Bison, Dossier by Wildcard
With the next major map release for ARK: Survival Ascended, a new addition to the animal world is also coming: the Bison! Starting June 18, 2025, when Ragnarok Ascended officially launches, this impressive creature will be available for free to all players. But what can the Bison do – and why is it worth taming it?
The bison (scientifically Bison Matrislac) looks at first glance like a relic from our own Ice Age – and that’s exactly what it is. However, anyone who thinks they are just dealing with a peaceful grass-eater is greatly mistaken. The bison is a true heavyweight with a strong herd instinct and pronounced territorial behavior. Anyone who comes near it with a larger predator like an Allosaurus should be prepared for trouble.
- Name: Bison
- Species: Bison Matrislac
- Era: Early Pleistocene
- Diet: Herbivore
- Behavior: Territorial
Especially when a group of bison is on the move, they defend themselves uncompromisingly – even against much larger opponents. In the wild, it has been observed that an angry bison charged head-on at a T-Rex and even hurled it off a cliff in a bold maneuver.
Domestication
A bison cannot simply be taken down. Due to its compact, muscular build, it is very resistant to sedation – anyone wanting to tame it needs patience and the right tools. But the effort is worth it:
A tamed bison is a loyal fighter that goes into battle for its new herd – that is, your tribe – with full commitment. It may not be the fastest or most aggressive, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in tenacity and endurance. A bison can take a lot of hits and holds its ground even in prolonged confrontations.
Milk for the Future
Things get particularly interesting with female bison that are currently nursing. They produce a special bison milk that is not only very nutrient-rich but can also be useful in many recipes. Additionally, it is highly valued by young animals – even wyvern babies recognize its worth immediately and treat it like mother’s milk.
This makes the bison a particularly versatile animal: on one hand, a stable protector, and on the other, a useful resource for breeding and providing for the next generation.
The Real Bison in Prehistory
The bison Matrislac introduced in ARK is fictional, but it is clearly based on a real ancestor of today’s bison – the ancient bison, also known as Bison priscus, which lived in the early to mid-Pleistocene. These animals were not only larger and more robust than modern bison but also much better adapted to the harsh climate of the Ice Age.
They roamed large parts of Europe, Asia, and North America in massive herds and formed a central food source for predators like the cave lion – and of course, for our human ancestors as well. Numerous cave paintings, such as those in Lascaux (France), depict bison and testify to how important and present these animals were in the prehistoric world.
The ancient bison had powerful horns, a massive hump on its neck, and a thick coat – perfect for cold climates. Its survival strategy was clear: size, cohesion, and defensiveness.
Availability
The bison will be integrated into ARK: Survival Ascended simultaneously with the release of Ragnarok Ascended on June 18, 2025. You do not need to purchase any additional content – the animal will be available for free to all players.
Community Crunch 458: Introducing Bison! - ARK News - ARK - Official Community Forums
