| Survival Evolved (ASE) | Survival Ascended (ASA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Server | Native Linux, Steam app 376030 | Windows build (runs on Linux under Proton/Wine) |
| Mods | Steam Workshop | CurseForge |
| Maps | Twelve official maps, all on one install | The maps released for ASA so far |
| Crossplay | Steam and Epic (no mods with Epic) | PC, Xbox and PlayStation |
| Memory, The Island empty | 4.8-6.5 GB (measured) | About 11 GB (measured) |
Survival Evolved is lighter, has the complete set of maps and the Workshop's years of mods, and is still widely played. Survival Ascended is the newer game with console crossplay and the remastered visuals.
Frequently asked questions
Can ARK: Survival Ascended players join an Evolved server?
No. They are separate games with separate servers; host the one your group plays.