The first half of the new two-part expansion of Ark: Survival Evolved has arrived: Genesis, the new two-part expansion of Ark: Survival Evolved, has arrived, bringing new maps and biomes, AI companions, new dinosaurs and creatures, and a giant turtle to build a base on. It brought giant turtles that could be built on top of it. (If you need a few tips, here's how to tame the giant sea turtle, Megachelon, in Ark.Genesis: Genesis)

The arrival of Genesis brings an added bonus for those who have never played Ark: Survival Evolved base game is free to play on Steam from now until Monday. And for those who want to continue playing after the weekend, Ark is on sale for 80% off through Monday.

This free weekend sale does not include Genesis, but all previous expansion packs ("Extinction," "Aberration," and "Scorched Earth") have been marked down 50 percent; the contents of Genesis can be the launch trailer. The second installment of Genesis is scheduled for this winter.