Ark: Survival Evolved 1.0 Server Launch Event

can't confirm since I've only been operating as admin, but I'm pretty sure anyone can send mail to anyone.

the mailbox engram unlocks at lvl 20. when you first build one, it automatically assigns you an address based on where you placed it. this of course can be changed if you are concerned about people discovering your location. as seen in the example, i changed the address to "unknown", but you could change it to "Hep's Box" or whatever. the UI for it is actually quite nice. you can even copy/paste in text from standard documents.

here's more info on it:

 

Welp... the second poll is done and the results are just slightly better than last time. Not exactly the clearest majority i had hoped for, but we will have to run with it. After hearing suggestions from both sides, I have made my decision: classic tech tree it is.

Now before you flip tables, hear me out!

First off, I want to reiterrate that we are starting again with the Island map because it is the only one that is "free" and is the most "content complete". The Scorched Earth map looks good, but is still quite expensive DLC. The Ragnarok map looks to be an excellent upgrade, but it is not finished yet. More on that later.

Now here are the concerns that ultimately swayed my decision for the tech tree:

1. The vanilla experience has changed substantially since our last server. Combined with the content I have planned, it will not be the same experience.
   
   
2. The vast majority of us never finished the original content.
   
   
3. Server settings have been adjusted to make humans generally squishier; high level creatures will be tougher to kill without good planning, good equipment, and good teamwork.
   
   
4. Autoturret engram can be disabled manually for server (no more cheap deaths to unseen turrets).
   
   
5. Primitive+ has NO GPS tracking system for derpy dinos that run away (a great concern for some).
   
   
6. Primitive+ has no upgradeable (metal) raft (a great concern for some).
   
   
7. Primitive+ has no underwater equipment or seabase building; makes some things significantly more difficult for the Island map (a great concern for some).
   
   
8. Primitive+ is more limited in "narrative" options for me to work with as GM. More on this later.
   
   
9. Primitive+ is a full conversion mod and causes SIGNIFICANT load times for many players (based on posted feedback and personal interviews); some report as long as 15 minute load times from this mod alone. Even if it doesn't affect everyone, that is a great concern for me. More testing is needed before I feel comfortable using it and that's time I don't have right now.

As I hope you can see, it is not for any single reason I came to my decision and I did not make it lightly. My sincere apologies for those that are disappointed by this news, but I hope this will not discourage you from giving the server a chance. I have a lot planned in terms of custom content and quests that should keep things interesting. I want to keep it fresh for everyone. If you are concerned the experience will be too easy or boring, please let me know personally. I am looking for feedback. Just be careful what you ak for.

That being said, there is still some hope for Primitive+. Since the Ragnarok map (to my knowledge) has a lot more land mass (and less deep water caves to navigate), I believe it will be an excellent candidate for Primitive+. Therefore, I make a pledge to you: Let's give this upcoming server a chance for the next three months (until the end of the year) and then see where we are at. If Ragnarok is complete, Primitive+ loading tests work, and the majority are ready to move on, we will fasttrack to ascension on the Island (for those that still want it) and move on to Ragnarok with Primitive+.

I hope this is a compromise everyone can accept.

 

The Artifact reward table is complete! Turn in surplus artifacts to reveal its secrets!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zxHEGoJLC9dVPZqx_dQsvofgHuNcGxgSMeNZ0-hy3Ak/edit?usp=sharing

Also, final update before launch:


Another really great Q&A here from the bossman himself:
http://steamcommunity.com/games/346110/announcements/detail/2324275121371595867

 

SERVER IS LIVE!


For faster downloads, here is a direct link to the mod list:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1099817379

If you have issues with loading, try subscribing to all mods listed above and then use Steam client game properties to "verify integrity of game files". (It worked for others)

Spawn at South Easy Spawn #1 (first on list) if you want an easier time starting out. I've set up a safezone there with basic crafting facilities to help new players get a foothold.

Exact coords are 80 Lat. 35 Lon. (near S1)

 

ARK HAS REACHED FULL RELEASE! HUZZAH!



This is one of very few survival games that has reached full release. I definitely recommend putting this on your wishlist. Our official server is going strong.

Even better, we can expect more content currently being developed to be released over the next year:

• New gear: Power sword & shield, dunebuggy, and more...
• New creatures: phoenix, hunter-killer robots, and more...
• More storyline immersion.
• UI improvements for structures.
• Play as a creature (with human vs creature PvP mode available)!
• Creature rebalance to make older ones on par with newer ones.

 

MAJOR UPDATE ANNOUNCED!

ACTIVATE HYPE TRAIN!



Personally, I'm still not keen on Scorched Earth, but this one looks very interesting.

Wing suits, yo!

 

Yeah, I think that's fair. If you try to play Ark like a standard single player experience, it is terribly grindy (on vanilla settings) and kind of boring by general standards. But what really attracts me to it is the control players have over what that experience is. Almost every aspect of the game can be modified or altered to suit your personal tastes (or that of the community you game with). It's the closest thing I've seen that has the potential to merge DnD-Gamemaster functionality with an action-RPG experience.

Still no reliable internet on my side, but as soon as I get back, we can run the next quest and start the arena fights... for glory and profit... but mostly for bragging rights.