With revamped gameplay mechanics and an all-new narrative, this sequel brings bold innovations to the Ark universe. Explore what’s coming next!
Key Takeaways
- Story Continuation: Ark 2’s plot unfolds after Genesis: Part 2, following a clone of Santiago stranded on a mysterious alien world.
- Vin Diesel’s Role: Diesel returns as Santiago and plays an active role in shaping the game's creative direction.
- New Content: Expect never-before-seen regions of the Ark universe, dynamic characters, and immersive story arcs.
Ark 2 Release Date Moved to 2025
Studio Wildcard has postponed Ark 2 multiple times, with the latest release window now targeting 2025 to improve gameplay quality and player satisfaction. Originally revealed at The Game Awards 2020 with a 2022 launch goal, Ark 2 was delayed to 2023, then 2024, and is now expected in 2025.
In a December 2023 update, Snail Games reiterated a late 2024 launch, but fans now anticipate Ark 2 will officially debut this year.
Ark 2 Release Platforms and Exclusivity
Ark 2 will be a launch exclusive for Xbox Series X and will also be available on PC via Xbox Game Pass.
This exclusivity means that the game will not initially be available on PS5. However, given the success of ARK: Survival Evolved on PS4, it is likely that Ark 2 will eventually be released on other platforms like the PlayStation 5 and 4 after the exclusivity period ends.
Ark 2 Trailers and Visuals
The first Ark 2 trailer, revealed at The Game Awards in 2020, showcased Vin Diesel in his role as Santiago.
Captured in-engine, it hinted at the game’s tone and some of its features, though no gameplay was shown.
The subsequent trailer, released during E3 2022, was rendered in Unreal Engine 5. It highlights the game’s stunning visuals and sets the stage for its storyline.
The trailer depicted a world where survival is a constant battle, with Santiago and his daughter, Meeka, navigating a dinosaur-infested landscape.
Ark 2 Gameplay and Mechanics
Ark 2 will bring several substantial changes compared to its predecessor:
- Souls-Like Melee Combat: The game will feature target-lock, blocking, dodging, combos, staggers, and special attacks.
- Third-Person Perspective: Enhanced traversal mechanics, including sliding, swinging, free-climbing, mantling, and parkour will be included.
- Dynamic World Events: These events occur independently of the player’s actions and offer unique rewards and challenges.
- Primitive Weaponry: There will be a focus on crafting tools and weapons from various modules, allowing for millions of possible combinations.
Ark 2 Storyline and Characters
Continuing the Saga
Ark 2’s story continues from the end of Genesis: Part 2, the last DLC for Ark: Survival Evolved.
The DLC finishes with a clone of Santiago being sent to an alien planet, which is where Ark 2 takes place.
Vin Diesel’s character, Santiago, will be the main character, and the story will introduce new parts of the Ark world.
Vin Diesel’s Role
Vin Diesel isn’t just a character in Ark 2 — he is also the president of creative convergence at Studio Wildcard.
The actor is a massive fan of the original game, having logged over 1,000 hours of playtime. As such, his experience and passion are expected to significantly impact the game’s development.
Mod Support and Future Content
Cross-Platform Mods
Ark 2 will feature cross-platform mod support through mod.io, allowing players to create and share mods across PC and Xbox.
This system will enable the addition of new dinosaurs, items, and gameplay features, ensuring a rich and customizable gaming experience.
Post-Launch Support
Studio Wildcard plans to support Ark 2 with annual DLC content through 2029, promising a steady stream of new adventures and updates.
As we await more news on the Ark 2 release date, you can check out our Black Myth Wukong review.
Stay Tuned for More Ark 2 Updates!
Slated for a 2025 release, this sequel is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated gaming titles.
Watch the latest trailers, explore gameplay insights, and get behind-the-scenes development news as launch day nears.
Add Ark 2 to your wishlist, follow Studio Wildcard for updates, and gear up to survive, evolve, and conquer in this expansive open-world adventure.
