Will Ark 2 Be Third Person? A Comprehensive Look at the New Perspective
The answer is a resounding yes, Ark 2 will primarily be a third-person game. This represents a significant departure from its predecessor, Ark: Survival Evolved, which offered both first-person and third-person perspectives. Studio Wildcard has made it clear that Ark 2’s combat system is designed specifically for a third-person camera, aiming for a “Souls-like” melee experience. This shift is coupled with advanced character traversal mechanics, a heavier focus on primitive weaponry, and a more structured narrative, all indicating a drastically different gameplay experience. Prepare to see your survivor in all their glory as they navigate the treacherous world of Arat!
Diving Deep into Ark 2’s Third-Person Focus
The decision to make Ark 2 primarily a third-person game isn’t merely a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters how players will interact with the world and engage in combat. The “Souls-like” combat system implies a greater emphasis on precise movements, strategic positioning, and deliberate attacks – elements that are arguably better suited to a third-person perspective.
Enhanced Traversal Mechanics
The move to third-person also enables a range of new and exciting traversal mechanics. Ark 2 promises “Advanced character traversal mechanics include mantling, free-climbing, parkour, sliding, and swinging!” These features, common in many modern action-adventure games, are much more intuitive and visually engaging from a third-person viewpoint. Imagine scaling cliffs, navigating dense forests, and traversing treacherous landscapes with a fluid and dynamic movement system. This change adds a new layer of immersion and allows for more creative exploration.
A New Combat Paradigm
The “Souls-like” combat system, coupled with a third-person perspective, suggests a more challenging and strategic combat experience. Players will need to carefully manage their stamina, time their attacks, and exploit enemy weaknesses. This is a far cry from the often frantic and chaotic combat of the original Ark, where first-person gunplay often dominated. While the shift might alienate some players who preferred the first-person perspective, it opens up new possibilities for depth and nuance in combat encounters.
Implications for Exploration and Immersion
While Ark: Survival Evolved provided both perspectives, the sequel is intentionally made in third-person, so you can expect an enhanced sense of connection to your character. Seeing your survivor navigate the world, craft items, and interact with dinosaurs can significantly enhance the feeling of immersion. This change can also contribute to a more personal and engaging narrative, particularly with Vin Diesel’s involvement as the character Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark 2 and its Perspective
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation regarding Ark 2’s perspective and its differences from Ark: Survival Evolved.
1. Will Ark 2 have a first-person option at all?
While it isn’t entirely confirmed if it will never be an option, it appears that Ark 2 is being developed primarily with a third-person perspective in mind. The current information suggests that the core gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat system, are built around this viewpoint.
2. Why did the developers choose to make Ark 2 third-person?
The developers likely chose third-person to facilitate the new combat system and traversal mechanics. It allows for better control, strategic positioning, and a more visually appealing experience with the advanced movement features.
3. How will the “Souls-like” combat work in Ark 2?
The specifics of the combat system are still emerging, but expect a focus on deliberate attacks, precise timing, stamina management, and exploiting enemy weaknesses, similar to games like Dark Souls.
4. What are the benefits of third-person in a survival game like Ark 2?
Third-person offers better situational awareness, easier navigation, and a stronger connection to your character. It also enhances the visual impact of the new traversal mechanics and combat animations.
5. Will Ark 2 still have survival elements like crafting and base building?
Yes, Ark 2 is intended to stay true to its roots as an open-world, multiplayer survival title. Expect to see familiar elements like crafting, base building, resource gathering, and dinosaur taming, but with new twists and features.
6. How different will Ark 2 be from Ark: Survival Evolved?
Ark 2 represents a significant departure from its predecessor. In addition to the third-person perspective, it features a more structured narrative, advanced traversal mechanics, a new combat system, and a heavier focus on primitive weaponry.
7. Will my progress from Ark: Survival Evolved carry over to Ark 2?
No, progress from Ark: Survival Evolved will not carry over to Ark 2. They are separate games with distinct gameplay mechanics and environments.
8. When is Ark 2 expected to be released?
As of the latest announcement, Ark 2 is delayed to the end of 2024. A closed beta is expected sometime in 2024.
9. What is “Survival Ascended” and how does it relate to Ark 2?
Survival Ascended is a UE5 remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved. Initially, it was intended to replace Ark: Survival Evolved, but both will exist, though official servers for the original game are being shut down.
10. Who is the girl in the Ark 2 trailers?
The girl in the Ark 2 trailers is named Meeka, and she is the daughter of the main character, Santiago (voiced by Vin Diesel). She is voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, known for her role as Moana.
11. What platform will Ark 2 be available on?
Ark 2 is confirmed for Xbox, Game Pass, and PC.
12. Is Ark 2 a direct sequel to the story of Ark: Survival Evolved?
Yes, Ark 2 takes place after the events of Genesis: Part 2, continuing the overarching narrative of the Ark universe.
13. Where does Ark 2 take place?
Ark 2 is set on an alien planet named “Arat”.
14. What does the community think of Ark 2’s changes?
The community is divided on the changes. Some players are excited about the new direction and the “Souls-like” combat, while others are concerned about the loss of the first-person perspective and the potential shift away from the core survival gameplay that made Ark: Survival Evolved popular.
15. Where can I learn more about the game and connect with other players?
You can follow official Ark channels on social media, visit the Studio Wildcard website, and participate in online forums and communities dedicated to Ark. To explore the broader landscape of game-based learning and research, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society is a community of scholars and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of games and learning.
Ark 2 is shaping up to be a drastically different experience from its predecessor. The shift to third-person, the “Souls-like” combat, and the advanced traversal mechanics all point to a new and potentially exciting direction for the franchise. While some players may miss the first-person option, the developers are clearly aiming to create a more immersive, challenging, and visually engaging survival experience. Whether this change is ultimately successful remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ark 2 is poised to shake up the survival genre in a big way.