The Year of Ark: What’s Coming for Ark Ascended and Ark 2 in 2025
The Year of Ark: What’s Coming for Ark Ascended and Ark 2 in 2025
As 2025 approaches, big changes are on the horizon for Ark Ascended, and the much-anticipated Ark 2 continues to loom large in the community’s discussions. With engine upgrades, new DLC content, and even wild baby flyers on the way, there’s plenty to get excited about. Let’s dive into what the next chapter holds for Ark fans!

Ark 2 Development: A Promising Update
One of the most exciting revelations is the confirmation that Ark 2 is still in active development. This news was bolstered by the announcement of a new story expansion for Ark Ascended, which bridges the gap between Extinction and Genesis while setting the stage for the events of Ark 2. Fans were thrilled to hear the familiar Ark 2 soundtrack in the teaser video, further solidifying the connection between these two projects.
The announcement of this being the first canonical expansion hints that more story-driven DLCs are on the way for Ark Ascended, adding even more depth to the Ark universe.
Anime Story Sequences with MAPPA Studio
In a surprising twist, Studio MAPPA, known for producing acclaimed anime like Attack on Titan, has been tapped to create cinema-grade anime sequences for Ark Ascended. While some might wonder how Wildcard managed to collaborate with MAPPA, it turns out the studio has prior ties to the Ark franchise. They worked on Mei Yin flashback sequences in the animated series.
With MAPPA’s reputation for high-quality storytelling, these sequences are sure to be a visual treat, drawing in anime enthusiasts and Ark players alike.
Wild Baby Flyers: A Long-Awaited Feature
For years, trailers have teased wild baby flyers, but they’ve never made it into the game. That’s set to change in 2025! According to Jat from Wildcard, the team is close to finalizing a version of wild baby flyers for release. While certain limitations on species and mechanics (such as nests) are still being worked out, this long-requested feature is finally within reach.
Unreal Engine 5.5: A Game-Changing Upgrade
The long-awaited Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade is set to roll out in Q1 2025, bringing with it a host of improvements. One major update involves refactoring maps into optional free DLCs, giving players the ability to uninstall maps they don’t use. This is a welcome change for those struggling with limited storage space. We do know that for Ark Ascended, Lost Colony will be a paid DLC.
While we await details on how Unreal Engine 5.5 will impact performance, the potential for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay is tantalizing. If Ark’s past upgrades are any indication, we can expect exciting improvements. Will Unreal Engine 5.5 be the version for Ark 2 ?
What Does 2025 Hold for Ark Fans?
With these updates, 2025 could truly be the year of Ark. Between the upcoming story expansions, the wild baby flyers, and the Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade, the Ark community has plenty to look forward to. And, of course, the continued development of Ark 2 keeps the future of the franchise looking bright.
Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to keep up with the latest Ark news here. Here’s to an exciting new year in the Ark universe-Happy New Year, survivors!