Studio Wildcard released a new update for their open world survival game, ARK: Survival Evolved. Update v256 is bringing a wealth of new features and content. Amongst the content being released with the new update, underwater bases, a redesigned UI, and aquatic breeding are some of the most notable. Alongside the new update, we also get a new trailer for the update, which can be seen below.

Lead Designer, Lead Programmer, and Co-Founder of Studio Wildcard Jeremy Stieglitz had this to say regarding the new UI changes:

“The new ARK Inventory UI is a total redesign of the game’s former clunky interface! This visual and functional overhaul brings right-click context menus and better organization for remote inventories. It’s a significant step on the road of preparing ARK for its home stretch of Early Access!"

Here is a complete breakdown of the new features in patch v256:

4 New Creatures Added:

Equus Magnus - Likely an ancestor to the modern horse, Equus is a much larger steed, and when tamed, can be used in much the same way - riding, herding, and used as pack animals. Equus is so large, in fact, tribes have been known to not only ride them, but attach extra large saddlebags to them, essentially making them into mobile research and crafting stations. Taming them requires make use of a new “break-in” mechanic!

Leedsichthys Conviviumbrosia - Probably the largest fish in the waters around the island. Its meat is also extremely succulent which is unusual given its size. It is often traded with the same value as Prime Meat, and colloquially called 'Prime Fish'. Of little taming value, tribes do keep schools of Leedsichthys in pens for meat, as it is so huge, chunks of meat can be cut from it without causing it death or permanent injury.

Ichthyornis Piscoquus - Considered just a "plain old" normal seagull, Ichthyornis, lives near beaches, surviving off of native fish. While timid by nature, if tamed, they become partners for their tamer, riding their shoulders and bringing small gifts of fish throughout the day.

Iguanodon Vicissitudinis - Is a large herbivorous dinosaur that bears a strong resemblance to the Parasaurolophus but without the distinct head crest. Iguanodon has two spike-like thumbs for prying fruits open to pick out the seeds and for  stabbing would-be predators. They are as capable of walking on all fours as they are on just their hind legs. Combined with its highly effective fruit harvesting and substantial carry weight, the Iguanodon's excellent mobility in bipedal stance makes it an ideal field-hand that can also pull off a quick get-away, or an agile defense, when needed.

The TEK Tier for ARK is being implemented in multiple phases, with the new update including awesome new element powered gear like:

  • New Structure: TEK Power Generator. The wireless generators power TEK structures and any Tribe electrical structures in adjustable range.
  • New Structures & Mechanic: TEK Underwater Bases. Allows fully-enclosed structures to be created underwater, with ventilators to allow oxygen filled room. Air-locks and moonpools allow players to enter and exit without flooding their base.
  • New Structure: TEK Teleporter. Helps players move around the expansive open-world island. But very expensive to obtain!
  • New Item: TEK Mosa Saddle. Once properly placed on the Mosasaur it equips the beast with lasers and more.

Full List of v256 New Content

  • Mechanic: Aquatic & Amphibious Creature Breeding
  • Dinos: Equus, Leedsichthys, Ichthyornis, Iguanodon!
  • Structures & Mechanic: Tek Underwater Bases
  • TEK Items: TEK Teleporter, TEK Mosa Saddle, TEK Power Generator
  • Total Inventory Menu redesign (other UI's coming soon!)
  • 1 New Hairstyle and 1 New Facial Hairstyle (male and female variants). Growable ponytails with full physics and mutton chops!
  • 30+ Explorer Notes
  • New Weapon: The Lasso

ARK: Survival Evolved is currently available in Early Access on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.