The highly anticipated dinosaur survival game, Ark 2, has sparked renewed excitement after Studio Wildcard unveiled a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended, titled Ark: Lost Colony. This expansion not only reassures fans about the ongoing development of Ark 2 but also serves as a bridge between the original game and its sequel.
Ark: Lost Colony marks the first original expansion pack for the Ark 1 remake, Ark: Survival Ascended. The reveal trailer, a visually stunning piece produced by the renowned anime studio Mappa (known for Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man), features voiceover work by the acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh, who returns as Mei Yin from Ark: The Animated Series.
Studio Wildcard has promised that Ark: Lost Colony will include numerous cinema-grade anime story sequences crafted by Mappa. According to the official description, players will embark on a soul-searching journey with Mei Yin in a new frozen world. This quest delves into the chilling heart of darkness, uncovering 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 aims to connect the storylines of Ark’s Extinction and Genesis expansions, leading directly into the events of Ark 2.
Ark 2, powered by Unreal Engine 5, was first announced with a surprise cameo by Vin Diesel at The Game Awards 2020, initially 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 releases on PC via Steam and Windows. Despite assurances in December 2023 of a late 2024 release, the game did not meet that target, leading to fan concerns. The announcement of Ark: Lost Colony in early 2025 is a positive sign that Ark 2 remains in development, though no updated release window was provided.
For Ark: Lost Colony, pre-orders will commence in June 2025, granting immediate access to exclusive preview gameplay content. The full release is scheduled for November 2025, priced at $29.99 for Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
