ARK: Survival Evolved only just launched last week. Studio Wildcard has already announced its next major expansion at PAX West. Called Aberration, the expansion features an entirely new ARK mostly set in vast underground caverns with new creatures and items. It’s due in October on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).
The surface world of Aberration has been destroyed, leaving it broken and irradiated. The ARK has been damaged, leading to numerous disasters such as earthquakes and gas leaks. Most of the livable content lies underground as you build structures among crystals and mushrooms.
New creatures include the Rock Drake, which features chameleon-like stealth, flying, and climbing abilities. The Lantern Pug is a cute cross between a dog and an angler fish. The Cave Crustacean can grab and throw creatures. The Nameless Queen can impregnate foes with a chest-bursting monstrosity.
The Nameless monsters represent the top-tier boss creatures of Aberration. These element-infused monsters offer a hierarchy of increased challenges, with the most powerful found in the deepest depths.
New items and weapons include climbing packs, wingsuits, ziplines, glowsticks, railguns, and hazmat outfits.
Aberration will be available as a standalone expansion pack for $19.99. It’s also part of the ARK: Explorer’s Edition Season Pass. Season Pass owners will also receive two special cosmetic Aberration items: a sword and helmet.
Aberration is ARK’s second expansion pack. The first, Scorched Earth, was released last year while the game was still in Early Access. The Season Pass grants access to Scorched Earth, Aberration, and an as-yet unnamed third expansion coming in 2018.
ARK: Survival Evolved is rated T for Teen.
