After a period of uncertainty, fans of the dinosaur survival game Ark 2 can breathe a sigh of relief. Developer Studio Wildcard has unveiled a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended, the remake of the original Ark, which not only reassures fans of the sequel's ongoing development but also sets the stage for Ark 2. The expansion, titled Ark: Lost Colony, is the first original pack for Ark: Survival Ascended and comes with a captivating reveal trailer produced by the renowned anime studio Mappa, known for hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man. Adding to the excitement, the trailer features voiceover by Michelle Yeoh, who returns as Mei Yin, a character from Ark: The Animated Series.
Studio Wildcard has promised that Ark: Lost Colony will feature numerous cinema-grade anime story sequences crafted by Mappa. According to the official description, players will embark on a soul-searching journey in a new frozen world, following the legendary Ark survivor Mei Yin. This quest delves into the chilling heart of darkness to uncover long-buried secrets of Ark's past. The expansion introduces thrilling new challenges, where survivors become the hunted in a vast occupied city. Players will gain access to powerful new character abilities, unique gear, innovative building systems, and exotic tames. The narrative of Ark: Lost Colony aims to connect the storylines of the Extinction and Genesis expansions and seamlessly leads into the events of Ark 2.
Ark 2, powered by Unreal Engine 5, is the much-anticipated sequel to the wildly successful Ark: Survival Evolved. Initially announced with a surprise appearance by Vin Diesel at The Game Awards 2020, it was slated for a 2022 release. However, it faced multiple delays, first to 2023 and then to late 2024, with plans for an Xbox Series X and S console exclusive launch, day-one availability on Game Pass, and a PC release via Steam and Windows. Despite Studio Wildcard's assurances in December 2023 of a late 2024 release, the game did not meet this timeline, causing concern among fans. The announcement of Ark: Lost Colony in early 2025 serves as a reassuring sign that Ark 2 remains in development, though no new release window was provided.
For Ark: Lost Colony, more concrete details are available. Pre-orders will begin in June 2025, with immediate access to exclusive preview gameplay content upon purchase. The full release is scheduled for November 2025, and the expansion will be priced at $29.99 for Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This expansion not only bridges the narrative gap between existing Ark content and the upcoming sequel but also promises to deliver a rich, immersive experience for fans eagerly awaiting Ark 2.
