The delay is due to “critical issues in the multiplayer version,” which would have had “major implications for the console versions.”
After the first-ever gameplay debuted at the Xbox Partner Preview, Studio Wildcard’s Ark: Survival Ascended is available now on PC via Steam Early Access. It retails for $44.99 but costs $40.49 due to a launch week discount. However, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions have been delayed to November.
This is due to “critical issues in the multiplayer version of the game” identified the night prior during the internal QA process that “would have had major implications for the console versions of the game.” Currently, the team has two tracks, one for the PC version and the other working on a patch for the console version that will include the latest updates and content.
Studio Wildcard will use the extra time to revolve multiplayer issues on consoles. It also allows for several “critical improvements” from the PC version that couldn’t previously make it. Crossplay between consoles and PC will remain disabled to hasten the certification process, but that could change depending on how the PC version fares.
When the console versions launch, there will be new official servers with “bonus rates” for a limited time to help players catch up. Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime.
