PixARK: Terracrypt Takes the Janky Fun of Survival and Adds a Touch of Satisfactory

Screenshot: PixArk

I’ve never played PixArk before now, but I have played Ark. And while I know it has a cult following and established fanbase, I never saw the appeal. I wrote a review for Ark back when it hit 1.0 and the entire game felt waterlogged. Bloated and cumbersome, like something that is overcomplicated and literally slow because of how badly optimized it was.

But I have to admit that premise is compelling, and I love me some open world sandbox games with breadcrumb stories. Subnautica is one of my favorite games ever, and I have some cherished memories from playing The Forest. PixArk does what Ark set out to do, but mixed in with Minecraft blockiness that makes all of the cumbersome elements feel–well, like they all fit neatly together.

Screenshot: PixArk

I’m just saying that PixArk is definitely a more palatable version of Ark–at least to me. I don’t need photorealistic graphics and jank for a good time. Developer Snail Games took Studio Wildcard’s classic game and made it less janky and more fun. You still have dinosaurs and animals to tame. Though there is a lot of competition in the block building video game landscape because games like Hytale and, well, Minecraft remain popular.

I played PixArk long ago when it first released, and I remember my impression was generally favorable. It has the mystique and allure of Ark, so there’s more out there than just endless procedural generation. 

Screenshot: PixArk

Terracrypt leans into that even more with a whole new story, and new bosses to fight, new biomes, and secrets to uncover. And there’s a lot of story and secrets to uncover as you make your way deeper into the underground depths of Terracrypt. Terracrypt is the first paid expansion for PixArk, and adds almost a dozen new bosses, just about as many biomes, and a whole bunch of new stuff to discover. There’s also a narrative trail to follow as you uncover the mysteries of the underground world you find yourself trapped in. 

Terracrypt, I should say, is a separate experience from PixArk. I would have much preferred it to be a new world, or section of world to visit with an established character. I mean, if I had one. So Terracrypt is a great entry point for those just starting out and wanting to check out PixArk (or you can play the base game while it’s still free for the next few days).

Screenshot: PixArk

But Terracrypt it’s its own experience divorced from the base game from beginning to end.I would love to tell you that, in the five or so days that I’ve had access to Terracrypt I managed to get through the story and tell you all about it. But I think I’ve barely scratched the surface. 

Another new addition with Teracrypt is the ability to automate base functions. Terracrypt has base automations built right into the tech tree. This is the first for an Ark game, and adds a little Satisfactory (or Factorio if you prefer) into the mix of flavors. 

Screenshot: PixArk

Terracrypt is available today