Is ARK 2 Still Being Made? A Deep Dive into the Highly Anticipated Sequel
Yes, ARK 2 is still very much in development and is highly anticipated. Despite some delays, Studio Wildcard has confirmed that the game is actively being worked on and is slated for a release in late 2024. The sequel to the popular survival game ARK: Survival Evolved is generating significant buzz, with promises of major overhauls and improvements, moving beyond its predecessor in several ways.
The Journey of ARK 2: Delays and Development
The road to ARK 2‘s release has not been without its bumps. Originally planned for a 2023 launch, the game faced its first delay, pushing the release window back. This delay was primarily due to the development team needing more time to familiarize themselves with the Unreal Engine 5, the engine chosen for the sequel. Unreal Engine 5 promises photorealistic visuals and advanced lighting technology which required significant learning curves. A second delay pushed the release back even further, settling on a late 2024 target.
These delays, while frustrating for eager fans, are attributed by Studio Wildcard to ensuring the final product meets their high standards and the well-being of the development team. This emphasizes that the developers are not rushing the product out the door.
What to Expect in ARK 2
ARK 2 promises significant departures from the original ARK: Survival Evolved. One of the most notable changes is the shift from first-person to a third-person perspective. This change allows for the implementation of advanced character traversal mechanics including mantling, free-climbing, parkour, sliding, and swinging. These changes aim to provide a much more fluid and dynamic movement system.
Another exciting update is the introduction of “souls-like” melee combat. This signals a move towards more challenging and strategic combat, involving blocks, dodges, combos, staggers, and special attacks. The inclusion of this “souls-like” combat system will fundamentally change the gameplay experience and make fighting more engaging and complex.
ARK 2 will take place on an alien planet after the events of Genesis: Part 2. The narrative will revolve around the “clones” separated from the Genesis Ship, dropping them into a mysterious and challenging new environment.
The game features the voice acting talent of Vin Diesel as the hero protagonist Santiago, and Auli’i Cravalho as his daughter Meeka. These prominent actors will bring a new dimension to the narrative of ARK 2.
ARK: Survival Ascended: A Distraction or a Taste of the Future?
While fans await ARK 2, they are being given ARK: Survival Ascended, a next-gen remake of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, released in August. It serves not as a distraction, but as a new way to experience ARK and potentially provides a taste of things to come for ARK 2 with its enhanced graphics and features. However, it’s crucial to note that ARK: Survival Ascended is a separate entity from ARK 2.
It is also worth noting that the original ARK: Survival Evolved servers are scheduled to shut down when Survival Ascended launches, which generated some controversy as players felt as though they were being pushed to pay for the new version. This change emphasizes the shift of focus from the original game to the new one.
Platforms and Crossplay
ARK 2 is slated to launch on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and presumably, PlayStation 5, once it launches there. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass as a day-one launch. Importantly, ARK 2 will feature cross-platform support for PC and Xbox at launch with Playstation possibly being included. This will allow gamers to play together regardless of their chosen platform, a significant step for the ARK community.
The Road Ahead for ARK 2
While there have been hurdles, the development of ARK 2 is clearly still ongoing. The team at Studio Wildcard are aiming to provide fans with a highly improved sequel using advanced gaming technology. With its ambitious changes and significant improvements, the game is poised to make a big impact on the survival genre when it finally launches in late 2024. The combination of Vin Diesel’s involvement, the switch to third-person perspective, and the “souls-like” combat system have built substantial anticipation within the gaming community. As the launch date nears, many are hoping for more updates and gameplay reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK 2
1. Is ARK 2 definitely coming out in 2024?
Yes, Studio Wildcard has confirmed that ARK 2 is currently slated for a late 2024 release. However, it’s essential to stay updated, as release dates are always subject to change.
2. Why was ARK 2 delayed?
ARK 2 was delayed due to the development team requiring more time to master the Unreal Engine 5 and ensure the overall quality of the game, alongside team well-being.
3. Will ARK 2 be first-person or third-person?
ARK 2 will be entirely third-person. This is a significant shift from the original game, which allowed both first and third-person perspectives.
4. What is the combat system like in ARK 2?
ARK 2 will feature a “souls-like” melee combat system, including blocks, dodges, combos, staggers, and special attacks. This will make combat more challenging and strategic.
5. Does Vin Diesel have a big role in ARK 2?
Yes, Vin Diesel stars as the hero protagonist Santiago in ARK 2, alongside Auli’i Cravalho as his daughter Meeka.
6. Will ARK 2 be cross-platform?
Yes, ARK 2 will have cross-platform support for PC and Xbox players at launch. Playstation support is expected.
7. Will ARK 2 take place on Earth?
No, ARK 2 will take place on an alien planet after the events of Genesis: Part 2.
8. Will my progress in ARK: Survival Evolved carry over to ARK 2?
No, ARK 2 is a separate game from the original, so progress will not be carried over.
9. Is ARK: Survival Ascended the same as ARK 2?
No, ARK: Survival Ascended is a next-gen remake of the original ARK: Survival Evolved, while ARK 2 is a completely new sequel.
10. Will the original ARK: Survival Evolved servers be shut down?
Yes, official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved will be shut down when ARK: Survival Ascended launches.
11. What game engine is ARK 2 being built on?
ARK 2 is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which allows for advanced graphics and technology.
12. Will ARK 2 be available on PlayStation?
ARK 2 is expected to be available on Playstation 5 as well, although Playstation has not been confirmed yet.
13. Will ARK 2 be free?
ARK 2 will not be free. You will need to purchase the game to play it.
14. Will ARK 2 be on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, ARK 2 will be available on Xbox Game Pass as a day-one launch on Xbox Series X|S.
15. Where can I stay up to date on ARK 2 news?
Stay updated on ARK 2 by following the official Studio Wildcard channels, social media, and reputable gaming news sites.