Plunge into the icy heart of darkness on Arat Prime. ARK: Lost Colony bridges the gap between Extinction and ARK 2, with a story-driven world, powerful skill trees, cursed gear tiers, Thrall armies, and a host of new creatures to discover and interact with, including companion and tameable beasts that expand your options in battle and exploration.
Lost Colony on Steam
Thank you, Survivors, for exploring every corner, taming every creature, and sharing the journey. Here’s to an even wilder 2026!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Studio Wildcard
