The highly anticipated early access launch of Ark: Survival Ascended on Steam today, Oct. 26, has left players disappointed. Steam reviews are currently labeled as “mixed” due to optimization issues that make the game nearly unplayable, unless players opt for minimal graphic settings.
Even those who recommend the game are frustrated with its glaring issues. One player sarcastically commented, “Feels like 2015 all over again: single digit frame rates and bodies disappearing into the ground geometry. I am giddy with nostalgia.” Another player with an RTX 3080 graphics card expressed disappointment, stating, “I can only get 50fps on LOW settings. This is in no way a better game.”
More reviews are pouring in every hour, highlighting the game’s optimization problems. Despite being developed on Unreal Engine 5, touted as the “next-generation of videogame technology,” Ark: Survival Ascended falls short of expectations. The promised upgrades, such as recreated artwork and worlds, dynamic Global Illumination, dynamic water, and advanced mesh streaming, have not lived up to their potential.
Aside from optimization concerns, the game’s early access release has been plagued by technical issues. Reports indicate that the servers have already experienced crashes. Adding insult to injury, players have discovered an exploit that allows them to abuse admin powers. The game’s support team acknowledged these issues and assured players that they are working on fixes, including a server update that will wipe all existing Official Server saves.
Furthermore, the developer has announced a delay in the console release of Ark: Survival Ascended until November due to “critical issues.” This setback further dampens the enthusiasm surrounding the game.
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| Optimization problems | Ongoing |
| Server crashes | Reported |
| Admin powers exploit | Being fixed |
| Console release delay | November |
The developer is currently working on hotfixes to address these various issues. It is crucial for them to resolve these problems promptly to regain players’ trust and ensure a smoother gaming experience.
Source: DOTESPORTS
