ARK: Survival Ascended updates its engine and changes how you tame the Giga

Studio Wildcard has released an Unreal Engine 5.8 upgrade for ARK: Survival Ascended alongside a free overhaul of the Giganotosaurus. The Giga now requires a fight to tame, and its new abilities can help nearby allied creatures.

To begin an Apex Challenge, carry an Apex Offering crafted from Alpha trophies near a wild Giga. Its successful attacks build torpidity, initially capped at 50%. Enrage it and survive until the rage ends to remove that cap. At 100% torpidity it falls unconscious and can be fed.

Once tamed, the Giga gains damage and resistance as its health falls below 75%. Nearby allied creatures other than Gigas receive half its current bonus. The area attack changes with the direction you face. The Giga stomps when you look forward or to the side and slams its tail when you look back. Both attacks knock back smaller creatures and briefly slow targets. Riders also get a rage meter and a short chance to regain control by landing attacks before an enraged Giga throws them off.

The engine update improves foliage and distant views across platforms, according to the studio. The Lumen Lite lighting option is available with select PC graphics settings, and the studio plans to extend support.

The shape-changing Enigmasaur also arrives as part of the separate paid Fantastic Tames Season 1. It can imitate other creatures and retain some abilities after changing form.