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  • ARK: State of the Game

    Update: 

    There have been a few posts regarding the release date and why some retailer sites are displaying a different date to what we initially announced. This is because We're currently working on getting the game through PlayStation 4 Certification at the moment (as all platforms will need to release simultaneously). As soon as we've got a definitive update to the release date, we'll let you know officially.

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    Hey, Survivors! :Jerbhi:

    We’ve got important and exciting news to share! First of all, we’ve finally completed our game for the console disc retail submission! It was a very long and arduous process, our boss fight or so to say, and your feedback throughout this process has been highly valuable. It was a very tight deadline to make the ship date, and the team has been intensively grinding through singleplayer-oriented refinements for the posterity of the disc-based version. All that aside, we were able to resolve many issues, as well as considerably improve the game through various changes and implementation of new techniques and it’s now time to move onto refocus our development efforts on the live game, as well as address some key topics within the community:

    Will the Official Servers be wiping?

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    Short answer: No -- but read the long answer! 

    We had previously released a statement a year ago informing players that our Official Servers would not be wiping on the retail launch of the game. We’ve thought long and hard about the decision, taking into consideration the various points brought up by the community, the internal members of the team, as well as the general discussion that has taken place on the internet through various press/media outlets and will be sticking to our initial decision. It is clear that some group of players are for the wipe for, and some are against it, all for legitimate reasons; and we took it all into account.

    We ultimately decided that we would not wipe and we would rather pay the cost to launch an additional new PvP and PvE Server Cluster network (alongside but separate from the current PvP and PvE Legacy Cluster), where players will get to have a fresh experience on the ARK; across all four maps with no influence from any of the previous servers. At that time we'll be rolling out the new server code and infrastructure necessary to prevent critical issues such as server crashing exploits, duping, and DDoSing, so they will not affect the batch of new servers (as well as the legacy ones, going forward).

    Our current set of Official Servers will be rebranded as “Legacy” and indicated as such on all platforms. We will also be taking steps to remove some of our ‘ghost town’ servers, where the player population has remained near-zero for an extended duration of time. We’ll take a look at the statistics and will be repurposing 10% of the lowest count servers across all platforms. Once we know which servers these are; we'll preserve the save files and upload them, so if you so wish to use them, you can. Players will also have time to move through Cross-ARK to a different secure Legacy server. Every three months we will be taking a review of the Legacy Officials to see what the numbers are like and may consider repurposing more ‘ghost towns’, however, the goal will be to preserve any place with human activity.

    To be clear, if you're playing on a Legacy Server you will not be able to transfer to the new Official servers and Legacy servers will still receive total and complete support (just like the New Officials) in regards to Game Updates and future ARK Expansions, so you can expect to see future DLC servers added to the Legacy Cluster.

    Ragnarok: Console debut and development

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    The new official release date for the Ragnarok Free DLC on consoles will be on the 8th of August when ARK launches for retail release. The team spent time discussing when would be the best time to release the map, for both technical reasons, as well as the experience itself, and this was the chosen date. 

    We understand that some may find this news frustrating as you’ve waited a long time for the map, however after conferring for quite a while on the topic, we believe this is the best decision for the map’s arrival on console as;

    First of all, it allows the Ragnarok Developers to get the latest version of the Dev Kit and incorporate our latest changes to the game, which will have a significant impact on the console experience concerning performance, visual fidelity, and stability. Secondly, by focusing our technical workforce on the other aspects of the game (in addition to Ragnarok) such as server stability, crash exploits, duping, DDoS, we will be able to ensure a much smoother experience for when the map is available. Finally, with our recent decision in regards to whether there will be a wipe or not, this seems like the smartest decision, to avoid this awkward situation of where servers that have only just been online for a couple of weeks become legacy. 

    The new date will also result in the map debut on console will be much farther ahead in its development than the map that was initially released on PC as the Ragnarok Developers have carried out a significant number of bug fixes, QOL changes on the map, and more! We will be doing a PC patch soon to upgrade to the latest version of the map (which is available in the Steam Workshop for Unofficial Servers!) so that you guys will also be able to enjoy their improvements!

    PlayStation 4 Update!

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    It’s happening! Yes, we’re serious. We’re currently working on the latest PS4 patch with Abstraction at the moment, and while it’ll be tough, we should be set to release it this Friday (probably going to be a late evening patch). We’ll keep you posted how that goes! Thank you guys for being so patient with us over the past few weeks, we understand how frustrating it is not to receive updates, but now we are wrapped up with certification and this tight deadline, we’ll be able to go back to our standard development pipeline and therefore include you with our updates ;)

    Console PC-Hosted Servers

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    Yup, you heard it. As of the 8th of August, we will finally have support for PC hosted dedicated servers on console. We won’t be renting or hosting them ourselves, it isn’t a commercial venture for us, but we will be doing the technical work needed to get this underway. Initially, they will be available via Nitrado! (It’ll come to other third party hosts once we go through this initial technical-iteration phase, as we want to ensure its stability).

    These servers will be available on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and if you haven’t realised, here’s why this is so awesome:

    • No need for a second console to host private servers!
    • Complete access to all of ARKs custom server config settings, which will let players change the rules on their custom ARKs
    • The option to create cross ARK Clusters for the ultimate ARK Experience -- allowing travel across four Maps
    • Create a backup of server save files, allowing players to try something new without the fear of losing data
    • The servers will result in higher performance due to better optimisation
    • Player servers will now be able to support a larger pool of players, up to 100 concurrent users!
    • At a later date, these will also be Play Anywhere compatible!

    For those of you wondering about repurposed console Legacy Official Servers, you will be able to take the save file and set up an Unofficial Server using this.

    Nitrado will be contacting those who show interest in console servers on the 8th of August via email, you can notify them here: http://nitra.do/arkconsole

    Let them know if you are keen, so they can properly estimate demand! 

    Development Kit!

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    Oh modders, how we love you so much, we hope you can forgive us for the delay and understand as developers yourselves our reason for doing so. Fortunately, we come bearing good news! Jeremy is prepping the latest version of the Dev Kit right now (literally!) and we will have it available to download later today via GitHub, and soon after that via the Unreal Launcher when we are confident in its stability. You’ll be able to keep up with the latest information on the Unreal Forums in regards to any relevant/cool changes!

    That should be what we wanted to discuss for today. Hopefully, it helps clear the air with what’s been going on and the direction we’re heading in. We're looking forward to a fun ARK launch with everyone in the weeks ahead!

    All the best,

    Studio Wildcard

    :Jerblove:

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    Edited by Jat


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    2 minutes ago, Picolo XL said:

    If I would compare it with extinction I woudl say it is an 2-3 year extinction server.  I think a ghost town will be considered a serevr with less then 10 players for 99% of the time or somethin. But I understand ur worries, there defenitely needs to be some clearification on what a "ghost town" really means.

    I'm sure they will come up with some internal standards and rules as to what constitutes ghost town. Lets just get through launch first ..

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    1 minute ago, Nick11992 said:

    @JatIm glad to hear about the status of current release events. One concern, since now that Ragnarok will be coming to console at the same time as release and new official servers does that mean that if you are playing on a legacy server and want to move to Ragnarok we will be unable to transfer at all? I have been anticipating Ragnarok since the announcement and have been spending all of my time prepping for the move. It would be so disappointing if I have nowhere to go with all the work I've been doing. I understand that you want to have equal footing on a batch of new servers when the game releases but I really hope that there will be Ragnarok servers that will allow transfer from Legacy. 

    There will be legacy and new ragnarok servers. So you can transfer or start on a new server without any legacy transfers allowed. If people read it properly the questions that actually need answering will get seen. ?

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    Just now, Titus said:

    If a server gets wiped then ddos attacked for several weeks it will be a ghost server. 

    I do not beliefe that is how all of this will work.

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    2 minutes ago, Jat said:

    I have updated the announcement to include an important change. There will be a new PvE Cluster on Launch, and the current set of PvE servers will become Legacy, similar to changes for PvP.

    Jat,

     

    Thank you, and thank WC.

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    I don't like the idea of a constant separation of players on servers. You may as well name the 'Legacy' sever the 'Duper' servers. I understand that many people have put in a lot of time and effort to be legitimate tribes but too many have not and they should not be allowed to get away with this by remaining on these server and running them as alpha tribes. 

    Our tribe was originally wiped by a duping tribe seems hardly fair that many of these players are wiped by lazy people who can't be bothered to play the game properly. Its hardly difficult to collect metal and farm with a quetz and anky.

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    3 minutes ago, Jat said:

    I have updated the announcement to include an important change. There will be a new PvE Cluster on Launch, and the current set of PvE servers will become Legacy, similar to changes for PvP.

    @Soulbanisher @snowman969frrlp

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    Just now, Picolo XL said:

    I do not beliefe that is how all of this will work.

    They said every 3 months they will evaluate server population and decide to convert or re purpose it. Its not hard to suppress a sever for a few months. And if your in that cluster it affects you!

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    1 minute ago, Maxine said:

    I don't like the idea of a constant separation of players on servers. You may as well name the 'Legacy' sever the 'Duper' servers. I understand that many people have put in a lot of time and effort to be legitimate tribes but too many have not and they should not be allowed to get away with this by remaining on these server and running them as alpha tribes. 

    Our tribe was originally wiped by a duping tribe seems hardly fair that many of these players are wiped by lazy people who can't be bothered to play the game properly. Its hardly difficult to collect metal and farm with a quetz and anky.

    But now, you have the option of starting new on a new server, as if there is a wipe.

    What good will it be for the ones left behind if their antics have driven others away.

     

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    @Jat

    不公平的优势是这种PVE风格,你和其他玩家一起玩。你比较基地,迪诺斯等等。PVE现在捏造。    

     

    你以前能够交易dinos或其他高端物品的高端物品,但除非你被骗,否则你不能竞争。你不能交易 我现在就辞职 我知道你们会说“好的再见”,但是猜测是什么,PVE被毁了。  

     

    如果他们发布新的PVE集群,我们会回来,就像他们应该...  

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    2 minutes ago, Titus said:

    They said every 3 months they will evaluate server population and decide to convert or re purpose it. Its not hard to suppress a sever for a few months. And if your in that cluster it affects you!

    And you think the one that decides which servers are ghost towns does not look into the "ddos" /downtime historie of an server? If not then yes, that would be bad. As I said I think we will get clearification on this "ghost town" status 

    Edited by Picolo XL

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    Just now, Jerryn said:

    But now, you have the option of starting new on a new server, as if there is a wipe.

    What good will it be for the ones left behind if their antics have driven others away.

     

    I see your point, and i would assume if next to no people play on these other old 'Legacy' servers would they be reset in the future?

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    2 minutes ago, Picolo XL said:

    And you think the one that decides which servers are ghost towns does not look into the "ddos" /downtime historie of an server? If not then yes,t hat would make this totally unfair. As I said I think we will get clearification on this "ghost town" status 

    I agree with you but this will be a war by proxy

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    5 minutes ago, TheBigCheese1976 said:

    There will be legacy and new ragnarok servers. So you can transfer or start on a new server without any legacy transfers allowed. If people read it properly the questions that actually need answering will get seen. ?

    I read the entire article, but my question is for console release of Ragnarok. There is no mention to console Ragnarok servers being legacy since the date of console Ragnarok release is same as full game release. My question is if they are creating Legacy Ragnarok servers for console on release. 

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    Just now, Jat said:

    I have updated the announcement to include an important change. There will be a new PvE Cluster on Launch, and the current set of PvE servers will become Legacy, similar to changes for PvP.

    @Jat God bless you .

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    I'm on my hands and knees here, though, @Jat. Please let there be more than two Ragnarok Prim+ PvE servers on launch for PS4. As it is, P+ players that want PvE currently are more or less crammed into the two we've got or look for Unofficial servers. And I understand we may not be the largest playerbase, but we most certainly need more servers than that. 

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    @Jat One question that bothers me, not for myselve but for newer / unexperienced players.

    What do you guys think about the mega tribes starting to take over that "new cluster"?

     

    I mean yes, alot of mega tribes will stay on the legacy cluster, but there are alot of them that got wiped (either by devs or by PvP). From what I would think those will starting taking over the big new cluster as soon as they can. Sure it may take some time. But most of those players got 5k+ hours playtime.

     

    Would you consider adding some newbie-friendly restrictions to those new servers (Even only time-based restrictions would help I guess)

    I think about "Max. tribe member restriction", "Time-restricted access to end-level content"  and stuff like that.

     

    Woudl also like to hear what others think about that.:Jerbhi:

    Edited by Picolo XL

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    8 minutes ago, Maxine said:

    I see your point, and i would assume if next to no people play on these other old 'Legacy' servers would they be reset in the future?

    I would think so.  If they have no one to use or sell the goods to on PVP, then their efforts are wasted in the end.  Ironically, they could be the reason for their own downfall.

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    Just now, Jerryn said:

    I would think so.  If they have no one to use or sell the goods to on PVP, then their efforts are wasted in the end.  Ironically, they could be the reason for their own downfall.

    Lets pray that it all goes this way then, as its a shame people have to ruin a brilliant game.

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    so im on a pve server that usually has 16 to 30 people playing sometimes late night its 8 but its usually got above 20 does this mean ur gonna wipe my server if you look and see it only has 8 people on or no? i mean im sure some people as well as myself would like some specifics about this. 2 years of my time i have in this game and it may all be gone if my server is listed a ghost town which it is not. in my opinion. Jat you should make a detailed post about this issue because this has got me and other people scared to even play the game at this point thinking everything we have done will be gone and there are other posts in the forums about this people. my point is without your community helping the development of this game by simply playing it and pointing out bugs here and there and taking note and reporting issues to you guys and going through the pain and suffering of losing stuff due to issues in the game and still trying to help you fix it even though you dont help them by replacing what they lost due to a bug in the game. you basically have all these people all over the world lining your pockets and testing your game and have helped with its development by reporting these issues since day 1. give a detailed report on the server wipe thing please. because if your gonna wipe my server i dont see any point in playing ark anymore 2 years poof. just let me cut my losses and forget ark exists. and im sure thousands of people are feeling the same exact way i am. so you guys should really think about that. the people that have been with you all the way are gonna get punished for what?

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    18 minutes ago, Jat said:

    I have updated the announcement to include an important change. There will be a new PvE Cluster on Launch, and the current set of PvE servers will become Legacy, similar to changes for PvP.

    So it is now set in Stone and fully confirmed?

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    1 minute ago, X4mi said:

    So it is now set in Stone and fully confirmed?

    Yes. If it means legacy servers don't get new maps in the future then it sucks.

    Edited by Musketeer

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    1 minute ago, TheReaper2662 said:

    so im on a pve server that usually has 16 to 30 people playing sometimes late night its 8 but its usually got above 20 does this mean ur gonna wipe my server if you look and see it only has 8 people on or no? i mean im sure some people as well as myself would like some specifics about this. 2 years of my time i have in this game and it may all be gone if my server is listed a ghost town which it is not. in my opinion. Jat you should make a detailed post about this issue because this has got me and other people scared to even play the game at this point thinking everything we have done will be gone and there are other posts in the forums about this people. my point is without your community helping the development of this game by simply playing it and pointing out bugs here and there and taking note and reporting issues to you guys and going through the pain and suffering of losing stuff due to issues in the game and still trying to help you fix it even though you dont help them by replacing what they lost due to a bug in the game. you basically have all these people all over the world lining your pockets and testing your game and have helped with its development by reporting these issues since day 1. give a detailed report on the server wipe thing please. because if your gonna wipe my server i dont see any point in playing ark anymore 2 years poof. just let me cut my losses and forget ark exists. and im sure thousands of people are feeling the same exact way i am. so you guys should really think about that. the people that have been with you all the way are gonna get punished for what?

    I would assume that the server would need to be super low on numbers and activity at all times of the day, and i would hopefully assume that they would check the server out before they just write it off as a ghost town

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    2 minutes ago, Musketeer said:

    Yes. If it means legacy servers don't get new maps in the future then it sucks.

    Legacy servers do get all new release content and new maps.

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    Now that PvE is under the same ghost scrutiny all the would have to do is have taming and breeding events on the new servers and not the legacy ones and you would see a mass exodus. This is all smoke and mirrors for a slow wipe

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