As ARK: Survival Evolved slowly inches its way from Early Access to its scheduled 2017 official release, Studio Wildcard has taken the next big step in the form of a brand new major content update for consoles.

Titled the "v255" update, this patch was previously released to PC owners last month and is now available for free to all PlayStation 4 players. Xbox One players will have to wait just a little longer to receive this new ARK: Survival Evolved patch, but Studio Wildcard states that it is coming "very, very soon".

The "v255" update will add in a plethora of new TEK tier technology into ARK: Survival Evolved, including a complete set of TEK building structures, a TEK forcefield, and customizable TEK autodoors that add an extra finishing touch to a player's base. In addition to new technologies and base customization options, the latest update will also offer up new Survivor cosmetic customizations, such as hairstyle and beard options.

Perhaps most notably, the "v255" update will also add in four new creatures into the game's expansive dinosaur list:

• Electrophorus Beluadomito - A species of Knifefish, that uses an electrical charge to zap its prey, bringing down smaller fish and eels.
• Microraptor Gnarilongus - Resembling a bird with a reptilian face, Microraptor is a vicious predator that is instantly aggressive to anything its size or smaller (including humans).
• Ammonitina Multiamicus - One of the more unique creatures of the sea, the Ammonite resembles a nautilus, only much, much bigger. For unknown reasons, an attack on an Ammonite brings forth the wrath of all neighboring sea creatures, who will fervently defend it.
• Thylacoleo Furtimorsus - Also known as the "marsupial lion", the Thylacoleo is a powerful predator native to the island's redwood forests.

The update also features a few minor additions and fixes, such as over 30 new explorer notes, improved server performance, and an option for a per-Tribe Dino Tame limit.

This latest update is bound to be a welcome addition for all ARK: Survival Evolved fans, given that the game already contains a considerable amount of content. Of course, this only scrapes the tip of the iceberg when it comes to content in ARK: Survival Evolved as Studio Wildcard plans to introduce a new paid modder program, which means even more content for an already-massive game (that is technically still incomplete).

It remains to be seen how successful ARK: Survival Evolved will ultimately be once it is officially released, but based on the constant slew of content updates and the million copies already sold on the PlayStation 4, all signs are looking promising for the upcoming open-world dinosaur title.

ARK: Survival Evolved leaves Early Access to officially release for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC later in 2017.