The pre-aquatica beta branch could possibly be only a short-term solution before they remove it.

So here is a way to download older version's of Ark, as a backup solution.

Or, you can use this guide if you want to play much more older versions as well that are not accessible right now!

I recommend downloading a backup save file first.

This does work for most games besides ark as well.

1. Go to SteamDB info (https://steamdb.info/), and search up the game you want to download. (Ark ASE for this guide)

2. Find the app ID through the link.

3. Find the depots section, and click on the depot ID you want to download.

4. Click on the Manifests tab. Look at the list and find the version that you want to download. Note down the manifest ID.

NOTE: make sure to note down the package id's for both the depot and manifests - these are found in the id's tab for each of the depot section and manifest section

5. Open the Steam console.

6. Enter this command in the steam console:

download_depot <appid> <depotid> <manifestid>

Replace the appid, depotid, and manifestid with the numbers you got earlier and do not enter the <>

7. Wait for Steam to download the depot.

8. After the download is done, Steam will show you where the files were downloaded to.


Or you can find it in these files (you should merge them)
..\Steam\steamapps\content\app_(REPLACEWITHAPPIDNUM)\depot_(REPLACEWITHPACKAGEID)
..\Steam\steamapps\content\app_(REPLACEWITHAPPIDNUM)\depot_(REPLACEWITHPACKAGEID)


Or go to the game's installation directory, and move the files somewhere else. Then go to where the depot files were downloaded to, and move everything over to the game folder.

You should now be able to launch the old version through Steam, but you should close steam first and restart your pc before trying. I would also disable steam cloud in the properties section incase to avoid any mix ups.

You can run the game via the downloaded file, if you did the steps right!

Quick Method to Find ARK Version from a Manifest ID


Example: You have this and want to know the version
-app 346110 -depot 346111 -manifest 5601700457073073310
Manifest ID: 5601700457073073310


Use devtrackers.gg/ark/patch_notes


You find it was uploaded to Depot 346111 on July 15, 2025

How to find upload date:
- Option 1: If you log in to steamdb with your steam account, you’ll see a full list of manifests with their upload timestamps, using ctrl+f or cmd+f you can search your manifest id on that page to find out the upload date
- Option 2: If you do not want to log in your best option is to click on the depot id and it will show the latest update or you can go on the manifest id and see the update history - both if they are provided.
- Option 3: for some versions, you can also use the ark wiki (https://ark.fandom.com/wiki/Patch_Notes) for information and dates.

- Go to devtrackers.gg/ark/patch_notes
- Filter or scroll to around July 15, 2025
- Find a post that says something like: "Patch v358.4 – Fixes map crash, improves server performance etc."

Now you know that manifest = version v358.4

Hopefully this could be a possible solution for some people!

Please rate the guide if you find it helpful so others can see it too!

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!