If you've been following the Ark series, you'll know that Ark 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Ark Survival Evolved, has had quite the journey. Initially teased with a Vin Diesel appearance at The Game Awards 2020, the game was originally slated for a 2022 release. However, delays pushed it to 2023 and then further to late 2024. As recently as December 2023, developers at Studio Wildcard assured fans of its progress, but without an updated timeline. Now, three months into 2025, the project seems to be back on track with the announcement of Ark: Lost Colony, the first expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended. This expansion, set to launch in November 2025, serves as a bridge between the original Ark storyline and the upcoming sequel.

Ark: Lost Colony introduces players to a brand-new frozen world where they'll follow the legendary survivor Mei Yin in a gripping narrative filled with cinematic anime sequences crafted by the renowned studio Mappa (Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan). Voiceovers are led by Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role as Mei Yin from Ark: The Animated Series. Players will encounter thrilling challenges as they navigate a vast occupied city while gaining access to enhanced abilities, unique gear, advanced building systems, and exotic creatures to tame.

The expansion directly ties together the storylines of Ark’s Extinction and Genesis expansions, paving the way for the events of Ark 2. While no official release date has been confirmed for Ark 2, pre-orders for Ark: Lost Colony begin in June 2025, offering exclusive preview gameplay content. Priced at $29.99, the full version will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

This announcement not only reassures fans that Ark 2 remains in development but also highlights Studio Wildcard's commitment to expanding the franchise's universe with engaging new content.