Is Genesis free for ARK?
No, unlike recent DLC maps Lost Island and Fjordur, the massive Genesis expansion for ARK: Survival Evolved requires purchase and is not free. There is a Genesis Season Pass covering Part 1 and 2 priced at $34.99 on all platforms.
As an avid ARK player since 2015, I‘ve been eagerly awaiting each new map and Genesis blew them all out of the water! This guide will break down everything you need to know about getting your hands on Genesis and highlight why it‘s ARK‘s most ambitious add-on yet.
Availability and Pricing
The Genesis Season Pass first launched in February 2020 coinciding with Part 1 Early Access on PC and Xbox. Six months later, PlayStation users gained access with the full Genesis release.
- Part 1: $34.99
- Part 2: Included with Part 1 Pass
Despite being ARK‘s priciest DLC, Genesis has retained premium value with no standalone version or price drop over 3 years later. In 2022, the Pass even increased to $39.99 for certain regions before stabilizing back to $34.99 worldwide.
While frustrating for budget-focused survivors, Studio Wildcard sets an impressively high bar for ARK expansions reflected in the continued Genesis cost. And they constantly run events allowing free access to DLC maps including past Genesis trials. So keep an eye out for your next shot!
Will Genesis Ever Go on Sale?
Yes, but rarely beyond 10-20%. As a live service game, ARK sales primarily discount the base game to draw in new players who then purchase DLC at full price. That said, Genesis has seen minor deals around the holidays, ARK anniversaries, and Steam seasonal sales earning an all-time low price around $25.
I anticipate similar fluctuation moving forward especially with ARK 2 stealing attention. But Genesis will likely stay above $30 over the next year given its mountain of content.
Content and Features
Get ready for a whirlwind tour of everything Genesis added to the ARK universe! After multiple playthroughs, I‘m still finding new biomes and secrets.
Part 1 Highlights
- 5 Unique Mini Map Biomes – ARK‘s existing maps can‘t compete with this environmental variety
- Missions System – Hundreds of gameplay objectives with cool rewards
- Tek Hover Skiff – My new favorite travel method!
- Unique Tames – Astrocetus and Bloodstalker earned "coolest creature" awards
Here‘s a full breakdown of additions compared to the base ARK game:
| Base Game | Genesis Part 1 | |
| New Biomes | 10 | 12 |
| Tameable Creatures | 103 | 18 |
| Engram Items | 300 est. | 80 |
| Missions | 0 | 364 |
Part 2 Highlights
While part 2 takes a more familiar approach than part 1, it still impresses in scale and innovation:
- Much Larger Map – My longest river voyage yet!
- Customizable Missions – Adjust enemy difficulty and rewards
- Orbital Supply Drops – Space stations with loot!
- New Ocean Food Chain – Never feel safe underwater again…
And even more additions across the board!
| Genesis Part 1 | Genesis Part 2 | |
| New Biomes | 12 | 15 |
| Tameable Creatures | 18 | 10 |
| Engram Items | 80 | 62 |
| Missions | 364 | 82 |
That brings the Genesis total to 27 unique biomes, 28 new creatures, over 140 items, and 446 mission variations!
How to Get Access
If I‘ve convinced you to take the Genesis plunge, here are a few methods to obtain it:
- Purchase Season Pass – $34.99 on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, etc.
- Xbox Game Pass – Genesis is included with Game Pass Ultimate‘s ARK: Ultimate Survivor Edition
- Server Rental – Many providers offer Genesis maps, usually $15-20 monthly for 10 slots
I personally run a private Genesis server through Survival Servers which has worked flawlessly for over a year now. They offer affordable monthly pricing starting at $13.99 for a 10 slot.
So there you have it – everything you could want to know about grabbing those Genesis goodies for yourself. Veterans and newcomers alike will find an exhilarating, unique experience that continues raising the bar for ARK expansions. Let me know if any other Genesis questions pop up!
