ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition was launched on December 18, 2024! If you haven’t dived in yet, there are some key things you should know before starting your Dino adventure. The game offers exciting features, but some aspects might also catch you off guard.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from the controversial microtransactions to the much-loved quality-of-life features, seasonal events, and the game’s performance since its release. If you’re eager to jump in and experience it all by yourself, you can play ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition online directly in your browser with Funpass cloud gaming, no installation or downloads needed. Just hit “Play” and start exploring!
Still here? Great! Let’s explore the world of ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition together.
ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition vs. Earlier Versions
The first major difference is that ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition is free-to-play. Unlike earlier versions, you don’t need to pay upfront to get started. You begin your journey on a single island, but unlocking additional maps requires payment. Another key difference from the original games is the introduction of keys.
These can be used to speed up progress in various areas, such as:
- Crafting
- Taming
- Supply Drops
- Baby Raising
- Weight Limits
- Instant Hatch
- Cryo Capture
You can earn keys for free through the ARK Pass, purchase them in packs from the store, or find them in Supply Drops. What’s great is that keys are tied to your online account and their balance is shared across all servers, including single-player sessions. This means you can use your keys whether you’re playing on a public server or in your own private world. However, the rate of you getting them is enough, you may need to invest in the Game Pass to fully enjoy these advantages.
Graphics Quality and Design, and Environment
The ARK Ultimate Edition brings a more glossy style of graphics with higher FPS rate, significantly improving over the old ARK. The menus are more polished, allowing even new players to easily pick up the game. The upgrade system and crafting have been enhanced with Keys simplifying the overall experience. The hunting sub-menu has its own HUD, making hunting more straightforward and enjoyable.
In terms of wildlife, while some animals now have a longer spawn rate compared to the older version, the starting dinosaurs spawn faster. The visual and performance upgrades ensure a smoother, more immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the environments look richer and more detailed, adding to the overall realism of the game. Improved textures, dynamic weather effects, and better lighting, all contributing to a visually stunning and engaging adventure.
What is ARK Pass?
Game passes are nothing new in online gaming. When you buy a pass, you unlock perks and rewards but don’t expect these rewards to be handed to you with the click of a button, you’ll still need to play the game to earn them. This means the pass won’t overly widen the gap between free-to-play players and ARK Pass players. If you decide to buy the ARK Pass, its rewards are well worth it, especially for speeding up your progress. Here’s what the ARK Pass offers at the moment:
- Access to all expansion packs as they’re released.
- God Console in Single Player – Spawn items and animals with ease.
- Monthly drop of free keys – This is the main attraction, as keys are essential for progress. For example, even getting a fridge can cost an arm and a leg, so having this perk will make your life much easier.
- 10% bonus on all key purchases – If you’re planning to spend beyond the ARK Pass, get the pass first to get extra value for your money.
- Permanent Double XP – Boost your progress in all game modes.
- Special designation in multiplayer chat – Stand out among other players.
- Access to exclusive servers – Enjoy a more curated and premium experience.
- Two weeks of early access to new content – Perfect for content creators or anyone who wants to show off their experience to friends who don’t have the pass.
Exploring ARK’s PvP and PvE Servers
Currently, ARK servers are divided into PvP (Player vs. Player) and PvE (Player vs. Environment) modes. This separation provides a peaceful experience for players who prefer community-focused gameplay without constant battles.
However, like any multiplayer game, issues can arise. On PvE servers, some players may block others by building structures in inconvenient places, and disruptive players occasionally appear. Despite this, the overall experience on PvE servers is relatively calm.
On PvP servers, it’s a different story. As expected, you’ll encounter the usual challenges like wars, griefing, and camping. These are part of the PvP experience, so choose your server type wisely.
For those with the ARK Pass, exclusive servers are available, offering a more premium environment. Free-to-play servers are also an option, though they fill up quickly. Fortunately, the ARK team is actively adding more servers and increasing capacity. Initially, servers supported 40 players, but with a recent update, this has been increased to 50 players per server, allowing more adventurers to join the dino mania. Here’s a breakdown of the available server types.
The Island:
- PvE
- PvE (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP
- PvP (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP - Small Tribes (ARK Pass Early Access)
Scorched Earth:
- PvE
- PvE (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP
- PvP (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP - Small Tribes (ARK Pass Early Access)
Aberration:
- PvE
- PvE (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP
- PvP (ARK Pass Only)*
- PvP - Small Tribes (ARK Pass Early Access)
ARK Pass Only Server Perks
These exclusive servers come with original crafting requirements, no Cryopod Key costs, and operate on a separate server transfer cluster.
What Happens After ARK Mobile Release Date?
Despite some complaints carried over from the original ARK games, ARK Mobile has faced criticism for drastically changing the gameplay. Additional issues include the ARK Pass and extra charges that increase the cost of playing, a lack of sufficient servers, and minor problems, for most players, the experience of ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition brings the game into a new era of exploration and hunting. The improved community features and cooperative play create a more connected experience, minimizing the feeling of isolation. While there are occasional inconveniences, the overall experience feels wholesome.
The game’s developers are actively working on fixes and releasing updates, which give hope for the game’s future. Whether you’re a seasoned ARK player or completely new to the franchise, there’s plenty to enjoy. Old players will appreciate the familiar elements while adapting to the game’s modern features. For an even more engaging experience, connect with the community on platforms like Reddit and Discord to share tips and enhance your gameplay.
Device Requirements
To enjoy ARK on mobile, you’ll need a device that packs some serious power. For iOS users, a device running iOS 18 or higher is required, although the iPhone Xr may deliver a less-than-ideal experience. On Android, a device with at least 4GB of RAM and a modern operating system is recommended.
Some confirmed compatible devices include the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Nothing Phone 2. Unfortunately, devices with Mali GPUs, such as the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A24, are not supported. Additionally, you’ll need approximately 7GB of storage for the base game and 1–2GB for each additional map.
To overcome these challenges the easiest way is to play ARK online with Funpass Cloud Gaming. With Funpass, you can play ARK with no downloads or installation. Simply visit the Funpassgg, click on play on the browser button, and jump straight into the game.
Funpass offers an affordable solution: you can watch advertisements to earn diamonds and exchange them for playtime. If you prefer a more seamless experience with high FPS and low latency, you can upgrade to Funpass Premium. And it won’t break the bank! For just $3, you can enjoy worry-free gaming for days.
Even better, with the Funpass Christmas Sales, prices have dropped further. A two-year plan costs only $18, that’s just $0.25 per week! There’s no better time to start your adventure with cloud gaming. Don’t miss this opportunity, dive into ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition today.
