If you’re a long-time Ark: Survival Evolved fan counting down the days until the next installment drops, you’ve almost certainly asked how much will Ark 2 cost PS4. The original Ark’s mix of dino taming, base building, and brutal open-world survival earned it a massive PS4 player base, and expectations for the sequel are through the roof. But pricing for new AAA games can vary wildly depending on edition, region, and pre-order bonuses, so it’s hard to pin down a single number without breaking down all the available details. We’ve pulled together every confirmed piece of pricing info, plus expert tips to save you money when you pick up the game.
How Much Will Ark 2 Cost PS4: Base Game Pricing Breakdown
For most major AAA releases on PS4, the standard launch price sits at $59.99 for buyers in the United States, and Ark 2 is no exception to this trend. Studio Wildcard has not officially confirmed the base price yet, but industry standards and the studio’s past release patterns make this price point almost guaranteed. Cross-gen title pricing for PS4 is often aligned with PS5 pricing for major releases, so you won’t pay extra to play on your older console.
Regional pricing will shift a bit depending on local taxes and exchange rates, of course. Players in the United Kingdom can expect to pay around £49.99 for the standard edition, while EU buyers will pay roughly €59.99. For players in regions with higher import duties, like Brazil or India, prices will likely sit around R$299 and ₹3,999 respectively. This base price only includes the core game, no extra DLC, pre-order skins, or post-launch content.
It’s worth noting that this price only applies to launch day purchases. If you’re willing to wait 3 to 6 months after release, you can often find the standard edition on sale for 30% to 50% off during major retail events. That means you could pick up the full base game for as little as $30 if you don’t mind skipping the launch window hype.
Special Edition Costs: Is Paying More for Ark 2 on PS4 Worth It?
Most major survival game launches come with multiple special editions that include extra in-game content, early access, and physical perks, and Ark 2 is no exception. We’ve broken down the expected editions and their price points for PS4 below:
- Deluxe Edition: Expected to cost $79.99 in the US, this edition includes the base game, early access to the game 3 days before launch, exclusive in-game dino skins, a custom building set for bases, and the first major post-launch expansion pass for free.
- Collector’s Edition: Priced at $149.99, this physical edition includes all Deluxe Edition content, a hardcover art book, a vinyl figure of the game’s protagonist, a physical map of the new Ark world, and exclusive in-game cosmetic items only available to Collector’s Edition buyers.
- PS Plus Discount Edition: For PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, there is expected to be a 15% off pre-order discount, dropping the standard edition price to $50.99 for eligible members, though this promotion has not been fully confirmed by Studio Wildcard yet.
For casual players who only plan to play the base game for a few hours a week, the special editions are almost never worth the extra cost. But if you’re a die-hard Ark fan who puts hundreds of hours into the game every year, the Deluxe Edition’s free expansion pass alone saves you $29.99 compared to buying the expansion separately later. Physical Collector’s Editions often sell out within days of pre-orders going live, so if you want one, you should place your pre-order as soon as they become available.
Factors That Can Change Your Final Ark 2 PS4 Price
The base price we listed earlier isn’t set in stone for every buyer, and there are a handful of factors that can make your final cost higher or lower than expected. First, regional pricing varies a lot, especially for countries with high import taxes or fluctuating exchange rates. Some regions also add extra sales tax to digital game purchases, which can add $5 to $10 to your final cost if you’re buying directly from the PlayStation Store.
Pre-order bonuses can add hidden value even if you pay full price. Many retailers offer exclusive in-game skins or free small DLC packs for pre-ordering, which can save you money on extra content later. Some retailers also offer free shipping for physical copies, or gift cards with pre-orders that you can use for future purchases. Used copies of Ark 2 will likely hit second-hand marketplaces 2-3 weeks after launch for 20-30% less than retail price, as long as you don’t mind not getting pre-order bonuses.
If you own the original Ark: Survival Evolved on PS4, many past Studio Wildcard promotions have offered 10-15% off sequels for existing owners, so keep an eye out for that discount when pre-orders go live. You can also earn PS Plus points on your purchase that you can redeem for credit towards future games, effectively lowering your final cost even more.
Pro Tips to Get the Best Deal on Ark 2 for PS4
You don’t have to pay full retail price if you’re willing to plan ahead and shop around a little. First, sign up for Studio Wildcard’s official newsletter and follow their PS4 social media accounts, as they often share exclusive discount codes for subscribers in the weeks leading up to launch. These codes usually knock 10% to 15% off pre-orders, which can save you $6 to $9 on the standard edition.
Second, check major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop regularly for pre-order price matches. If one retailer drops the price by $10 after you pre-order, most will adjust your price automatically if you reach out to their support team. You can also wait for flash sales on the PlayStation Store, which often happen in the first month after launch for popular titles.
Avoid buying third-party key codes from untrusted websites, as many of these are stolen or invalid, and you risk losing access to the game entirely if Sony revokes the key. It’s always safer to buy directly from the PlayStation Store or a verified physical retailer to make sure your purchase is protected.
If you don’t need to play on launch day, waiting for holiday sales is the easiest way to save big. Black Friday and Christmas sales just a few months after launch often slash new game prices by 40% or more, so you can pick up the base game for under $40 if you’re patient. Even waiting for the first post-launch expansion drop often comes with a bundle deal that gives you the base game and expansion for less than buying them separately.
At the end of the day, the exact number for how much will Ark 2 cost PS4 depends on which edition you pick, when you buy it, and where you live. Casual players can expect to pay $59.99 for the standard edition on launch day, while die-hard fans can splurge on special editions with extra content and physical perks for a higher price. No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of ways to save money on your purchase if you plan ahead and keep an eye out for promotions. The best deal is the one that fits your playstyle and budget, so don’t feel pressured to pay for extra content you won’t actually use.