Patch 258: Hyaenodon, Megatherium, Megalania, Hesperornis, Yutyrannus, and More!

Patch v258 finds its way harpooning onto the ARK with a boatload worth of content! It'll introduce five new creatures to the game, a new way of travel in the form of a gas-powered motorboat, an interactive toilet for when you just can't hold it in anymore, a harpoon gun for all your under the sea adventures, and not to forget; two new hairstyles, optimisations, and a greater Achievement set! 

With this update, ARK: Survival Evolved has officially released 100 creatures to the base game, not including bosses, events, or specialized variants! Now let's say hello to our new friends!

Hyaenodon dirus, a carnivore most often found across the mountains and tundras in packs of 3 to 6. The Hyaenodon is a very intelligent predator. Before engaging, it determines if the payoff for a fight is worth the risk of injury. Hyaenodon often prefers not to fight unless there is already weakened prey or a fresh carcass nearby. 

Despite being too small to ride, Hyaenodon are still popular pets. Their intelligence means they train well, and their natural pack mentality makes them excellent hunting dogs. Their ability to quickly recover health by consuming raw flesh off the bone ensures they can take punishment yet continue to fight, and they can efficiently preserve meat in specially-crafted saddle-bags.are still popular pets. Their intelligence means they train well, and their natural pack mentality makes them excellent hunting dogs. Their ability to quickly recover health by consuming raw flesh off the bone ensures they can take punishment yet continue to fight, and they can efficiently preserve meat in specially-crafted saddle-bags.

Megatherium formipavor is one of the larger mammals on the Island. Despite primarily being a herbivore, a typical Megatherium is very intent on consuming the Island’s many insects. It is particularly adept at removing their insides without damaging much of the shell, maximizing extraction of chitin. The otherwise slow and peaceful Megatherium becomes faster and aggressive in the presence of these creatures.

Megalania muruspede is found throughout the Island’s complicated cave networks. Reaching up to three meters long, it can traverse vertically up cave walls with little difficulty thanks to its powerful claws. Like other Varanidae, Megalania is a venomous creature. Its poison is slow-acting but will drain the victim’s effective strength and health until death unless cured by a rare antidote.

The rare ability of Megalania to effortlessly climb sheer environmental walls makes it a highly sought-after mount. While it is by no means the fastest, strongest, or toughest mount, the manner in which it can effortlessly scale mountains, clamber up barricades, hide in trees or upside-down, ensures it will always have a place in any tribe’s stables!

Hesperornis avenatantes is a medium-sized, fish-eating bird, common in the rivers and lakes of the island. It would be about two-thirds the height of a human if it stood tall, but it rarely does. Hesperornis spends most of its time gliding along the surface of the water, where it is much more maneuverable. It can easily hunt down fish and other small water-dwelling creatures.

Hesperornis is primarily kept for the eggs it produces after consuming much fish. Every so often it will lay a golden egg which tribes often desire for the dietary needs of their tames, as it has proven to greatly assist in the training of all creatures, especially those which are too small to be ridden.

Yutyrannus saevus is believed to be related to the Tyrannosaurus rex, but it is noticeably different upon first glance. Feathered creatures are not necessarily viewed as dangerous predators in the same light as other theropods. It is also the only creature I’ve seen to consistently induce a state of panic in opponents with its roar. Upon hearing it, most creatures in the area will flee for safety.

A domesticated Yutyrannus can be a powerful offensive or defensive addition to war parties.Yutyrannus can be trained to develop a confidence-boosting Battle-Cry which counteracts enemy attempts to induce fear, while also bolstering the resolve of allies, and may even draw wild Carnotaurus to its aid.

There's still more to come! In ARK update v258, Survivors have become more civilized and have managed to invent their own version of indoor plumbing. Survivors can now go to the toilet when their characters are ready to defecate, and by doing so they'll get a special 'refreshing' buff which will grant them an experience boost!

Plus, with all the dangers and terrors that have recently become apparent in our seas, Survivors can now craft a Harpoon gun which can be used for all your under the sea adventures! 

As well as a new speedy gas-powered Motorboat! 

...there's so much in this patch that we haven't gone through yet! In addition to everything above, here are the rest of the notes:

- Brand new Achievements with cosmetic, emotes, and hairstyle rewards for obtaining them!
- More UI overhauls!
- New Hairstyle and Facial Hair!
- New Explorer Notes!
- Primitive+ Major Update. Patch Notes can be read here:

You can check out the full patch notes here: 

and for those who want to know all the juicy details about the latest ARK Patch, you can check out Jen's Everything You Want To Know thread!

ARK's Biggest Ever Steam Sale!

From now until June the 5th at 1PM EST, Survivors can purchase both ARK: Survival Evolved and Scorched Earth at their largest discounted price ever, for 68% off! Hurry and grab it whilst you can!

The patch will be releasing later today, it's a few hours out still. Be sure to follow us on @survivetheark for all the latest information!

Thank you Survivors! We hope you enjoy the update!