ARK Survival Ascended: Steam Download Size & Storage Guide

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey guys! Getting ready to dive into the wild world of ARK Survival Ascended on Steam? One of the first things you'll probably be wondering about is the game's size. Knowing how much space you need and what to expect during the download is super important. Let's break it all down so you're prepared to tame those dinos!

Initial Download Size

So, what's the deal with the initial download size of ARK Survival Ascended on Steam? The initial download size can vary a bit depending on updates and patches, but you should anticipate needing around 70 GB of free space. Yeah, that's a hefty chunk! Make sure you've cleared out enough room on your drive before hitting that download button. This ensures that the download process goes smoothly without any annoying interruptions. No one wants to start a download only to find out they're short on space, right? The initial download includes the core game files, which are essential for getting the game up and running. This includes the game engine, basic assets, and initial maps. Remember that this is just the beginning. As the game receives updates and new content, the overall size will likely increase. So, it's always a good idea to have a bit of extra wiggle room on your storage drive to accommodate future expansions and patches. Keeping an eye on the game's official announcements and community forums can give you a heads-up on upcoming updates and their potential impact on storage requirements. This way, you can proactively manage your storage and avoid any last-minute scrambles to free up space. Also, consider that the download size might be slightly different based on your region or the specific Steam server you're connected to. These variations are usually minor but worth keeping in mind if you're trying to optimize your download speed and ensure a smooth installation process. Once the initial download is complete, you'll still need to go through the installation process, which requires additional space temporarily. This is because the game files are unpacked and organized into their final locations on your drive. So, even if you have exactly 70 GB free, it's safer to have a bit more to avoid any hiccups during installation. All in all, being prepared with ample storage space will make your entry into the world of ARK Survival Ascended much smoother and more enjoyable.

Installation Size

Alright, you've downloaded the game – awesome! But hold on, the story doesn't end there. The installation size is another factor to consider. Once the download is complete, the game files need to be unpacked and installed. This process requires additional space, so you'll need more than just the initial download size free. Typically, ARK Survival Ascended will take up around 80 GB to 90 GB once fully installed. This extra space is used for the installation process itself, which involves decompressing the downloaded files and placing them in the correct directories. The exact size can vary slightly based on the specific version of the game and any additional content that might be included in the installation package. To ensure a smooth installation, it's recommended to have at least 100 GB of free space available on your drive. This buffer will prevent any potential issues that might arise due to temporary file creation or unexpected space requirements during the installation process. If you're running low on storage, now might be the time to clear out some old files or uninstall programs you no longer use. You can also consider moving large files to an external drive to free up space on your primary drive. Remember, a smooth installation is crucial for a seamless gaming experience. Nothing is more frustrating than encountering errors or interruptions during installation due to insufficient storage space. So, take the time to prepare your system and ensure that you have enough room to accommodate the full installation of ARK Survival Ascended. This will save you headaches down the road and get you into the game faster. Additionally, keep in mind that the installation size can grow over time as the game receives updates and new content. So, it's a good idea to plan for future expansions by leaving some extra space available on your drive. This will prevent you from having to constantly manage your storage and make room for new updates.

Potential Future Updates and DLCs

Now, let's peek into the crystal ball and talk about the future. Games like ARK Survival Ascended are always evolving. The developers are constantly releasing updates, patches, and downloadable content (DLCs) to keep the game fresh and exciting. This means the game's size will likely increase over time. When we talk about future updates and DLCs, it’s important to be forward-thinking about your storage capacity. Each update can add several gigabytes to the game's overall size, and DLCs can be even larger, introducing new maps, creatures, and gameplay mechanics. Therefore, it's wise to have a buffer zone on your storage drive to accommodate these inevitable additions. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 50 GB to 100 GB of free space beyond the current installation size. This should provide enough headroom for most updates and some of the smaller DLCs. However, if you're planning to purchase larger expansion packs, you might want to increase that buffer even further. Keeping an eye on the game's development roadmap and community announcements can give you a better idea of the size and scope of upcoming updates and DLCs. This will allow you to plan your storage accordingly and avoid any surprises. It's also worth considering investing in additional storage if you're a dedicated player who wants to experience all the content that ARK Survival Ascended has to offer. An external hard drive or SSD can be a great solution for expanding your storage capacity without having to replace your existing drive. Remember, managing your storage proactively will ensure that you can enjoy the game without constantly worrying about running out of space. This includes regularly clearing out unnecessary files, uninstalling programs you no longer use, and keeping your system organized. By taking these steps, you can keep your gaming experience smooth and enjoyable for years to come.

SSD vs. HDD: Which is Better for ARK Survival Ascended?

Okay, let's get technical for a second. When it comes to installing ARK Survival Ascended, the type of storage drive you use can make a huge difference in your gaming experience. The big question is: SSD vs. HDD: Which is better? Solid State Drives (SSDs) are the clear winner here. SSDs use flash memory to store data, which allows for much faster read and write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). This translates to quicker loading times, smoother gameplay, and faster installation and update processes. With an SSD, you'll notice a significant reduction in the time it takes to load the game, switch between areas, and load assets. This can make a world of difference in a large, open-world game like ARK Survival Ascended. The faster read speeds of SSDs also help to reduce stuttering and improve overall performance, especially when dealing with complex environments and numerous in-game entities. In contrast, HDDs rely on spinning platters and mechanical arms to access data, which is inherently slower. While HDDs are typically cheaper and offer more storage capacity for the same price, the performance difference is undeniable. If you're serious about gaming, investing in an SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make. It will not only improve your experience with ARK Survival Ascended but also enhance the performance of your entire system. Ideally, you should install the game and your operating system on the SSD to maximize the benefits. If you have a smaller SSD, you can use it for the operating system and your most frequently played games, while storing less demanding applications and files on the HDD. Ultimately, the choice between SSD and HDD depends on your budget and priorities. However, if you can afford it, an SSD is the way to go for the best possible gaming experience. It will make your time in the world of ARK Survival Ascended much more enjoyable and responsive.

Tips to Optimize Storage for ARK Survival Ascended

Running low on space? No worries! Here are some tips to optimize storage specifically for ARK Survival Ascended:

  1. Uninstall Unused Programs: Go through your installed programs and get rid of anything you don't use anymore. You'd be surprised how much space these can take up.
  2. Clear Temporary Files: Windows and other programs create temporary files that can accumulate over time. Use Disk Cleanup or a similar tool to remove these unnecessary files.
  3. Move Large Files to External Storage: If you have large files like videos, photos, or documents that you don't need to access frequently, move them to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
  4. Compress Files: Use file compression tools to reduce the size of large files. This can be especially helpful for documents and media files.
  5. Disable Hibernation: Hibernation files can take up a significant amount of space. If you don't use hibernation, you can disable it to free up space.
  6. Monitor Storage Usage: Use storage analysis tools to identify which files and folders are taking up the most space. This will help you target the areas where you can make the biggest impact.
  7. Regularly Clean Downloads Folder: Clean out files that are of no use for you anymore. This will prevent it from accumulating.
  8. Optimize Game Installation: Some games allow you to uninstall specific components, such as language packs or high-resolution textures, to reduce the installation size. Check if ARK Survival Ascended offers any such options.

By following these tips, you can free up valuable storage space and ensure that you have enough room to install and enjoy ARK Survival Ascended. Remember, a well-maintained system is a happy system!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! ARK Survival Ascended is a fantastic game, but it does require a good chunk of storage space. Make sure you have at least 70 GB for the initial download and 80-90 GB for the installation. And remember to factor in future updates and DLCs. If possible, install the game on an SSD for the best performance. Happy surviving, and may your tames be strong!