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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesExtinction Ascended is the remastered Extinction map release, while Bob’s Tall Tales: Wasteland War is a separate DLC segment that launched alongside it. The map update brings remastered Extinction content and new gameplay additions; Wasteland War adds the Armadoggo companion, customizable BattleRigs, structures, equipment, and cosmetics. Wasteland War is the third and final chapter of Bob’s Tall Tales.
What’s included in Extinction Ascended and Wasteland War?
Studio Wildcard announced the map release and DLC as related releases that went live together, but they are distinct parts of the update. Extinction Ascended is the remastered map and its associated content. Wasteland War is the concluding Bob’s Tall Tales DLC segment, with its own creatures, vehicles, gear, structures, and cosmetics. The announcement describes Extinction as an Element-infested, ravaged Earth where players face roaming Titans and work to complete the ARK cycle.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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ARK: Survival Ascended - PlayStation 5 | $27.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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ARK: Survival Ascended - Compatible for PS5 - UK PAL | $32.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Studio Wildcard ARK: Survival Ascended (PlayStation 5) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (PS5) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Mortal Kombat 1 - PlayStation5 | $22.74 | Buy on Amazon |
What does the Extinction Ascended map release add?
Studio Wildcard’s December 20, 2024 launch announcement says Extinction Ascended remasters legacy Extinction creatures, items, structures, and environment. It also highlights these additions:
- Dreadnoughtus: a new creature.
- Wild babies: Armadoggo, Gacha, Velonasaur, Tek Raptor, Tek Stego, Tek Parasaur, and Tek Rex can appear as wild babies.
- Extinction ascension rewards: rewards grant maximum player levels.
- King Titan appearances: the King Titan appears once daily and wanders for a short period.
Studio Wildcard framed the map as the conclusion of the ARK journey: “Finish your journey through the worlds of ARK in ‘Extinction’, where the story began and ends: on Earth itself!”
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- ARK: Survival Ascended has completely recreated and redesigned the artwork and worlds of ARK to take advantage of the latest in videogame technology, Unreal Engine 5, using high-end graphics features such as fully dynamic Global Illumination (“Lumen”), so that light bounces realistically of off surfaces and provides realistic reflections, and advanced mesh streaming (“Nanite”) of hundreds of millions of triangles for extreme detail.
- Advanced new physics systems such as dynamic water so that every creature creates waves, ripples, splashes, and bubbles as they move through fluids, and fully interactive physical foliage where every blade of grass, bush, and tree reacts to characters, explosions, projectiles, and physics objects.
- ARK: Survival Ascended includes access to all of ARK’s worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, ARK Genesis Part 1, ARK Genesis Part 2, and more. The Island is released now, with the subsequent expansion worlds to be added at no additional cost on a regular basis.
- Thorough Quality of Life revamps in every area: redesigned User Interfaces, dynamic navigation for intelligent creature pathfinding, Wild Babies, Photo Mode, new Camera systems, new Map system, Tracking System, new Structures and Items, new Creatures, and much more.
- Cross-Platform Modding: Download & play new custom content created by players, including new maps, creatures, items, and game modes, through a dedicated new Mod-bowser directly within the game! Enjoy an endless stream of new ARK content as the creativity and talent of the community is fully unleashed for the first time ever across gaming platforms!
What does Wasteland War add?
Studio Wildcard describes Wasteland War as the conclusion of Bob’s Tall Tales. Its announcement highlights the following DLC content:
Armadoggo companion
Armadoggo is a permanent companion that can dig for treasure, fetch items, and protect its owner. Armor attachments add abilities; the announcement also highlights companion equipment and the option to pet it.
Rank #2
- Brand new UK Import PAL version. Game in English. UK PSN store account required to use any online features
BattleRigs
BattleRigs are modular, customizable all-terrain vehicles with attachments and turrets. Players build and customize them at the BattleRig Garage. Studio Wildcard claims there are “over 10,000 possible variations”; that is the developer’s configuration figure, not an independently tested count.
Structures and survival equipment
The highlighted additions include the BattleRig Garage, Tribe Tower, Makeshift Megalab, Bio-Grinder, and Bladewasp Hive, plus an explosive spear and fire-quenching or extinguisher grenades. The announcement also refers to other items, so its highlighted list should not be treated as a complete inventory.
Rank #3
- Ark graphics and worlds are completely recreated and designed to use the latest video game technology, Unreal Engine 5
- Advanced new physical systems such as dynamic water and fully interactive physical leaves
- Design your survivor, shape the trunk and tame, train, multiply and ride dinosaurs in a vivid ecosystem
- Public online mode for up to 70 players, private multiplayer mode for up to 8 players + local split screen for 2 players
Cosmetics
Wasteland War includes WarPig and Warlord outfit sets, character hats, wasteland skins, and structure tileset skins.
How are the map and DLC releases related?
The releases arrived together, but they are not interchangeable names for one package: Extinction Ascended is the remastered map release, and Wasteland War is the final Bob’s Tall Tales DLC segment. Spike Chunsoft’s PS5 patch notice dated December 21, 2024 confirms implementation of the Extinction map and Wasteland War DLC on PS5, and identifies Wasteland War as the third Bob’s Tall Tales DLC. That platform-specific notice corroborates the release relationship; Studio Wildcard’s launch announcement is the source for the listed content.
Rank #4
- LEAD THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - You play as Star-Lord, so nothing's off-limits with your bold combat style, from Element Blasters and jet boot-powered dropkicks to tag-team beat-downs. With the Guardians fighting at your side, call the shots and overwhelm your opponents with signature attacks. Meanwhile, the consequences of your decisions will range from light-hearted to downright unexpected as your journey unfolds.
- ALL-NEW STORY - Your newly-formed band of legendary misfits is set to save the universe in this fresh but faithful take on the Guardians of the Galaxy. Somehow, you set off a chain of catastrophic events, leading to a wild ride through mind-blowing worlds inhabited by iconic and original Marvel characters. Turn up the all-star '80s mixtape and get ready to kick it.
- FROM MISFITS TO SUPERHEROES - You're the only thing holding the unpredictable Guardians together, so you'll have to get better at this leadership thing fast. With this offbeat approximation of a family at your side, there will be tears and laughter as you set about tearing into the cosmos together. Whatever's waiting around the next corner, you know it's going to be a blast.
How do you get Wasteland War?
In its December 20, 2024 announcement, Studio Wildcard directed players to the Bob’s Tall Tales expansion pass on Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation. Current prices, regional availability, and platform-specific ownership entitlements are not established by that announcement, so check the relevant live storefront for the terms that apply to your account and region.
What the launch figures do—and don’t—measure
Snail, Inc.’s December 26, 2024 press release reported a 62% surge in ARK: Survival Ascended daily active users on Steam during Extinction’s launch weekend. The company also reported one million ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition downloads in 24 hours. Those are company-reported figures: the first concerns Steam activity for Survival Ascended, and the second concerns a separate mobile edition. Neither is a measure of Extinction Ascended sales.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- A New Universe - Discover a new beginning, as crafted by the Keeper of Time and protector of Earthrealm, Fire God Liu Kang.
- Origins Reimagined - Familiar characters return with all new intertwined histories, interacting in brand new ways.
- New Kameo Fighters - Choose from a unique roster of Kameo fighting partners to assist you in battle.
- Immersive Story Campaign - Fight through a brand new story featuring your favorite Mortal Kombat characters like you’ve never seen them before.
- The Ultimate Fighting Franchise Returns - The Fight for Earthrealm is upon us. This is Mortal Kombat.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
