If you’re browsing dinosaur survival game listings ahead of your next playthrough, you’ve probably asked does ark survival ascended come with ark 2 at least once. It’s a common question, especially since Studio Wildcard has released multiple bundles, editions, and cross-promotion deals for both titles over the last few years. As someone who’s bought every Ark release at launch and tested every edition available, I’m breaking down exactly what you get with each purchase, no hidden fine print to worry about. I’ll also cover the best deals to grab if you want both games, and common mistakes to avoid when checking out.
Does Ark Survival Ascended Come With Ark 2 By Default?
The short answer is no, standard editions of Ark Survival Ascended do not come with Ark 2 included for free. When you buy the base copy of ASA from any official retailer, you only get access to the remastered base game, plus any free official maps that are released as post-launch updates. Ark 2 is a separate, standalone title built on a completely new game engine, with a new story, new mechanics, and a completely different map setting.
That said, there are a few exceptions to this rule that you might run into during sales or special promotion windows. Studio Wildcard has run limited-time bundle deals in the past that include both ASA and a pre-order or full copy of Ark 2 for a discounted combined price, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those if you want both titles. I picked up one of these bundles during a 2023 holiday sale, and I saved nearly 40% compared to buying both games separately.
You should always double-check the product listing before you buy, even if you see a promotion advertised. Some retailers list the base game alongside bundle options on the same page, and it’s easy to accidentally select the standard edition instead of the bundle if you’re not paying attention. Never assume a listing includes both games unless it explicitly names Ark 2 in the included content section.
What Do You Get With Different Ark Survival Ascended Editions?
To avoid confusion when you’re shopping, it helps to know exactly what’s included in each official ASA edition sold by Studio Wildcard. The lineup has stayed consistent since launch, with three main options available across all platforms:
If you’re only interested in playing ASA right now and don’t plan to pick up Ark 2 until it’s fully released and all bug fixes are out, the Standard or Explorer’s Pack edition will be more than enough for your needs. If you’re specifically wondering does ark survival ascended come with ark 2 in the Explorer’s Pack, the answer is no, that edition only includes extra ASA DLC maps. You don’t have to pay extra for content you won’t use anytime soon. I usually recommend new players start with the Standard Edition first, so they can test if they like the ASA gameplay before spending more on DLC or bundles.
How to Get Both Ark Survival Ascended and Ark 2 For the Best Price
If you know you want both games, there are a few easy ways to save money without missing out on any content. I’ve tested all these methods myself, so I can confirm they’re legitimate and don’t require buying from sketchy third-party key sellers.
First, wait for official Studio Wildcard bundle promotions. These usually run during big sale events like Steam Summer Sale, holiday sales, or around major Ark franchise announcements. When these bundles are live, you can get both games plus all ASA DLC for less than the cost of buying both titles separately at full price. These bundles are only available for 2-4 weeks at a time, so mark your calendar if you know a sale is coming up.
Second, check for platform-specific bundle deals if you play on console. Xbox and PlayStation often run franchise bundles that include multiple Ark games for a discounted price for Game Pass or PS Plus members. I’ve seen Xbox bundles that include ASA, Ark 2, and all DLC for less than $60 for Game Pass subscribers, which is an insane deal if you’re already paying for the service.
Third, avoid buying keys from unapproved third-party sellers. Even if the listing says it includes both games, there’s a high risk the key will be revoked later, or you won’t get the Ark 2 code you were promised. Always buy directly from the official platform store or an approved retailer to make sure your purchase is protected. You should never pay more than a 20% premium for a bundle that includes both games, compared to buying ASA alone. If the price is higher than that, it’s better to wait for a better deal.
Common Misconceptions About Ark Survival Ascended and Ark 2 Bundles
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around online about what’s included with ASA, so I’m clearing up the most common myths I see posted on forums and social media every week.
First, a lot of players assume that if they buy ASA now, they’ll get a free copy of Ark 2 when it launches. That’s not true, unless you bought a special limited-time bundle that explicitly promised a free Ark 2 copy at purchase. Standard edition purchases never come with a free Ark 2 upgrade, no matter when you buy them.
Second, some players think that Ark 2 is a DLC for ASA, so it will be included automatically. That’s completely wrong. Ark 2 is a full standalone game with its own purchase price, its own servers, and its own content ecosystem. You don’t need to own ASA to play Ark 2, and owning ASA doesn’t give you any access to Ark 2 unless you bought a bundle.
Third, a lot of players fall for fake listings that say they include Ark 2 early access. As of 2024, Ark 2 hasn’t launched into early access yet, so any listing promising early access to Ark 2 with an ASA purchase is a scam. Always check Studio Wildcard’s official news page for updates on Ark 2’s launch timeline before you buy any bundle that mentions it.
One last thing to note: if you own the original Ark Survival Evolved, you don’t get any discount on ASA or Ark 2 bundles, unless Studio Wildcard runs a special loyalty promotion. Those are extremely rare, so don’t hold off on buying a bundle waiting for a loyalty discount that might never come.
At the end of the day, the answer to does ark survival ascended come with ark 2 depends entirely on which edition you buy and when you purchase it. Standard and Explorer’s Pack editions never include Ark 2, but limited-time Ultimate Survivor Bundles occasionally add a copy of the game for a small premium. Take a minute to check what’s included in your listing before you check out, and wait for a sale if you want to get the best value for your money. Whether you’re playing ASA now or waiting for Ark 2’s launch, you’ll have hundreds of hours of dinosaur survival fun ahead of you.