Quetz, Megalo, Giga, Spider
This year's Extra LIFE Charity campaign for ARK: Survival Ascended is in full swing. With over $136,000 raised in donations (as of November 8, 2025), four creature TLCs ("Tender Loving Care" updates) have been released by Studio Wildcard so far. The community continues to donate until November 10, 2025, to enable additional improvements.
The updates currently affect the following animals (subject to change until November 10).
- Quetzalcoatlus
- Giganotosaurus
- Megalosaurus
- Araneo
The final release order will be announced gradually:
- November 14: First winner
- November 21: Second winner
- November 28: Third winner
Below is an overview of the four selected creatures and what to expect from their TLCs.
Quetzalcoatlus – The Sky Titan
The Quetzalcoatlus is one of the largest flying creatures to have ever existed on Earth. With a wingspan of over ten meters, it dominated the skies of the late Cretaceous period. In ARK, the "Quetz" has always been regarded as a flying cargo carrier – practical, but visually and mechanically outdated in the modern era of ASA.
Possible TLC improvements:
- New, more detailed flight model with adjusted wing physics.
- Revised saddle and platform building system (better performance, balance).
- Possibly new flight maneuvers or cargo mechanics, similar to the Argentavis rework.
- Improved textures and animations for a more realistic gliding flight.
Giganotosaurus – The Giant Among Predators
The Giganotosaurus carolinii was a massive theropod from the late Cretaceous of Argentina and is considered one of the largest land-dwelling carnivores in Earth's history. In ARK, the "Giga" has long been the epitome of raw power – but also of an outdated model with limited animation.
Possible TLC improvements:
- Complete model remake with new skin details, more realistic proportions, and improved jaw mechanics.
- Expanded combat animations (bite, stomp, roar with debuff effect).
- Possible adjustments to rage mechanics and taming balance.
- Newly tuned footstep sounds and effects for greater presence.
Megalosaurus – The Nocturnal Hunter
The Megalosaurus bucklandii was a medium-sized carnivorous dinosaur from the Jurassic period and one of the first officially described dinosaurs in science. In ARK, it is characterized by its day-night cycle – sleepy during the day, deadly active at night.
Possible TLC improvements:
- Visual update with revised textures, shiny scales, and realistic lighting.
- Improved AI logic that makes its fatigue and wake phases more believable.
- New animations for nighttime stalking or climbing.
- Possible adjustment of taming balance to make it more relevant in PvE.
Araneo – The Mistress of Webs
The Araneo is based on ancient spider forms from the Carboniferous period, when gigantic arthropods thrived due to high oxygen levels. In ARK, it has long been an overlooked creature – useful as a base defender, but visually and mechanically outdated.
Possible TLC improvements:
- New spider model with finer body structure, hairy surface, and more shiny segments.
- Expanded web tactics: spider traps, climbing walls, or webs for defense.
- Possible introduction of a venom system (paralysis, slowing, acid).
- Improved mobility on vertical surfaces and ceilings.
Conclusion
With four confirmed TLCs, Wildcard is once again relying on a successful concept: bringing old classics up to the visual, technical, and gameplay standards of modern creatures. Players will find out which of these updates will be released first in mid-November.
The donation campaign continues – and every new donation brings the chance for another long-awaited rework.
