ARK 2 FAQ — Everything We Know
Last updated: May 2026 · 9 min read
Release & Platforms
When is ARK 2 coming out?
ARK 2 is targeting a late 2026 release. Studio Wildcard announced the game in 2020 with a cinematic trailer featuring Vin Diesel, and development has continued alongside ARK: Survival Ascended (the UE5 remaster of ARK 1). The most recent developer updates confirm the game is in full production.
What platforms will ARK 2 be on?
ARK 2 launches on PC (Steam, Windows Store) and Xbox Series X|S as a console launch exclusive. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one. The PlayStation 5 version will follow, likely 6-12 months after the initial launch, based on the exclusivity window Studio Wildcard has indicated.
Will ARK 2 be on Game Pass?
Yes. ARK 2 launches day one on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. This was confirmed as part of the Xbox partnership announced in 2020.
Story & Setting
What is the ARK 2 story?
ARK 2 takes place on an alien planet after the events of ARK: Genesis Part 2. Players control Santiago (voiced and portrayed by Vin Diesel), a clone of the ARK 1 protagonist, who must protect his daughter Meeka (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) and build a tribe in a hostile world. The story focuses on survival, family, and conflict between primitive tribes and advanced technology.
Is Vin Diesel really in ARK 2?
Yes. Vin Diesel is the executive producer and lead character Santiago. He's a longtime ARK player (over 1,000 hours) and personally championed the sequel. His character's daughter Meeka is played by Auli'i Cravalho (Moana).
Gameplay
How is ARK 2 different from ARK 1?
- Souls-like combat: Third-person melee combat with lock-on, dodging, blocking, and combo systems. A major departure from ARK 1's first-person combat.
- No first-person mode at launch: ARK 2 is primarily third-person. First-person may come post-launch.
- Primitive-focused: Early game emphasizes primitive technology and survival skills. Tek-tier technology exists but requires significant progression.
- Creature AI overhaul: Wild dinosaurs have more sophisticated behavior — pack hunting, territorial defense, migration patterns, day/night cycle reactions.
- World events: Dynamic weather events, creature migrations, and NPC tribe raids that affect gameplay.
- Mod support: Full mod support on PC via a new modding framework (separate from ARK's DevKit).
Will ARK 2 have PvP?
Yes. PvP is a core feature, but Studio Wildcard has indicated they're redesigning it to be less grief-heavy than ARK 1. Expect tribe warfare, base raiding, and territory control with new anti-offline-raiding mechanics.
How many creatures will ARK 2 have?
The exact number hasn't been confirmed, but developers have shown over 20 new creatures in trailers and screenshots. Expect a launch roster of 100+ unique creatures, with more added through free updates and expansions.
Technical Details
What engine does ARK 2 use?
Unreal Engine 5 with Lumen, Nanite, and World Partition. The visual jump from ARK 1's UE4 is substantial — dynamic global illumination, significantly higher creature polygon counts, and seamless world streaming with no loading screens between biomes.
Will I lose my ARK 1 progress?
ARK 2 is a completely separate game from ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended. No progress, tames, or items carry over.
Can my PC run ARK 2?
ARK 2 is substantially more demanding than ARK 1. An RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT is expected for 1080p/60 FPS at Medium settings. See the system requirements page for full specs.