ARK: Survival Ascended System Requirements
ARK is reimagined from the ground-up into the next-generation of video game technology with Unreal Engine 5! Form a tribe, tame & breed hundreds of unique dinosaurs and primeval creatures, explore, craft, build, and fight your way to the top of the food-chain. Your new world awaits!
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10/11 with updates
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, Intel Core i7-6800K
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, NVIDIA GeForce 1080
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 180 GB available space
- Additional Notes: SSD Required
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10/11 with updates
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, Intel i5-10600K
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 180 GB available space
- Additional Notes: SSD Required
Detailed Hardware Performance Analysis
Running Difficulty
Very Low. Almost any modern integrated GPU or basic laptop will run this game smoothly.
Target Hardware Tier
Budget / Entry-level PC
System RAM Recommendations
We recommend at least 16 GB of system RAM to prevent stutters and ensure smooth multitasking while playing.
Optimal Graphics Settings
For 1080p High settings at 60 FPS, a mid-range GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600 is optimal. If you are on entry-level specs, we recommend setting shadows, volumetric lighting, and reflection quality to Medium or Low to save up to 25% of GPU cycles. Enable DLSS or FSR if available.
Performance Optimization Tips & Troubleshooting
How to boost FPS:
Install the game on an SSD to completely prevent micro-stutters during asset loading. Turn off VSync in-game if you experience input latency, and use hardware scaling (DLSS/FSR) in Quality mode for the best FPS-to-visuals ratio.
Common Issues & Workarounds:
Many players report shader-compilation stutters during the first 10 minutes of gameplay. Simply wait in the main menu for shader compilation to finish. If experiencing crashes, update graphics card drivers and verify game file integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I run ARK: Survival Ascended on a laptop?
Yes, as long as your laptop possesses a dedicated GPU like the GTX 1650 or RTX 3050, it will run smoothly at 1080p. Integrated graphics laptops may require low resolution settings.
Do I need an SSD for ARK: Survival Ascended?
While it will load on an HDD, installing it on a solid-state drive (SSD) is highly recommended for faster load times and to avoid stuttering in open-world segments.