Ark: Survival Evolved has had largely the same user interface since it first went into early access nearly two years ago, but that may change in the game’s next major PC update. Studio Wildcard designer Jeremy Stieglitz teased some big evolutions on Twitter early Saturday morning.
With regard to UI, Stieglitz asked his followers if Ark v256 will be getting the “first major UI overhaul.” To his own question, he answered “we’re going to try.” He also mentioned that Studio Wildcard sound designer Stephen Baker “has been busy [adding] a lot of new and updated sounds in Ark v256.”
Read: How To Get The Tek Tileset in Ark: Survival Evolved [GUIDE]
It’s the UI changes, of course, that will be most impactful to the current gameplay experience. Considering the game’s immense popularity, the current menu setup obviously works, but it’s no secret that it could be improved. Even for a survival game with many different meters to monitor, it can be a bit overwhelming for new players to find their way around. Also, from a visual standpoint, the present drab screens just aren't that great to look at. Adjustments have been made on the small scale to subtly move menus around, but Stieglitz has promised something more substantial.
Could it be?! Could ARK v256 be getting the first major Inventory UI overhaul?!!! We're going to try ;)
— Jeremy Stieglitz (@arkjeremy) March 11, 2017
As for new sounds, those might be entwined with the cast of Dinos that will debut with the update. Official patch notes suggest the Equus, Leedsichthys, Ichthyornis and Iguanodon are finally coming to the game, and they may have required some extra sound work. The Equus, for example, might’ve needed some horse recordings for its base.
Because Ark: Survival Evolved is a constantly developing game. It’s possible the above features may be delayed as well. After all, the highly anticipated Tek Tier did arrive later than expected. Something as critical as a major UI overhaul could potentially take time to polish for the public.
Ark: Survival Evolved is available now on PC, Xbox One, PS4, OS X and Linux. Update v256 is currently slated to arrive on PC by the end of March.
What would you like to see in Ark: Survival Evolved v256? Is a UI overhaul something you’re looking for? Tell us in the comments section!
