ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival game where, in addition to the standard elements for this genre, there are also dinosaurs. Some creatures will behave predatorily towards the protagonist, and he will even be able to make friends with some. You can tame the latter and ride them, attaching a saddle to your back, or use them as allies. Each species has different skills: Utahraptors and Trodons are suitable for defending the base, while Tyrannosaurs and Triceratops are useful in attack.

Some skills of creatures, such as wyvern breathing, are controlled by the gamer personally. In addition to thick-skinned critters, the world of Ark: Survival Evolved is also inhabited by monkeys, dodos, saber-toothed tigers and other prehistoric animals. In order not to die, the character will have to run around the map, get resources to start a fire and sew clothes. Recipes and projects are available in the craft section. The hero will also look for food and build a shelter. Hunger and thirst levels are gradually decreasing. The first scale is replenished with vegetables and meat, and the second requires clean water.

All indicators are displayed on a hologram appearing from an implant implanted in the protagonist’s left arm. There you can also access your inventory. If you ignore the hero's needs for too long, he will die. The user has access to a character editor where he can customize him. There is also leveling, and increasing the level gives you engram points, which are necessary to unlock recipes. In multiplayer, gamers can create their own tribes, join groups and interact with each other.