Xbox Series S Struggles To Match Ark: Survival Ascended
Digital Foundry recently side-to- side compared the Series S images to highlight how unique they really are. Beginning on the base settings for Ark: Survival Ascended, the Xbox Series S already has to cut down some significant graphical elements players will have on the PS5, Series X, and PC editions. For starters, textures are far less detailed, giving the world a much smoother look. This is particularly clear when the player is swimming since they won't create wakes or splashes like the game does on other systems.
Furthermore, some of the game's physics has to be eliminated when using a Series S. Grass, bushes, and other flora will move on higher-Performance Consoles when the player passes across them. On the Xbox Series S, though, these items remain absolutely stationary. Ignoring this particular element negates the intent of even purchasing the new Ark variant. The whole attraction is that Survival Ascended is an improved form of the original, but it seems like the player isn't receiving much for their money when the Series S needs to cut back on so many of those advancements. Not only does the Xbox Series S have some speed problems running Ark: Survival Ascended, hence the graphic components of the game also suffer.
All Consoles Battle To Effectively Run Ark
Ark: Survival Ascended is only aiming for a 900p resolution even at its default settings. Practically, this is typically immediately changed to 450p. The game seldom ever reaches 60 frames per second (FPS) even at a low resolution like this. Usually, Ark: Survival Ascended on the Xbox Series S is around 45 FPS, maybe dropping much lower.
Digital Foundry saw significant drop in frame rates during their comparison when more environmental elements—like rain or different times of day—are present in the game. The Xbox Series S experiences as low as 14 FPS at one time. Once more, this is the game's default setting—not one meant for striving for a better quality than it is apparently able to produce. Not only is dropping frame rates bothersome, but it makes online play quite challenging. Trying to play Ark: Survival Ascended with others would probably frustrate Xbox Series S players. Although the Xbox Series S looks the worst among Consoles, it is not the only one that suffers in running the game at full speed.
Ark 2 will run on the same engine as Ark: Survival Ascended, spelling problems for all Consoles
Ark 2 will be constructed using the same engine as Ark: Survival Ascended, it was disclosed. This implies that any of the problems the Xbox Series S is running across with this game will probably resurfaced in the sequel. Although the Xbox Series S has the worst, this is actually bad news for every platform. It's not unexpected to assume the same for Ark 2 given ASA is being developed as a primer for the much awaited Ark 2 and Studio Wildcard does not exactly have the finest reputation for optimization on release.
Consoles players are probably looking at another game they won't be able to play at full performance as Ark 2 is built in the same manner as Survival Ascended. Developers may have to compromise their vision for the game's graphics and environmental aspects even while they might try to enable Ark 2 function more smoothly on consoles. Since they couldn't merely rely on Ark: Survival Ascended as an example of optimal Performance, it would also involve a lot of additional work. These console problems seem more likely to follow into the sequel.
New Ark: Survival Ascended Comparison Points To One Major Ark 2 Issue
Additionally bad news for how Ark: Survival Ascended will handle Ark 2 is a recent peek at how it operates on consoles was less than encouraging. Originally Ark: Survival Evolved, Survival Ascended is a recreation of that. The primary distinction is Unreal Engine 5 has been used in building Survival Ascended.
The Xbox Series S's inferior specs would naturally mean it cannot run games as well as the Series X. Still, it is disheartening to see how much it is struggling with this re-released Ark. Just how far behind the other choices the Series S is, a recent comparison of it with the Series X, PC, and PS5 revealed. Bad news for all consoles since this does not port well for the final release of Ark 2, which is probably to have similar problems.
Ark: Performance Comparison: Xbox Series S against Series X - Survival Ascended
Although the PS5 and Xbox Series X performed far better than the Series S, they also suffered to keep 60 FPS. They couldn't achieve everything that is available on a high-end PC even though their textures were more finely drawn. Sadly, this also seems to be an issue that will probably resurfaced in the sequel to the game, Ark 2.
The performance comparison of Ark: Survival Ascended emphasizes the difficulties in maximizing games for several systems. With its lesser specs, the Xbox Series S finds it difficult to provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing experience. Though they improve, the PS5 and Xbox Series X still fall short of the graphical realism and performance of high-end PCs. This implies that Ark 2 might experience comparable difficulties even though it runs on the same engine. Although Ark: Survival Ascended is meant to be a preamble for Ark 2, given Studio Wildcard's past with game optimization, performance problems on consoles raise questions regarding the possible restrictions of the sequel.
Ark 2: The Future of the Franchise; Survival Ascended
Players of the survival game Ark: Survival Ascended can explore a large open environment comprising dinosaurs, other species, and demanding gameplay. Along with a varied ecology and extensive crafting system, the game offers single-player and multiplayer modes among other gaming choices. For those who love exploring, creating, and fighting in a prehistoric environment, Ark: Survival Ascended presents a singular and interesting experience.
The much awaited Ark 2, which promises to challenge franchise limits, is a step towards release of Ark: Survival Ascended. New species, sophisticated gameplay ideas, and an amazing visual experience will all abound on Ark 2 But the performance problems observed in Ark: Survival Ascended on consoles raise questions over the possible difficulties in the sequel. Being one of the most awaited games of 2023, Ark 2 must make sure it provides a flawless and fun experience on all platforms.
