It’s been seven years since we began our adventure with dinosaurs in the original Ark: Survival Evolved. But with Survival Ascended releasing in October 2023, some players are still wondering if this game is actually the second installment in the franchise.
For a game series that only started in 2017, it may be surprising how difficult it is to keep track of the release order of the Ark games. To be honest, the way Studio Wildcard chose to name the games didn’t really help clarify things. When Survival Ascended was released in 2023, many thought it was the successor to Survival Evolved. However, this is not exactly the case, and therein lies the confusion.
That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Survival Ascended and whether or not it’s actually Ark 2.
Studio WildcardArk: Survival Ascended has many dinosaurs to tame.
Is Ark: Survival Ascended really Ark 2?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not Ark 2. It’s effectively a remastered version of Survival Evolved, including improved graphics and visuals, updated character models, and more lush and deep environments thanks to Unreal Engine 5.
Ark 2 is the true successor to Survival Evolved and it is a completely independent game. It will bring new content, including cross-platform modding, an improved combat system, and component-based crafting for items.
When is Ark 2 coming out?
Ark 2 does not yet have a specific release date, but Studio Wildcard has confirmed on the game’s official forums that it will arrive before the end of 2024. Originally scheduled for 2023, Wildcard decided to push back the launch “to improve the quality of the final product”.
We are now in October 2024, and the lack of a release date worries some fans, fearing another postponement. However, until we have official confirmation, we must continue to wait for the release planned for this year.
Is Ark 2 included with Survival Ascended?
No, Ark 2 is not included with Survival Ascended. Originally, players were going to get a bundle that included both Survival Ascended and Ark 2, but Studio Wildcard revised those plans even before the remaster was released.
Instead, Survival Ascended includes remasters of all Survival Evolved expansions, while Ark 2 will be an independent acquisition.
