ark survival ascended aberration Studio Wildcard has just released Ark: Survival Ascended’s highly anticipated Update 1.052.003, introducing the remastered Aberration DLC and a wealth of new features that will excite both new and returning players. This update, now live on all platforms, is packed with remastered creatures, new breedable species, performance improvements, balance changes, and bug fixes. Let’s dive into what’s new and why this update is a must-try for Ark fans.
Aberration DLC: Remastered Creatures and Exciting New Additions
The latest update brings a complete overhaul of the legacy Aberration map, featuring stunning remasters of its creatures, items, structures, and environment. Fans of the original Aberration can look forward to a more immersive experience with visually upgraded landscapes and creatures. Among the most exciting new additions are several new species and breedable creatures, adding greater depth and variety to the gameplay.
New Creatures
- Yi Ling – A new, community-voted creature with lethal abilities.
- Aberrant Oviraptor
- Aberrant Gigantoraptor
- Aberrant Fasolasuchus
New Breedable Creatures
The patch also introduces new wild babies such as Aberrant Gigantoraptor, Aberrant Oviraptor, and many others, providing players more opportunities for taming and breeding.
Game-Changing Performance Boosts with AMD FidelityFX
A standout feature of this update is the AMD FidelityFX Frame Interpolation, which is now enabled across all platforms. This provides an impressive 80% performance boost on both consoles and PCs, making Ark: Survival Ascended smoother and more enjoyable. The improved performance is a massive win for players, especially those who experienced technical hiccups post-launch.
New Features and Enhancements
The update doesn’t stop at creatures and performance improvements. Several new additions and quality-of-life upgrades have been introduced to enhance gameplay.
- Cinematic Lighting Mode: A new option in the PC graphics settings that significantly improves lumen lighting quality for players looking to capture beautiful in-game cinematics or photos.
- Charge Nodes with Transmitter Functionality: Charge nodes now function as transmitters, adding a new layer of utility for players.
- Wild Creatures with Traits: Wild creatures now spawn with unique traits, opening up customization options for taming and adding strategic depth to gameplay.
- New Structures: Players can now enjoy new Aberrant Ghillie Skins, Stone Tree Platforms, and Wood Cliff Platforms that come in small, medium, and large sizes.
Additionally, the update allows structures to be flipped and customized, giving players more creative control over base building and aesthetics. Other notable updates include a new Tek Sleeping Pod placement, improved wood elevator controls, and new functionality for SIR-5rM8, the steampunk automaton companion.
Balance Changes and Bug Fixes
Studio Wildcard has addressed a number of community concerns with balance changes that enhance both PvP and PvE experiences. For example, Plant Species X now has reduced growth time and reduced damage from flame arrows, while Rhyniognatha health scaling has been decreased by 20%. PvP players will also notice that mounted Rhyniognatha riders can no longer equip weapons unless wall-latched, balancing combat on competitive servers.
Bug fixes were a major focus of this patch, with numerous improvements addressing issues like creature mating cooldowns, visual glitches, server crashes, and UI inconsistencies. Players can expect a smoother, more stable gameplay experience as a result.
Steampunk Ascent: Bob’s Tall Tales Part 2
The Steampunk Ascent expansion from Bob’s Tall Tales also dropped with this update, introducing even more exciting features for Ark: Survival Ascended players. Among the highlights are two new companions: Cosmo, a web-slinging shoulder pet, and SIR-5rM8, a steam-powered automaton. These companions add unique abilities, such as grappling, organizing items, and repairing structures.
Players can also look forward to the introduction of the Zeppelin, a massive dirigible that serves as a mobile airbase, as well as new steampunk-themed structures, weapons, and cosmetics. Some of the new tools include the Gene Scanner, which allows players to detect creatures and enhance their genetics, and the Goo Gun, which fires incapacitating blobs of goo.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Return to Ark?
With Ark: Survival Ascended Update 1.052.003, Studio Wildcard has delivered a major content drop that significantly improves the game’s performance and adds a wide array of exciting new features. Whether you’re excited to explore the remastered Aberration map, experiment with new breedable creatures, or dive into the steampunk world of Bob’s Tall Tales, this update offers something for everyone.
For lapsed players, this patch may be the perfect excuse to return to Ark and experience its new and improved gameplay. Stay tuned for potential hotfixes, but in the meantime, gear up for your next adventure in Ark: Survival Ascended!
