Survivors have a massive new frontier to conquer in ARK: Survival Ascended. The latest update brings a trio of major content drops to the game: the launch of Genesis: Part 1, the swashbuckling Tides of Fortune expansion, and the debut of the aerial-focused Dragontopia.
Setting Sail with Tides of Fortune
The Tides of Fortune update transforms the simulated oceans of Genesis into a full-scale nautical playground. Players can now construct and customize their own naval fleet at the new Shipyard structure. Vessels range from the agile Sloop to the heavy-duty, towering Brigantine, both of which can be outfitted with broadside cannons for player-controlled naval combat.
Combat at sea is supported by specialty ammunition, including Incendiary and Corrosive cannonballs, and a ship-specific skill tree that allows players to specialize in Piracy, Merchant, or Luxury roles. For those looking to explore the depths, the update introduces the Shovel for digging up buried treasure and the Aquatic Compartment for building underwater bases.
The update also brings two new shoulder pets: the Tidepup, a semi-aquatic salamander that heals allies and dispels negative effects, and the Parrot, which helps players track valuable loot and Alpha creatures. Players can even step into the role of the legendary Bob, with a new character option featuring the voice and likeness of Karl Urban.
Taking Flight in Dragontopia
While the seas are being claimed, the skies above are filling with mythical beasts. Dragontopia introduces an aerial world of floating islands where survival depends on bonding with dragons. The expansion launches with the Eclipsar Umbra, a shadow-forged dragon that utilizes plasma attacks and can enter a high-damage ultimate form.
Progression in Dragontopia is centered around a new Dragon Skill Tree, allowing players to tailor their mount's abilities and defensive auras. To aid in high-altitude traversal, the update adds the Drake Claw, a tool designed for rapid mid-air mounting and dashing. The developer has also outlined a roadmap for the rest of the year, promising the addition of a sun-themed dragon (Lumina) in July, a massive sky-behemoth in October, and a full, map-wide skyworld experience in December.
Genesis: Part 1 and Technical Updates
Alongside these expansions, ARK: Survival Ascended now includes the full Genesis: Part 1 experience. This includes the complete overhaul of the ocean biome, the introduction of new creatures like the Palaeoctopus and the X-variant of various dinosaurs, and the addition of the Astrocetus as a breedable mount. Version 89.24 also brings quality-of-life improvements, including new character customization options for hairstyles and facial hair.
Looking ahead, the development team has confirmed that the massive Galleon ship is currently slated for an August release, alongside technical updates that will allow for significantly more player-built structures on seafaring vessels.