FANART BY WOLFTEK / DRAWOLF
The community has decided: The winner of the latest Community Creature Vote for ARK: Survival Ascended is the Palaeoctopus – a prehistoric octopus that will soon appear on Genesis Part 1 thanks to its unique features. The update is currently scheduled for April 2026 or later.
The Finalists' Ranking
After weeks of intense voting, the Palaeoctopus emerged with a clear lead against nine strong competitors:
- Palaeoctopus – the brewing land-octopus
- Irritator – the "Torpor Booster" for efficient stunning
- Abyssosaurus – the hypnotic hunter of the deep sea
- Crinoid – the celestial creature from the depths
- Atopodentatus – sea runner and space savior
- Rhomaleosaurus Aestosalus – the living tidal torpedo
- Saivodus – the prehistoric man-eating shark
- Tullimonstrum – the lunar magnet scout
- Giant Stick Bug – the walking tree
- Giant Lobster – the amphibious healer
With a significant margin, the Palaeoctopus secured first place and thus its spot in the upcoming DLC.
Scientific Background
The true Palaeoctopus is an extinct genus of octopuses that lived during the late Cretaceous period. The only recognized species, Palaeoctopus newboldi, was discovered in present-day Lebanon and was first scientifically described in 1896. Fossils from the Sahel-Alma deposit indicate that this cephalopod already possessed many of the modern features of today's octopuses – flexible arms, ink sacs, and a rudimentary shell organ.
Implementation in ARK: Survival Ascended
In the community vision, the Palaeoctopus is not an ordinary sea creature but a land-octopus that lives in the swamps and occasionally in the oceans of Genesis. It is about the size of a Megatherium and is known for its special ink, which can be brewed into magical potions. These potions are said to help the player in all five Genesis biomes – from the scorching heat of volcanoes to the radioactive expanses of space.
Proposed Abilities (Selection)
- Potions and Coatings: Its ink can be brewed into 11 variants – five defensive and five offensive "Brews," plus a special "Witch’s Brew."
- Camouflage: Can perfectly adapt to its surroundings, becoming invisible to creatures and turrets.
- Climbing & Grasping: Thanks to its eight arms, it can climb rocks and hold or throw opponents.
- Biome-specific Effects: Its ink changes depending on the environment – fire, ice, electricity, or even mini black holes are conceivable.
Taming (Proposal)
The Palaeoctopus is a curious being. It cannot be tamed through violence but through curiosity. Players must show it alchemical substances like narcotics, stimulants, or potions to gain its trust. The more complex the substance, the faster the taming progresses.
by Katanaa: Big thanks to ZCI5250, Sav, DjayMasi, RRG, Ashgcy, SappyDaisy, and Hatcheri for providing either feedback or art for this fella! I couldn’t have made this concept as good without their help!
Outlook
Whether all proposed mechanics will be implemented remains open – in the end, Studio Wildcard decides on the final design, abilities, and game balance. But one thing is certain: The Palaeoctopus brings a completely new form of creativity and interaction to the world of ARK: Survival Ascended – half science, half magic.
