Is ARK 2 Going to Be Open World? A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Survival Sequel
Yes, ARK 2 is definitively going to be an open-world game. This is a core element of its design, deeply rooted in the success of its predecessor, ARK: Survival Evolved. While many aspects of the game are evolving, the developers at Studio Wildcard have made it clear that the freedom and exploration inherent in an open-world setting will remain central to the ARK 2 experience. Players can expect a massive, explorable environment where they will need to survive, craft, build, and ultimately thrive in a dangerous, prehistoric (and now alien) landscape.
The Open-World Foundation of ARK 2
The decision to maintain an open-world structure stems from the first game’s popularity. The ability to roam freely, discover hidden areas, tame creatures, and create your own story within a vast and dynamic environment is what drew millions to the original. ARK 2 seeks to build upon this foundation, refining the experience with significant enhancements. While the core survival aspects remain, the game will also introduce narrative elements that will encourage players to uncover the mysteries of this new world.
The world of ARK 2, however, won’t be a simple rehash of the first game’s maps. The setting will shift to an alien planet, following the events of the Genesis: Part 2 DLC. All the “clones” that were separated from the Genesis Ship will be dropped into this new environment. This new location guarantees a completely fresh experience, full of previously unseen biomes, unique challenges, and of course, brand new creatures. Players should not anticipate an open-world similar to the original ARK, but one with an entirely alien environment that encourages exploration and discovery.
Evolution of the Open-World Experience
While retaining its core open-world structure, ARK 2 introduces significant changes to the game mechanics. Most notably, there is a move towards a “strict” third-person perspective, a departure from the first-person option available in the first game. This will significantly impact character traversal and combat. Studio Wildcard is implementing various new traversal systems, such as sliding, swinging, free-climbing, mantling, and parkour. These improvements suggest a more dynamic and physically engaging open world, encouraging players to navigate their surroundings in more creative and acrobatic ways.
Additionally, the game is leaning more heavily into primitive weaponry, offering a different feel for combat and exploration. This shift from modern weapons further emphasizes the game’s survival and wilderness focus. Players will find themselves relying on their skill and ingenuity to navigate the dangers, instead of simply relying on modern firearms. This focus on primitive weaponry will add a fresh layer of complexity and challenge to the open-world experience.
Multiplayer Open World Dynamics
Crucially, ARK 2 will retain its multiplayer focus. This confirms that the social interactions, alliances, and rivalries which defined much of the original’s gameplay will continue. Whether these mechanics are going to be exactly the same as in the original, or if there are any modifications to the player limit on the servers, remains to be seen. So far, all information points toward a multiplayer world, where it will be possible to interact with other players.
The scale and scope of the multiplayer experience are still somewhat shrouded in mystery. It remains unclear what the server size will be, or whether players will have the option of hosting private games. However, the emphasis on the social aspect of the first game indicates that the multiplayer environment will be a key component of the ARK 2 open-world experience.
Conclusion: Open-World Survival Reimagined
In summary, ARK 2 is undoubtedly going to be an open-world survival game. It will build upon the existing framework of the first game, adding more advanced traversal and combat mechanics, as well as new environments and challenges, alongside the switch to third-person and a more primitive arsenal. Players can expect a complex and immersive world that encourages exploration, resourcefulness, and, most likely, plenty of cooperation and conflict. Studio Wildcard is betting on the fact that the open-world experience that worked so well in the original will be appealing once again in the sequel, alongside all the improvements and additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK 2’s Open World
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify what players can expect in terms of ARK 2’s open-world experience:
1. Will ARK 2 be single-player friendly?
While confirmed to be multiplayer, the possibility of a single-player mode or private servers remains unclear. We will have to wait for more official announcements to know if private world creation and single-player mode will be an option.
2. Is the world in ARK 2 the same as in ARK: Survival Evolved?
No. ARK 2 takes place on an alien planet after the events of Genesis: Part 2. Therefore, the maps are entirely new.
3. Will there be new dinosaurs in the open world?
Yes, the developers have confirmed new creatures, including the Stegosaurus and the Brachiosaurus. Expect a wealth of new species to encounter and tame.
4. How will the new traversal system affect open-world exploration?
The new traversal systems, including sliding, swinging, free-climbing, mantling, and parkour, will make exploration more dynamic, offering multiple options for navigation.
5. Will ARK 2’s open world be more story-driven than ARK: Survival Evolved?
Yes, ARK 2 has an “epic story” where Vin Diesel stars as the hero character, Santiago, aiming to protect his daughter.
6. Will the primitive weapons change the open-world combat mechanics?
Yes, the focus on primitive weapons will force players to rely more on strategy and skill rather than modern firearms, making combat a more challenging part of the open-world experience.
7. Will the official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved shut down with the release of ARK 2?
Official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved will shut down when the remastered Survival Ascended launches, but unofficial and single-player modes remain available.
8. Will my character carry over from ARK: Survival Evolved to ARK 2?
No, you will not be able to use your character from the first game. ARK 2 is a brand-new game with a separate world.
9. Is there any way to get a free upgrade from ARK: Survival Evolved to ARK 2?
There is no free upgrade from the original ARK to ARK: Survival Ascended. Players must purchase a bundle that includes the remaster and the sequel.
10. Is the open-world environment fully seamless?
No information has yet been released regarding the world being seamless or if there are loading screens between zones.
11. When will ARK 2 be released?
ARK 2 is currently expected in late 2024.
12. Is there any way to play ARK: Survival Evolved once the servers shut down?
Yes, you can continue playing the original ARK in single-player mode or on unofficial servers.
13. Does the third-person camera change how the open world is experienced?
Yes, with no first-person option, the third-person perspective will change player engagement and exploration.
14. How does the switch to Unreal Engine 5 affect the open world?
The move to Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) allows for more photorealistic graphics and improved performance of the open world.
15. Will ARK 2 have a beta program for players to test the open world?
Yes, ARK 2 will have a closed beta sometime in 2024, offering players a chance to experience it early.