The Ark Survival Ascended Valguero Release Date is Set, But There’s a Delay

The wait is almost over, survivors! The highly anticipated Valguero map for Ark: Survival Ascended (ASA) finally has a firm release window. While initially slated for an earlier debut, Studio Wildcard has announced a revised timeline, pushing the launch to late September. This slight delay, attributed to “shifting priorities,” may be a minor setback, but the promise of what’s to come in this visually stunning and content-rich expansion should more than make up for it. At Gaming News, we delve into the details surrounding the Valguero release, what you can expect, and how it fits into the larger roadmap for Ark: Survival Ascended.

Valguero’s Release: A Late September Arrival

After much speculation and eager anticipation, Studio Wildcard has confirmed that Valguero will be arriving in Ark: Survival Ascended in late September. While a specific date wasn’t provided, the window gives players a clearer idea of when they can dive back into this fan-favorite map, now reimagined with the power of Unreal Engine 5. The decision to push back the release slightly was explained by the developers as a necessary adjustment to accommodate evolving priorities within the development cycle. While delays are never ideal, this one suggests a commitment to delivering a polished and optimized experience for players.

Why the Delay? “Shifting Priorities” Explained

The vague explanation of “shifting priorities” can often leave players wondering about the real reasons behind a delay. While Studio Wildcard hasn’t offered specifics, it’s reasonable to assume that the development team is working diligently to address unforeseen challenges and ensure the overall quality of Ark: Survival Ascended. This could involve optimizing performance, refining gameplay mechanics, or addressing bugs that may have surfaced during the development process. It’s also possible that the team is working to better integrate Valguero’s unique features with the core gameplay of ASA.

Keeping Valguero in Perspective Amidst Other ASA Updates

It’s vital to remember that Valguero is only one part of the extensive roadmap for Ark: Survival Ascended. The remaster is still in its early stages, and Studio Wildcard has a wealth of new content, features, and updates planned for the future. The Valguero delay could simply mean that resources and attention have been temporarily reallocated to address other critical aspects of the game’s development. This holistic approach should ultimately benefit players in the long run by creating a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience.

What to Expect from Valguero in Ark: Survival Ascended

Valguero is a vast and diverse map that offers a unique blend of familiar Ark landscapes and completely new biomes. Its sprawling terrain encompasses towering cliffs, lush forests, treacherous deserts, and sprawling underwater caves. Players can expect to encounter a wide array of creatures, resources, and challenges that will test their survival skills to the limit.

A Visually Stunning Experience: UE5 Enhancements

One of the biggest draws of Ark: Survival Ascended is its visual overhaul powered by Unreal Engine 5. Valguero will undoubtedly benefit from these enhancements, boasting breathtaking landscapes, improved lighting, and more detailed textures. The transition to UE5 also allows for enhanced performance and optimization, ensuring a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.

Unique Biomes and Exploration Opportunities

Valguero is renowned for its distinct biomes, including the chalk hills, aberration zone, and vast underground network of caves. Each area presents its own set of challenges and rewards, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the map. The chalk hills offer a unique visual landscape with rolling white hills, while the aberration zone provides a glimpse into the irradiated and mutated environments found in the Aberration DLC.

Chalk Hills

These unique geological formations offer a striking visual contrast to the typical ARK landscape. Characterized by their bright white color and rolling hills, the Chalk Hills are home to unique resources and strategic locations for base building. Players should be prepared for encounters with creatures adapted to this harsh environment.

Aberration Zone

A subterranean realm inspired by the Aberration DLC, this zone offers a glimpse into the dangers and rewards of a mutated ecosystem. Expect bioluminescent creatures, hazardous terrain, and valuable resources. Exploring this area requires careful planning and specialized equipment.

Expansive Cave Systems

Delve into the depths of Valguero’s intricate cave systems, which are filled with valuable resources, dangerous creatures, and hidden secrets. These underground networks offer a challenging and rewarding experience for seasoned ARK explorers.

Creature Encounters: New and Familiar Faces

Valguero is home to a diverse range of creatures, both familiar and unique. Players can expect to encounter classic Ark dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, and Triceratops, as well as new creatures that are exclusive to the map. This varied ecosystem ensures that players will always have something new to discover and tame.

Deinonychus: The Feathered Raptor

One of the most exciting additions to Valguero is the Deinonychus, a feathered raptor that is known for its speed, agility, and pack-hunting behavior. These formidable predators can pose a significant threat to unsuspecting players, but they can also be incredibly valuable allies once tamed. Deinonychus can climb vertical surfaces and latch onto larger creatures, making them versatile mounts for both exploration and combat.

Base Building Opportunities: Strategic Locations

Valguero offers a wealth of strategic locations for base building, ranging from secluded valleys to towering cliffs overlooking the ocean. Players can choose to build their bases in the heart of the jungle, on the shores of a tranquil lake, or even within the depths of a sprawling cave system. The diverse terrain allows for a wide range of base designs and defensive strategies.

While the Valguero release is a major milestone, it’s important to remember that Ark: Survival Ascended has a lot more in store for the future. The upcoming paid DLC, Lost Colony, is one of the most highly anticipated additions to the game. While the release date is still some time away, Lost Colony promises to introduce a wealth of new content, including new creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics.

Lost Colony: A Glimpse into the Future

Lost Colony is set to expand the Ark: Survival Ascended universe with a brand new storyline, map, and a plethora of exciting features. While details are still scarce, the developers have hinted at a focus on advanced technology, futuristic environments, and challenging new gameplay mechanics. Players can expect to encounter new creatures, master new crafting recipes, and explore vast new landscapes.

Premium Ark Companion: A Bonus for Expansion Pass Holders

As a bonus for players who have already purchased the expansion pass, Studio Wildcard is offering a unique Ark companion upon the release of Valguero. This creature is described as one of the most gorgeous companions ever to grace the Ark universe. While the specific details of this companion remain a mystery, players can expect it to be a valuable asset in their survival journey. This reward is a testament to Studio Wildcard’s appreciation for its loyal player base.

The Allosaurus Valguro:

This skin variant is available for those who bought the Explorer’s Access. It is a beautiful companion to behold and strike terror to their foes

Staying Updated: Following Ark: Survival Ascended’s Development

To stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments regarding Ark: Survival Ascended and Valguero, be sure to follow Gaming News. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the game, including release dates, patch notes, and community updates.

Official Channels: Studio Wildcard’s Communication

The best way to stay informed is to follow Studio Wildcard’s official channels, including their website, social media accounts, and community forums. These channels provide direct access to announcements, developer updates, and community discussions.

Community Engagement: Joining the Conversation

The Ark community is a vibrant and passionate group of players who are always eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Joining community forums, Discord servers, and social media groups can provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect with other players.

Ark Modding Community: The Valguero Potential

Since the original Ark Survival Evolved, the modding community has provided a huge wealth of content for the fans. We assume that the same will happen again when Ark Survival Ascended is fully out. This could also unlock interesting ways to evolve the gameplay of Valguero.

Preparing for Valguero: Tips and Strategies

As the Valguero release draws closer, now is the perfect time to start preparing for your survival adventure. This includes gathering resources, taming creatures, and familiarizing yourself with the map’s unique challenges.

Resource Gathering: Stocking Up for the Journey

Before diving into Valguero, it’s essential to stock up on essential resources such as wood, stone, metal, and food. These resources will be crucial for building a base, crafting tools and weapons, and taming creatures.

Creature Taming: Building Your Ark Army

Taming creatures is a vital aspect of Ark: Survival Ascended, and it’s essential to have a strong team of tamed dinosaurs to protect yourself from predators and gather resources. Familiarize yourself with the taming methods for different creatures and start building your Ark army.

Familiarizing Yourself with the Map: Knowledge is Power

Take the time to study the Valguero map and familiarize yourself with its different biomes, resource locations, and potential dangers. This knowledge will give you a significant advantage when you first arrive on the map.

The Final Verdict: Is Valguero Worth the Wait?

Despite the slight delay, the Valguero release for Ark: Survival Ascended is shaping up to be a major event. The map’s unique biomes, diverse creatures, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for any Ark fan. The wait may be a little longer, but the promise of a polished and optimized experience should more than make up for it. We at Gaming News believe the wait for Valguero will be worth it.