Hello, community!
First of all, let me say that Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the best games I’ve ever played. I have over 5,000 hours in the game, and nothing compares to the thrill of forming alliances, battling for territory, and experiencing epic moments in PvP. However, in recent years, some of Wildcard’s decisions have been hurting the gameplay experience, especially for dedicated players.
I’d like to share some constructive criticism and suggestions, all aimed at making Ark better and more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Map Releases on Inconvenient Days
The next map is scheduled to launch on a Monday, November 16, and this just doesn’t make sense. In PvP, the first three days of a new server are absolutely critical. During this time, players need to be fully committed to establishing their bases and gaining an advantage.
Why not release the map on Friday, the 13th instead? This would give players who work or study a chance to start on equal footing during the weekend. Think about it: a game like Ark, which is all about strategy and dedication, should consider players’ time to ensure fairness.
2. The "Pay-to-Win" Problem
Ark has been leaning more and more toward pay-to-win, which is incredibly frustrating for the community. One of the game’s biggest strengths has always been fair competition, where players who put in the time and effort can achieve greatness. Now, with paid advantages and features that simplify the game, that essence is being lost.
My suggestion: follow the example of games like CS
, League of Legends (LoL), and even Fortnite, which focus on selling skins. These games are wildly popular because they don’t compromise competitiveness.
Instead, lock all existing Ark skins and sell them as cosmetic items. This way, you can generate revenue without impacting the game’s core balance. Compare this to pay-to-win games like CrossFire, which are heavily criticized for their unfair mechanics. Nobody wants Ark to go down that path.
3. New Maps Have Ruined the Game’s Progression
During the days of The Island, Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, and The Center, it took months of hard work to achieve something meaningful. Building a TEK base, for instance, required careful planning, teamwork, and alliances.
Now, with these new maps, you can build a fully functioning TEK base within 1–2 days. This completely destroys the sense of progression. My suggestion is:
Restrict access to TEK items on official servers for at least 2–3 weeks after a new map is released.
Gradually unlock TEK in small amounts, bringing back the feeling of accomplishment.
4. What Made Ark So Amazing
In its prime, Ark was a game that demanded real effort. Surviving, building, and thriving all required hard work. Every alliance had value, every battle was exhilarating, and every achievement felt earned.
Restoring these elements is essential to bring back Ark’s soul and attract both new players and those who left because the game lost its charm.
Conclusion: A Plea to Wildcard
Ark is the best game I’ve ever played, but many of these recent changes are alienating its most dedicated players. Please, Wildcard:
Focus on skins and cosmetics for monetization, leaving gameplay free from pay-to-win.
Release new maps on days that work for all players (like Fridays).
Restore the progression and challenge that made Ark so incredible in its early days.
These changes would make the game shine again, bringing back the competitiveness and excitement we all love. Ark has infinite potential, and we, the players, want to see it thrive!
Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your thoughts below.