Ark 2: Everything you need to know

Source: Studio Wildcard (screenshot)

It’s safe to say not too many people were expecting Ark 2 to be announced during the Game Awards 2020. Furthermore, no one was expecting Vin Diesel of The Fast and Furious to be starring in a lead role. This sandbox title combines strange alien futuristic elements with creatures of eons past.

It’s very early days for Ark 2 but Studio Wildcard is giving us some interesting hints about what to expect this time around. Here’s everything you need to know about Ark 2.

The reveal trailer, which we’ve linked above, was showcased during the Game Awards 2020. It depicts Santiago protecting what appears to be his tribe members, even as mysterious threats close in on this strange alien world.

Ark 2 Story, gameplay and features

Ark 2 is a “next-generation sandbox survival experience” so it’ll probably be quite similar to Ark: Survival Evolved in many respects. This time around, there seem to be Morlock-esque creatures to contend with, in addition to the deadly dinosaurs you’d expect. There may also be more of a story.

Vin Diesel portrays Santiago, a hero in the game. Vin Diesel isn’t just in Ark 2 however, he’s also helping to make it. He’s played over 1000 hours of Ark: Survival Evolved and is serving as executive producer on Ark 2.

The trailer is stated to use in-engine footage, giving an idea of the graphical quality to expect.

What platforms is Ark 2 coming to?

Ark 2 is releasing as an Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console launch exclusive, so it’ll only be on those consoles before coming to others, such as PS5, later on. Naturally, it’ll also be available on PC.

There’s also Ark: The Animated Series

Studio Wildcard wasn’t content to grab one big actor, they wanted more. Ark: The Animated Series will also feature Santiago as portrayed by Vin Diesel. Additionally, this show is boasting the talents of actors and actresses such as Madeleine Madden, Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Butler, Jeffrey Wright, David Tennant, and Zahn McClarnon. Devery Jacobs, Ragga Ragnars, Elliot Page, Karl Urban, Malcolm McDowell, Deborah Mailman, Juliet Mills, Alan Tudyk, Ron Yuan, and Russell Crowe also feature.

Ark: The Animated Series will be released in 2022. The premise revolves around characters from different time periods all awakening on the Ark and coming into conflict or working together.

When is Ark 2‘s release date?

Ark 2 is set to release at some point in 2022. That’s all we know for now but we’ll undoubtedly get more information throughout 2021. When it does release, it could end up being one of the best Xbox open-world games available.