Ark: Survival Evolved Releases First Expansion: Scorched Earth

Ark: Survival Evolved has released its first expansion: Scorched Earth. Instead of regaining consciousness in a lush jungle players wake up in a rain-hungry desert, surround by cacti and wicked trees; sandstorms, rivers of lava, and ancient ruins wait to be explored. The trailer below shows off gorgeous environments and creatures.

Scorched Earth is an entirely new map, composed of seven unique, desert themed biomes – dunes, high desert, mountains, canyons, badlands, oasis and the ever-dangerous dragon trench – each with their own aesthetics, resources & ecosystems, and littered with ruins, geysers, and intricate ancient cave systems.

There are many fantastical creatures in the expansion: multiple dragons, sandworms, and a winged Lion—the developers are embracing mythology over paleontology for this expansion.

Players will be able to craft over 50 new items, including temporary soldiers to survive the desert's unforgiving heat. And if they live long enough, and activate the Obelisks, players will face the "deadliest boss creature to date – the ferocious Manticore!"

You won't need to make a new character. Thanks to a Gateway, you'll be transfer characters back and forth between the jungle and the desert.

The expansion does cost $19.99, and can be purchased through Steam.