The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →ARK: Survival Ascended’s Aberration map launched on September 4, 2024. Studio Wildcard said Aberration was included free with ARK: Survival Ascended; the separate Bob’s Tall Tales: Steampunk Ascent chapter was for Tall Tales owners. The map’s defining challenge is a dangerous irradiated surface above a network of hazardous underground biomes, where climbing, gliding, and other tools help survivors get around.
When did Aberration Ascended release?
Aberration Ascended launched on September 4, 2024. Studio Wildcard announced that date on August 17, then confirmed in its September 5 launch post that Aberration Ascended was live. The studio said the map was included free with ARK: Survival Ascended; it did not describe it as a separately sold map DLC in those announcements. Studio Wildcard’s August 17 announcement also distinguished the map from Bob’s Tall Tales: Steampunk Ascent, which was included for Tall Tales owners. Storefront packaging can change, so check the current listing for purchase details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
ARK: Survival Ascended - PlayStation 5 | $27.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
ARK: Survival Ascended - Compatible for PS5 - UK PAL | $32.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Studio Wildcard ARK: Survival Ascended (PlayStation 5) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (PS5) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Mortal Kombat 1 - PlayStation5 | $22.74 | Buy on Amazon |
What is Aberration’s map and gameplay like?
Aberration is a damaged, malfunctioning ARK. Studio Wildcard’s launch description says its internal atmosphere has leaked away, leaving an intensely irradiated surface and lush biomes underground. The environment is not simply a different backdrop: survival and navigation revolve around hazards and movement through the map’s layered spaces.
The launch announcement identifies five major biomes and names earthquakes, radiation exposure, gas leaks, and Element chambers among the dangers. It also reports 30 new Engrams and more than 50 unique items; these are publisher-reported launch content counts, not independently measured totals. Studio Wildcard’s September 5 launch announcement describes the map and its announced features.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 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!
Traversal and survival tools
Climbing picks, gliding wingsuits, and ziplines support movement through the map. Hazmat outfits address hazardous areas, while other announced tools and items include charge lanterns, batteries, flashbangs, glowsticks, railguns, fishing baskets, and gas collectors. These are in-game additions, not real-world equipment recommendations.
Which creatures are new or notable?
Studio Wildcard highlighted 15 new creature types in its launch materials. Among the creatures it names are Yi Ling, Aberrant Oviraptor, Aberrant Gigantoraptor, and Aberrant Fasolasuchus. The announcement also describes returning creature types with new classifications or roles, so not every Aberrant variant should be read as an entirely new species.
Rank #2
- Brand new UK Import PAL version. Game in English. UK PSN store account required to use any online features
Creature abilities and encounters
- Rock Drake: climbs walls, glides, and can camouflage itself.
- Lantern Pets: four types that help keep dark areas lit.
- Cave Crustacean: a large creature that can grab and throw other creatures.
- Reaper Queen: part of a dangerous reproductive encounter; its offspring can be tamed.
- Yi Ling: a community-voted creature named in the August release announcement.
The launch notes separately identify Basilisk and Karkinos as newly breedable. They also list wild babies including Ravager, Karkinos, Featherlight, Shinehorn, Glowtail, Bulbdog, Roll Rat, and Aberrant Gigantoraptor. Those labels describe different creature features; they should not be conflated with the count of new creature types.
What skins, structures, and building features are included?
Aberration’s launch notes list an Aberrant Ghillie skin and stone-tree and wood-cliff platforms. Cliff platforms come in three sizes, and structure skins can be flipped, including vertically. These are in-game cosmetic and building options.
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
What is Steampunk Ascent, and is it part of Aberration?
Bob’s Tall Tales: Steampunk Ascent is a separate Bob’s Tall Tales chapter, not part of the free Aberration map content described by Studio Wildcard. The August announcement tied it to Tall Tales ownership. Its announced additions include:
- Cosmo, a web-slinging shoulder pet.
- SIR-5rM8, a robot that can organize items, repair structures, and harvest resources.
- A Zeppelin with a platform intended for mobile airbases.
- Tools and themed structures, including the Gene Scanner, Goo Gun, and Stopwatch.
These additions belong to the Tall Tales chapter; they should not be counted as features included with Aberration itself.
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.
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.
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.
