ARK 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster survival game ARK: Survival Evolved, had sparked rumors of development issues or even cancellation. However, Studio Wildcard has officially confirmed that the project is not only alive but progressing—revealing a major new expansion for the ARK: Survival Ascended remake that serves as a direct bridge to the upcoming sequel.
Introducing Ark: Lost Colony
Ark: Lost Colony is the first original expansion pack designed specifically for Ark: Survival Ascended—the remastered version of the original ARK experience. The reveal trailer, produced by acclaimed anime studio MAPPA (known for *Jujutsu Kaisen*, *Attack on Titan*, and *Chainsaw Man*), features voiceover narration by Michelle Yeoh reprising her role as Mei Yin from *Ark: The Animated Series*.
According to Studio Wildcard, the expansion will include high-quality animated cinematic sequences crafted by MAPPA, enhancing the narrative depth and emotional impact of the game's world. Here’s what players can expect from the official description:
In this new frozen world, players follow in the footsteps of legendary Ark survivor Mei Yin, on a soul-searching quest deep into the chilling heart of darkness to find answers to long-buried secrets of Ark’s past.
Arc: Lost Colony will present survivors with thrilling new challenges as they become the hunted in a vast occupied city, and gain access to powerful new kinds of character abilities, unique gear, building systems, and phenomenally exotic tames.
Will Survivors be able to face down the demons lurking in Arat Prime, and connect Ark's past and future?
The developers emphasized that Ark: Lost Colony "directly connects" the story arcs of previous expansions—*Extinction* and *Genesis*—and sets the stage for the events of ARK 2, making it essential content for fans eager to understand the evolving lore of the franchise.
What Ark: Lost Colony Means for Ark 2
ARK 2 is the next-generation sequel built using Unreal Engine 5, following the massive success of *ARK: Survival Evolved*. Originally announced during The Game Awards 2020 with a surprise appearance by Vin Diesel, the game was initially slated for a 2022 release. After multiple delays, it was pushed back to late 2024, launching exclusively on Xbox Series X|S with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass and PC via Steam and Windows.
Despite missing its previously stated 2024 window, Studio Wildcard reassured fans in late 2023 that ARK 2 was still on track for a late 2024 launch. With no update since then, concerns naturally grew. This new announcement of Ark: Lost Colony arrives at a crucial moment, signaling that the team remains focused on delivering both the expansion and the sequel.
While no updated release date was shared for ARK 2, the introduction of Ark: Lost Colony offers tangible progress and a deeper immersion into the overarching storyline, helping maintain player engagement and confidence in the franchise's future.
Ark: Lost Colony Release Details
For those excited to dive in, pre-orders for Ark: Lost Colony are set to begin in June 2025. Early purchasers will immediately gain access to exclusive preview gameplay content, offering a sneak peek into the frozen frontier ahead of the full launch.
The complete expansion is scheduled for release in November 2025, available for $29.99 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms. This standalone expansion promises to deliver fresh environments, mechanics, creatures, and narrative depth, reinforcing the ARK universe's continued evolution.
