Ark 2 delayed to late 2024, but a Next-Gen version of Ark: Survival Evolved is coming in August

Ark 2 has been delayed until late 2024, Studio Wildcard confirmed in a roadmap. The Dinosaur Survival sequel starring Vin Diesel was originally slated for a 2023 release, but has now been postponed as the developers need more time to “ensure the improvement of the final product”. The game is still on track for an exclusive launch on Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass, and PC, and reliance on new Unreal Engine 5 technology has caused them to adjust their workflows. As a consolation, the studio has announced a remaster of the original Ark: Survival Evolved, though it’s not a free upgrade for existing owners.

“Unreal Engine 5 is incredibly new technology for us (and all developers), and we aim to use this cutting-edge technology to its full potential while creating a game with a reach never before achieved at Studio Wildcard,” it reads. in the blog. . “As we learn more about the engine and develop the suite, we have adapted our workflows and adjusted our pipelines to accommodate this new next-gen paradigm, and because of all that implies, we need more time for development.” The developer added that it has no plans to show off any new Ark 2 footage or screenshots this year, but will keep fans informed of any development changes by “regularly showcasing” game assets. in the coming months, leading to a reveal next year.

As mentioned earlier, the company has made the decision to release a remaster for Ark: Survival Evolved, built on the next-gen Unreal Engine 5. Dubbed Ark: Survival Ascended, the title is set to release in late August, on PC. , PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, and includes modernized graphics, cross-platform modding and multiplayer support, and a new “account system” that would notify the team of any changes or feedback to consider for the development of Ark 2. “Due to the magnitude of all the technical and quality of life changes required for such a next-gen experience, it is not possible to make this new version of ARK backwards compatible, which led us to conclude that it would need a separate product,” the post adds.

However, there is a catch. Once the new remastered version is live, all official Ark: Survival Evolved servers will be shut down, essentially killing off their entire playerbase and forcing them to shell out money for the new version. Final saved data will be uploaded for players to host their own unofficial servers, in addition to being able to play on solo and non-dedicated servers.

Those on PC and Xbox Series S/X will be able to get the new remastered version as an ultimate bundle called the Ark Respawned Bundle, which includes ownership of Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2 when it launches. It is priced at $49.99 (approximately 4,108 rupees) and will be available for purchase from the end of August until the following year, after which the two games will be sold separately. Owners of the bundle can also expect exclusive one-month closed beta access to Ark 2 in 2024. Meanwhile, PS5 users can get Ark: Survival Ascended as a standalone title for $39.99 ( approximately Rs. 3,286). All expansion packs will be sold separately on all platforms.

Fans are understandably unhappy with this update because Studio Wildcard had done it teased before a completely free upgrade for Ark: Survival Evolved on Unreal Engine 5. Even the most recent Steam reviews for the game are negative – with some calling on the developers to force players to buy the game a second time. “I’m giving a negative review after spending 15,000 hours in game for the same reason everyone else is, they’re trying to force existing players to pre-purchase Ark2 by shutting down official Ark1 servers,” said one. user.

Ark 2 will now launch in late 2024 on PC, Xbox Series S/X and Xbox Game Pass. The remastered Ark: Survival Ascended, meanwhile, is slated for release in August on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

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