If you’re an Ark fan scrolling through your Game Pass library wondering if you can jump into the final, massive expansion of the Survival Evolved saga, you’ve probably asked is Ark Genesis 2 on Game Pass at least once. The space-themed DLC packs dozens of new creatures, story beats, and endgame content that wraps up the original Ark narrative, so it’s no surprise players are eager to access it without paying full price. I’ve spent the last three years grinding Ark across Xbox, PC, and Switch, so I’ve dug through all the fine print around Game Pass DLC access to give you a clear, no-fluff answer.
Is Ark Genesis 2 on Game Pass: The Straight Answer
First, let’s cut to the chase: As of the latest platform updates, the base Ark: Survival Evolved game is included with standard Game Pass subscriptions, but Ark Genesis 2 is not part of the default Game Pass library. That doesn’t mean you can’t play it through your subscription at all, though. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers get a 10% discount on all Ark DLC purchases through the Microsoft Store, so you can pick up Genesis 2 for less than full price if you have an active subscription. I tested this last month when I picked up the Genesis season pass for my PC Game Pass account, and the discount applied automatically at checkout with no extra promo codes needed. Keep in mind that this discount only applies to digital purchases through the official Microsoft or Xbox store, not third-party key sellers or physical copies.
What You Get With Ark Genesis 2 If You Purchase It
If you decide to grab the DLC either at full price or with your Game Pass discount, you’re getting one of the most content-dense Ark expansions ever released. The map is a massive, split space station that has both lush, Eden-like biomes and harsh, corrupted industrial zones, so there’s no shortage of new areas to explore. You’ll get access to 17 new tameable creatures, including the fan-favorite Voidwyrm, a flying dragon that shoots plasma blasts, and the Noglin, a small parasitic creature that lets you take control of other dinos and even enemy players in PVP. There’s also a full story campaign that wraps up the arc that started with the original Ark island, with voice acting from well-known actors like David Tennant and Madeleine Madden to make the narrative feel more immersive. If you’re a PVE player, you’ll love the new mission system that gives you targeted rewards for completing specific challenges, from racing across the map to taking down massive boss creatures.
Before you buy, make sure you have enough storage space and meet the minimum requirements to run the DLC smoothly:
- At least 70 GB of free storage space on Xbox or PC, plus extra space for any mods you want to run
- The latest version of the base Ark: Survival Evolved game installed, which you can get for free through your Game Pass subscription
- For online play, an active Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscription if you’re playing on Xbox consoles
Alternative Ways to Play Ark Genesis 2 for Less
If you’ve been asking is Ark Genesis 2 on Game Pass because you don’t want to pay full price for the DLC, there are a few workarounds to get access without dropping the full $19.99 price tag. First, keep an eye out for seasonal sales on the Microsoft Store, where Genesis 2 often goes on sale for 50% off or more, and you can stack that discount with your 10% Game Pass subscriber discount to save even more. I picked up the entire Genesis season pass, which includes both Genesis Part 1 and Part 2, for just $12 during last year’s Black Friday sale using that exact stack. You can also look for the Ark: Survival Evolved Ultimate Survivor Edition, which includes all released DLC for the base game, and often goes on sale for less than the price of two standalone DLC packs. If you have friends who own the DLC, you can also use the Xbox home share feature or PC family share to access the DLC on your account without purchasing it yourself, as long as the primary account holder has it on their library. Just note that shared access only works for offline play or non-dedicated servers if you’re playing together, so you won’t be able to join official servers using shared DLC in most cases.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Ark Genesis 2 With Game Pass
Once you have access to Genesis 2, your Game Pass subscription gives you a few extra perks to make your playthrough more fun. First, if you have Xbox Cloud Gaming included with Game Pass Ultimate, you can stream your Genesis 2 playthrough to your phone, tablet, or low-end laptop without having to download the full 70 GB file. That’s perfect for grinding tames or completing small missions when you’re away from your main gaming setup. Make sure to link your Xbox account to your Ark Survivor profile so you can carry over your progress between console, PC, and cloud play if you switch between devices regularly. You should also check the Game Pass perks section regularly, as Studio Wildcard often drops free in-game items, skins, and experience boosts for Ark players who have an active subscription. I got a free Voidwyrm skin and 2x experience boost for a week last quarter just by claiming the perk through my Game Pass account. Don’t forget to take advantage of the mod support on PC Game Pass, too—there are thousands of quality of life mods that make Genesis 2 less grindy and more fun, from stackable item mods to custom map expansions that add even more content to the DLC.
At the end of the day, even if you have to pay a small fee to access the DLC, the hundreds of hours of content you get from Genesis 2 make it well worth the cost for any dedicated Ark fan. If you’ve been asking is Ark Genesis 2 on Game Pass hoping for a free way to play, you might be disappointed by the default library, but the subscriber discounts and occasional sales make it easy to pick up for less than full price. Whether you’re playing through the story for the first time or grinding PVP fights with your clan, Genesis 2 is the most polished and content-rich expansion Studio Wildcard has released for the original Ark saga, so it’s well worth the small investment. If you’re on the fence, wait for a seasonal sale, stack your Game Pass discount, and you’ll be able to jump into the space-faring adventure for barely more than the cost of a fast food meal.