ARK 2: What’s so special, and when is it coming out?
ARK 2 brings lots of new features and improvements that will set it apart from its predecessor, we’ve got some highlights listed below
A new setting and storyline
The game is now set on a primal world named “Arat”, where you as the player must piece together the history of how you arrived and team up with legendary heroes to confront the surrounding powerful forces. The story features Vin Diesel as the legendary ARK hero Santiago, and Auli’i Cravalho as his daughter Meeka.
New advanced movement mechanics
A couple new traversal mechanics like mantling, free-climbing, parkour, sliding, and swinging are being added as movement tech to the game. These will add a dynamic element to gameplay, allowing you as the player to move more freely and be more engaged with the environment.
Mod support
ARK 2 introduces fully stackable, user-created mods for new creatures, items, gameplay features, and maps. This mod support is available for all platforms, including Xbox, due to the partnership with mod.io.
Component-based Item Crafting
ARK 2 also introduces a new crafting system where the player can now construct their weapons and tools from distinct modules, which allows for millions of possible combinations to customize their gear.
New AI
Dinosaurs will now have much smarter AI that will attempt to track and hunt by sight, sound, and smell, which adds a completely new layer of challenge and realism to the game.
Skill System with a Skill Tree
Players can gain experience points from gameplay and knowledge points from accomplishing key objectives, progressing along a massive skill tree which is filled with new active abilities, perks, and passive skills.
Realistic Environmental Effects
The game also features new advanced lighting systems, volumetric storm clouds, realistic foliage reactions, and much more. This creates a more immersive and photorealistic experience.
Release Date
ARK 2 is set to release sometime in late 2024 (which should be right around now when this blog is posted). The game will be available on Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass.
The cost for the game has not been officially announced yet, but since ARK Survival Ascended hit around the $45 mark, it’s expected to be around $60 USD, however this can depend in what country you will be purchasing the game from.
Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-7600k / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or better
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 270 or better
Storage: 60 GB Available space