<P> The game was initially released through Steam Early Access for Microsoft Windows on June 2, 2015, shortly before the theatrical release of Jurassic World later that month . Rapczak said that the game's release was scheduled to take advantage of the "dino fever" that was present with the film's imminent release . The game subsequently received an Early Access release for Linux and OS X on July 1, 2015, and through the Xbox Game Preview Program for Xbox One on December 16, 2015; a PlayStation 4 version was released on December 6, 2016 . The final game launched in August 2017; it was originally intended for release in June 2016, but was delayed in April . The game launched with support for Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR, and the Xbox One version was released via the ID@Xbox program . Android and iOS versions were released on June 14, 2018, and a Nintendo Switch version is due on November 30, 2018 . </P> <P> On March 16, 2016, the Survival of the Fittest game mode was released in early access as a free standalone game with no microtransactions; it was scheduled to fully launch in mid 2016, but was eventually merged back to the main game as the development team did not wish to monetize on its release, and wanted to ensure that modders can apply the development kit of Survival Evolved to create mods for Survival of the Fittest . There will be various eSports tournaments of the game mode, with a prize pool of US $50,000 . Players who played Survival of the Fittest before it was merged back into the main game can continue to play the game without paying an extra cost, while new players must pay before getting access to it . It will be available for every player who purchases the main game . </P> <P> On September 1, 2016, Studio Wildcard released the paid downloadable content (DLC) Scorched Earth . The expansion includes a new, desert map as well as several desert - themed resources and items . It also features ten new creatures, some of which are fictional, like the Wyvern . The release of paid DLC for a game still in early access caused negative reaction among players of the game, resulting in lots of negative reviews on Steam right after the expansion launch . </P> <P> On December 12, 2017, the paid DLC Aberration was released, adding a new underground / alien - themed map and 15 new alien / underground themed creatures, as well as new items such as climbing hooks and glider suits to navigate the hostile terrain . The largest map in terms of playable area, Aberration also allowed players to continue the story line of ARK and discover more of the truth about the ARK worlds . </P>

What was the first dlc expansion for ark