If you’ve been scrolling game store pages for the latest entries in the Ark franchise, you’ve probably asked does Ark 2 come with Ark Ascended at least once, especially when you run into the dozens of different editions, pre-order packs, and limited bundles listed. Studio Wildcard has shifted its offering a lot over the past few years as it rolled out the Unreal Engine 5 remaster and prepped the long-awaited sequel, so it’s easy to get confused by fine print and conflicting user reviews. I’ve dug through official announcements, store listings, and player forum threads to cut through the noise, so you don’t have to waste hours comparing offers to figure out what you’re actually paying for.
Does Ark 2 Come With Ark Ascended in Standard Editions?
The short answer for anyone looking at standalone base copies is no. Both games are sold as separate, independent products if you buy their standard editions directly. Ark 2 is a full sequel set decades after the original Ark storyline, with completely new mechanics like soul riding, a primitive-only tech progression system, and a narrative led by Vin Diesel’s character Santiago. Ark Ascended, on the other hand, is the Unreal Engine 5 remaster of the original Ark: Survival Evolved, including all the original game’s DLC, cross-platform mod support, and upgraded graphical features.
I actually made the mistake of assuming standard Ark 2 pre-orders included Ascended back when the remaster first launched, and I ended up having to buy Ascended separately a week later to play with my friend group who didn’t want to wait for the sequel’s release. Standard standalone copies of Ark 2 and Ark Ascended are sold as separate products with no included cross-access between the two. You won’t get a free copy of one if you only buy the base version of the other, no matter which store you purchase from.
Bundle Options That Include Both Ark 2 and Ark Ascended
While standard editions don’t come with cross-access, Studio Wildcard has released several permanent and limited-time bundles that package both games together for a steep discount compared to buying them separately. These bundles are available on all major official storefronts, including Steam, Xbox Store, and PlayStation Store, though pricing and exact inclusions can vary slightly by region.
- Ark: Ultimate Survivor Bundle 2.0: This permanent store bundle includes the full Ark Ascended base game plus all its post-launch DLC, a standard edition copy of Ark 2, and exclusive in-game skins for both titles. It’s usually priced 30% lower than buying both games separately, making it the best option for players who want full access to the entire franchise.
- Ark 2 Deluxe Edition Pre-order Pack: During official pre-order windows for Ark 2, the deluxe edition often includes a free copy of Ark Ascended standard edition as a bonus for early buyers. This offer is only available for 2-3 months before Ark 2’s official launch date, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to claim this perk.
- Limited-Time Franchise Sale Bundles: During major seasonal sales like the Steam Summer Sale or Holiday Sale, Studio Wildcard frequently runs temporary bundles that pair Ark 2 and Ark Ascended for up to 50% off the combined standalone price. These offers usually last 1-2 weeks and sell more copies than any other bundle option.
You’ll want to watch out for third-party key sellers that claim to include both games for an unusually low price, as these listings are almost always scams that only include one game, or a region-locked code that won’t work on your account. Always check the official bundle description on your store of choice to confirm exactly what content is included before you purchase, as offers can change between regions and sale periods.
Key Differences Between Ark 2 and Ark Ascended to Help You Choose
Even if you can get both games in a discounted bundle, you might not need both depending on what kind of gameplay you prefer. It’s easy to get pulled in by the low bundle price, but there’s no point in spending extra money on a game you’ll never actually boot up.
Ark Ascended is the better pick right now if you love the original Ark’s mix of primitive and sci-fi tech, want access to the massive library of community mods, or plan to play on public servers with friends who already own the game. It includes all 7 of the original Ark’s DLC maps, so you’ll have hundreds of hours of content to work through even if you never touch the sequel. If you prefer playing with mods or want to experience the full 10 years of Ark content that’s been released so far, Ark Ascended is the better pick for you right now.
Ark 2 is a better fit if you want a fresh storyline, brand new mechanics, and a more balanced PvP experience that doesn’t let endgame tek gear completely dominate matches. It’s still in active development, so content updates are released every few months to add new maps, creatures, and features. Most of my friend group stuck with Ascended after Ark 2 launched because we had a years-long modded server we didn’t want to leave, but a few of us bought the bundle so we could jump into Ark 2’s story mode on weekends.
Tips to Get the Best Value When Buying Ark 2 or Ark Ascended
There are a few easy ways to save money on either game, even if you don’t want to wait for a major seasonal sale. First, if you already owned the original Ark: Survival Evolved before Ascended launched, you’re eligible for a permanent 20% discount on Ark Ascended that can be stacked with bundle discounts for even more savings. You don’t have to do anything extra to claim this discount; it will automatically apply at checkout on most official storefronts.
If you don’t need to play immediately, waiting for a seasonal sale will let you save even more. The Ark franchise goes on sale at least once every 3 months, with discounts ranging from 20% for new releases to 60% for older content. If you plan to play both games eventually, buying the bundle when it’s on sale will save you more money than buying each game separately down the line.
You should also avoid buying cosmetic-only DLC unless you really want the skins, as all core gameplay content for both games is included in the base editions or the main bundle packs. Never buy pre-owned copies of either game, as included bonus content and bundle access are tied to the original purchaser’s account and can’t be transferred. It’s always safer to buy directly from official storefronts to avoid getting scammed or locked out of content you paid for.
At the end of the day, the answer to does Ark 2 come with Ark Ascended depends entirely on which edition or bundle you choose to buy. Standalone copies don’t include each other, but there are plenty of affordable bundle options if you want access to both titles. Take a minute to think about what kind of gameplay you’re looking for before you buy, so you don’t end up spending money on content you won’t actually play. If you’re still not sure, you can always check the latest official announcements from Studio Wildcard for up-to-date information on current bundles and offers.