Comparing Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2: Are They the Same Game?

It’s been seven years since players embarked on their first journey with dinosaurs in the original Ark: Survival Evolved. With the upcoming release of Survival Ascended in October 2023, some fans are left pondering whether this marks the beginning of the second chapter in the franchise.

Though Ark started in 2017, the sequence of its releases can be surprisingly perplexing. In all fairness, the naming conventions used by Studio Wildcard haven’t simplified the situation. When Survival Ascended was announced in 2023, many assumed it was a direct sequel to Survival Evolved, but that’s not entirely accurate.

Screenshot from Ark: Survival Ascended showcasing a dinosaur — Studio Wildcard

Players will find a wide variety of dinosaurs available for taming in Ark: Survival Ascended.

Is Ark: Survival Ascended a sequel to Ark 2?

No, Ark: Survival Ascended is not Ark 2. It is in fact a remastered edition of Survival Evolved, featuring enhanced graphics and visuals, updated character models, and more detailed and vibrant environments, all powered by Unreal Engine 5.

Ark 2, on the other hand, serves as a successor to Survival Evolved, offering an entirely new gaming experience that includes cross-platform modding, refined combat dynamics, and a crafting system based on components.

What is the release date for Ark 2?

While Ark 2 currently lacks a specific launch date, Studio Wildcard has assured fans on the official forums that it will be released before the end of 2024. Initially slated for a 2023 release, the development team decided to postpone it to ensure a more polished final product.

As we move into October 2024 without a set release date, some players are anxious about the possibility of further delays. Until we receive official news, all we can do is await its anticipated launch later this year.

Will Ark 2 include Survival Ascended?

No, Ark 2 will not include Survival Ascended. Initially, there was a plan to bundle both Survival Ascended and Ark 2 together, but Studio Wildcard revised these arrangements prior to the remaster’s release.

Instead, Survival Ascended will offer remastered versions of all expansions from Survival Evolved, while Ark 2 will be available as a separate purchase.

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