Jeremy Stieglitz, co-founder and development director of Studio Wildcard, identifies a “golden trio” of features crucial for enticing players from the beloved but aging Ark Survival Evolved to the exciting new release, Ark Survival Ascended (ASA). These include enhancing classic Ark content with Unreal Engine 5 visuals, introducing exclusive new expansions like the recently launched Lost Colony, and optimizing performance. Known for its less-than-smooth gameplay, improving ASA’s performance is a priority as the developer aims to support innovation without sacrificing quality. Stieglitz is particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.7, which promises significant enhancements, especially for PC users, and the potential for new platforms such as the Nintendo Switch 2.
In a recent conversation with Stieglitz following the launch of Lost Colony—a DLC that introduces several new mechanics—performance and bugs have been points of concern among users, reflected in its mixed ratings on Steam. Recognizing the challenges, Stieglitz stated, “ASA still doesn’t run well enough.” However, he acknowledged improvements since launch, noting that the game now runs 40% to 50% better on the same hardware compared to its October 2023 debut.
“How do we achieve even better performance? Thankfully, Epic has already done most of the work,” Stieglitz explained. The newer Unreal Engine 5.7 operates more efficiently than its predecessor, 5.5. While upgrading the engine is complex, efforts are underway to make this transition by the end of March 2026.
Naturally, engine updates typically enhance gameplay experiences across supported titles, but one specific improvement in UE 5.7 may be particularly beneficial for ASA. “Preliminary metrics show about a third (33%) performance gain… Epic has focused on large-scale foliage in this version, which directly relates to our game. Initial tests suggest it could be a significant boost,” Stieglitz noted. This upgrade would allow for better resource management and performance enhancements with few drawbacks.
Stieglitz also mentioned that this upgrade enables Studio Wildcard to consider broader projects, including a potential port for the Nintendo Switch 2. “It’s in active development… We have working builds for the Switch 2, made possible by the UG 5.7 upgrade, which has markedly improved performance capabilities.” The emphasis on getting the engine upgrade implemented is part of the plan to facilitate this new port alongside ongoing work for existing platforms.
Stieglitz humorously remarked about his gratitude towards Epic’s advancements in technology, appreciating their ongoing innovation. “They’ve resisted the complacency that sometimes plagues industry leaders… Tim Sweeney’s leadership is crucial in pushing forward the state of their products.”
Stay tuned for further updates from my interview with Stieglitz, where we will delve into ASA’s newly revealed roadmap, emphasizing fresh content and major features for the game.
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