What is the Astraeos map in ARK: Survival Ascended?

Astraeos is a paid DLC expansion map spanning 264 square kilometers, inspired by Greek mythology. Released February 14, 2025, it features Mediterranean coasts with marble cliffs, cherry blossom paradises, Appalachian mountain terrain, a vast ocean ecosystem, a volcanic island, and the Phokintos region with a Wyvern Canyon. It includes a teleportation system, ancient ruins, dungeons, and enhanced loot blessed by Zeus.

Where are the resources on the Astraeos map?

Resources are distributed across biomes: Metal in Appalachian mountain regions and volcanic areas, Crystal on the volcanic island and in cave systems, Obsidian on the volcano island and mountainous regions, Oil on the ocean floor and land-based nodes, Silica Pearls in the ocean ecosystem and coastal areas, Element from Supply Drops and boss encounters, and Stone from marble cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.

Astraeos

Astraeos Map - ARK: Survival Ascended

Q: What unique creatures are on Astraeos?

Astraeos features The Maeguana (exclusive Maewing variant with reptilian appearance and gliding membrane), Astral Creatures (enhanced Alpha variants that glow blue with superior loot drops), Lightning Creatures dwelling on Volcano Island, mythological bosses inspired by Greek legends, cave minibosses, and unique marine life in the expansive underwater ecosystem.

Interactive resource map, creature spawns, caves, artifacts & more

Last updated: August 2026

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Astraeos - Detailed Guide

Astraeos is a paid, official, and non-canonical DLC expansion map for ARK: Survival Ascended, developed by Nekatus in partnership with Nitrado. This vast 264 square kilometer map is steeped in Greek mythology, featuring majestic mountain ridges, marble cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, and paradise cherry blossoms. Released on February 14, 2025, for $14.99 USD, and completed with the Heaven and Abyss update, which added the floating peaks of Helianthos, the deep sea city of Abyssanthos, the Trireme warship, and two Kraken ascension fights.

Diverse Biomes & Regions

Astraeos spans over 264 sq km with diverse environments inspired by various real-world locations:

Mediterranean Coast

Stunning coastal landscapes inspired by the Mediterranean, featuring marble cliffs, pristine beaches, and ancient architecture. Perfect for establishing scenic bases with access to coastal resources.

Cherry Blossom Paradise

Serene and beautiful cherry blossom areas offering a peaceful environment for base building. These picturesque locations provide a tranquil contrast to the more dangerous regions of the map.

Appalachian Terrain

Rugged mountainous terrain inspired by Appalachian landscapes. Features challenging topography with rich resource deposits and elevated vantage points for strategic base placement.

Expansive Ocean Ecosystem

Vast underwater ecosystem filled with mysteries and marine life. Explore the depths to uncover hidden treasures and face unique aquatic challenges beneath the waves.

Volcano Island

Fiery volcanic island home to lightning creatures and extreme environmental hazards. Rich in rare resources but requires specialized gear and preparation to survive the intense conditions.

Phokintos

One of the major regions featuring the Wyvern Canyon and cavern systems. This area offers both aerial challenges and underground exploration opportunities.

Helianthos

A bright, lush island of towering mountain ridges and open flower filled plains, home to peaceful creatures and flying islands suspended high above the landscape. A gentler place to settle than most of the map.

Abyssanthos

A fog shrouded deep sea expanse holding a mythical underwater city. Enormous underwater air bubbles make it one of the few places you can build a proper base far beneath the surface.

Lemnokis Island

A massive landmass of contrasting climates, from snowbound and sun warmed redwoods to sprawling valleys and an extensive network of buildable caves, including one carved deep within a glacier. Offshore lies the Maelstrom, far out in the ocean.

Pyranthos

A brutal desert where shifting dunes conceal forgotten temples and buried pathways. Deathworms tunnel beneath the sands and five artifact caves wait underground, including the Minotaur Labyrinth.

Unique Features & Mechanics

What makes Astraeos special compared to other maps:

•Greek Mythology Theme: Inspired by ancient Greek culture with temples and ruins

•Massive Scale: 264 square kilometers of explorable terrain

•Teleportation System: Fast travel between spawn areas using radial menu (Hold R/X/Square)

•Ancient Ruins & Sacred Temples: Historically inspired sites ready to claim

•Challenging Dungeons: Loot-filled labyrinths with unique rewards

•Enhanced Loot System: Blessed by Zeus - conquer OSDs, Element Veins, and special Supply Drops

•The Trireme: An ancient warship you can build and sail, suited to rough water navigation

•Ocean Wave Physics: Rolling waves and weather events that make the open sea a real hazard

•Underwater Base Building: Air pockets in Abyssanthos let you build far below the surface

•Two Ascension Encounters: Defeat both Krakens to reach the maximum player level

•Custom Cosmetic Support: Astraeos Wardrobe mod for custom skins

•Custom Structures: Astraeos Structures mod for themed building

Survival Strategies

Essential knowledge for thriving on Astraeos:

•Start in Mediterranean coastal areas for the safest early game experience

•Use the teleportation system to quickly travel between spawn locations

•Explore ancient ruins and temples for valuable loot and artifacts

•Prepare specialized gear before venturing into Volcano Island

•Take advantage of the cherry blossom areas for peaceful base building

•Hunt Astral (enhanced Alpha) creatures for superior loot rewards

•Explore the ocean depths for unique marine resources and mysteries

•Challenge dungeons only when well-prepared - they contain valuable rewards

Resource Guide

Where to find essential resources across Astraeos's diverse biomes:

metalAppalachian mountain regions and volcanic areas

crystalVolcanic island and underground cave systems

obsidianVolcano island and specific mountainous regions

oilOcean floor deposits and certain land-based nodes

pearlsExpansive ocean ecosystem and coastal underwater areas

elementEnhanced Supply Drops, Element Veins, and boss encounters

stoneMarble cliffs and Mediterranean coastal areas

woodCherry blossom areas and forested mountain regions

Notable Creatures

Distinctive creatures found on Astraeos:

•Boaratos: A massive, fiercely aggressive and scorching boar found only on Astraeos

•The Maeguana: Exclusive Maewing variant with reptilian appearance and gliding membrane

•Grand Tortugar: A mobile stronghold whose carapace opens into a shielded command post

•Astral Creatures: Enhanced Alpha variants that glow blue with superior loot drops

•Lightning Creatures: Fire-resistant beings dwelling on Volcano Island

•Concavenator: A pack hunter that swims beneath the dunes and ambushes from above

•Cave Minibosses: Fearsome creatures lurking within mysterious cave systems

•Marine Life: Unique ocean creatures in the expansive underwater ecosystem

Boss & Miniboss Encounters

The trials waiting on Astraeos, from cave minibosses to full ascension:

•Abyssalus the Void Beneath: The underwater half of the Kraken ascension, fought in Gamma, Beta and Alpha

•Shallocis the Void Above: The surface half of the Kraken ascension, also fought at all three difficulties

•Kroaratos: A miniboss version of the Boaratos, far heavier and far angrier than the wild boar

•Colossus: An immense miniboss that fights with a sword and shield

•Hydraskos the Unbroken: Buried in the ruins of Pyranthos, with five hungry heads to remove

•Kalydonios and Erymanthian: A duo miniboss on Lemnokis, wielding fire and poisonous gas

•Grand Tortugar Saddle: Now part of the loot you can claim from miniboss encounters

Greek Mythology & Enhanced Loot

Experience the power of the gods with Astraeos's unique systems:

•Zeus's Blessing: Enhanced loot system affecting OSDs, Element Veins, and Supply Drops

•Sacred Temples: Claimable structures inspired by ancient Greek architecture

•Mythological Bosses: Herculean challenges against legendary Greek-inspired foes

•Ancient Ruins: Historically inspired sites scattered throughout the landscape

•Divine Rewards: Superior loot drops from Astral (enhanced Alpha) creatures

Mod Support & Customization

Enhance your Astraeos experience with official companion mods:

•Astraeos - Wardrobe: Custom cosmetic mod featuring Greek-themed skins and outfits

•Astraeos - Structures: Standalone mod with custom Greek architectural building pieces

•Custom Skins: Themed cosmetic options that match the Greek mythology setting

•Architectural Elements: Build authentic Greek temples and structures

Unlockable Cosmetics

Rewards you earn on the map rather than install:

Astraeos Boss HelmetBoaratos Spartan SaddleDivine SwordDivine PikeDivine ShieldTrireme Chair

Strategic Base Locations

Recommended areas to establish your presence on Astraeos:

•Mediterranean Coastline: Scenic marble cliff locations with beach access

•Cherry Blossom Groves: Peaceful areas perfect for secure, beautiful bases

•Ancient Temple Sites: Claimable structures with historical significance

•Appalachian Highlands: Elevated positions with good resource access

•Coastal Beaches: Safe starting locations with pristine white sand

The Map Is Complete

Astraeos reached its final release with the Heaven and Abyss update, which added the Helianthos island, the Abyssanthos deep sea region, a second Boss Terminal on the western side of the map, the Boaratos, the Colossus and Kroaratos minibosses, and the two Kraken ascension fights. Defeating both Krakens awards the maximum player level, so the path to ascension is now fully open.

Astraeos represents a unique blend of Greek mythology and ARK survival gameplay, offering 264 square kilometers of diverse terrain to explore. From the tranquil cherry blossom groves to the dangerous Volcano Island, from the flying islands of Helianthos down to the air pockets of Abyssanthos, this paid DLC expansion provides both new and veteran survivors with fresh challenges, enhanced loot systems, and mythological adventures. Whether you're taming the exclusive Maeguana, riding a Boaratos, sailing a Trireme through rolling waves, or facing both Krakens for the maximum player level, Astraeos delivers an epic odyssey worthy of the gods themselves.