ARK Survival Ascended Lost Colony Reveals New Dragon, Creatures, and Major Updates
Excitement is building across the ARK community as ARK Survival Ascended Lost Colony prepares for launch. With the release just days away, Wildcard has started pulling back the curtain on what players can expect from the first brand-new story map in years — and the latest reveals are some of the biggest yet.
From a powerful new dragon to confirmed creature upgrades and upcoming seasonal events, here’s everything you need to know.
Lost Colony Is Almost Here
If all goes according to plan, Lost Colony is expected to arrive in 2 days. While veteran survivors know release dates can shift, this marks a major milestone regardless. This is the first official story-driven map added to the ARK universe since Genesis Part 2 launched back in mid-2021.
While previous additions like Bob’s Tall Tales expanded gameplay, Lost Colony represents entirely new narrative content built specifically for ARK Survival Ascended, giving players fresh lore, environments, and creatures that haven’t existed in any previous ARK title — including ARK 2.
Wildcard has also made it clear that not everything will be revealed ahead of launch, meaning players should expect surprises once they step onto the map.
Aureliax: The New Dragon Takes Flight
The standout reveal is a majestic Chinese-style dragon named Aureliax, previously teased in promotional artwork and now officially confirmed.
According to Wildcard’s description, Aureliax roams high above the frozen peaks of Arat Prime, moving with calm authority and an almost ethereal presence. Survivors who encounter it describe a creature defined by balance — capable of either lifting you up or crushing you, depending on your actions.
Rather than suggesting a traditional item-based taming method, this description hints that player behavior may influence how the Aureliax reacts. Peaceful actions in its territory could yield one outcome, while destruction and chaos might provoke aggression. Whether this ties directly into taming mechanics remains unknown, but it suggests a more dynamic interaction than most ARK creatures.
Multiple Riders Confirmed
The Aureliax also features a multi-rider saddle, allowing two players to mount the dragon at once. One survivor appears to control movement while the second rides closer to the dragon’s horn, potentially filling a combat or support role.
In the reveal images, fans also spotted what looks like a new sword design alongside previously shown armor sets, suggesting Lost Colony may introduce new weapons and gear as well.
Another Gloon Variant Joins the Roster
Lost Colony continues expanding its creature lineup with the reveal of a new blue Gloon variant, joining the previously seen yellow, pink, and green versions.
With this addition, there are now seven officially confirmed creatures for Lost Colony (not counting NPC thralls):
- Gloon variants
- Aureliax
- Veilwyn
- Malwyn (evolution)
- Solwyn (evolution)
- Ossidon
- Giga Desperus (name still unconfirmed)
The Mystery of Giga Desperus
One creature continues to spark debate: the massive bat-like monster heard in promotional audio. Some believe its name is Giga Desmodus, while others are sticking with Giga Desperus until Wildcard makes an official announcement.
Even Wildcard staff have leaned into the confusion with jokes rather than confirmation, suggesting players may not get a definitive answer until ARK Survival Ascended Lost Colony launches.
Megalosaurus Wins the Final TLC Slot
Outside of Lost Colony itself, Wildcard has confirmed that Megalosaurus is the fifth and final creature selected for a TLC (Tender Loving Care) update in 2026.
This means the following creatures are now slated for visual and ability overhauls:
- Araneo
- Quetzal
- Giganotosaurus
- Therizinosaurus
- Megalosaurus
Thanks to record-breaking donations during the Extra Life event, Wildcard raised over $200,000 — even without special server rate boosts. The studio plans to open community feedback soon, allowing players to submit ideas for how these TLC updates should look and function.
A Huge Moment for ARK — and a Bridge to ARK 2
With its launch imminent, ARK Survival Ascended Lost Colony represents one of the most important releases in the franchise’s history. New creatures, unexplored lore, and experimental mechanics are setting the stage for what comes next — including the future of ARK 2.
For longtime fans, this is the fresh start many have been waiting for. And with so much still being kept under wraps, Lost Colony’s launch may only be the beginning.
Stay tuned — the next chapter of ARK is almost here.