Studio Wildcard announced that Ark: Ultimate Survival Edition is launching on Nintendo Switch this September, via retail and the eShop ($49.99).

The Ultimate Survivor Edition, which released last year on other platforms, includes all the major expansions released over the years for the dinosaur-themed survival crafting adventure. But there’s a catch.

At launch, only the base game and Scorched Earth will be available. The other expansions will become available in two month intervals. They include Aberration, Extinction, Genesis Part 1, and Genesis Part 2.

The Ultimate Edition also includes revamped graphics and network optimization, as well as new cinematic story content. One important new feature that should interest parents is the new Young Explorers Mode. Similar to Assassin Creed’s Educational Modes, it allows players to journey through the world and learn about prehistoric creatures without any threat of danger.

Players who already own the original Switch version of Ark: Survival Evolved will receive these new features for free when the new edition launches. Existing progress and save data will be maintained.

“Overhauling the gameplay for Ark on Switch has been on our radar for a while and we’re happy to have found a talented team who can help us realize that vision,” said Jesse Rapczak, Co-founder and Co-Creative Director, Studio Wildcard. “Adding a brand new mode that lets younger players interact with the unique primordial creatures within ARK provides a depth to the experience we hope families will enjoy!”

Ark: Survival Evolved is also available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, and mobile devices. It’s rate T for Teen.


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.