If you have been waiting to dive back into the prehistoric world, now is the time. Studio Wildcard has launched a major franchise sale on Steam, and to celebrate, ARK: Survival Ascended is available to play for free all weekend long starting today, July 10, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Free Access: ARK: Survival Ascended is free to play on Steam from July 10, 2026, through the weekend.
- Sale Pricing: The game is currently discounted by 75%, bringing the price down to $11.24 from $44.99.
- New Content: The Day One ARK: Dragontopia content is now available, featuring new creatures Umbra and Lumina.
- Recent Updates: ARK Tides of Fortune and Genesis Ascended Part 1 were officially released on July 2, 2026.
Dragontopia and Recent Expansions
The latest update brings fresh content to the game under the Dragontopia banner. Players can currently encounter two new creatures, Umbra and Lumina, with more expansions for this content line slated for release later this year. These additions follow a busy period for the title, which saw the arrival of both Genesis Ascended Part 1 and ARK Tides of Fortune earlier this month.
For those looking to keep up with the technical side of the game, Studio Wildcard recently deployed a major version update on July 9 to address post-launch fixes following the Genesis expansion release. Players are encouraged to check the official patch notes for a full breakdown of the latest technical adjustments.
Expanding the ARK Franchise
The current Steam sale covers the broader ARK franchise, offering significant discounts for those looking to round out their collection. Whether you are interested in the base experience of ARK: Survival Ascended—which was built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5—or looking to explore the recent swashbuckling-themed additions found in Tides of Fortune, the sale provides a clear entry point for new and returning survivors alike.