The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Studio Wildcard’s latest expansion, Lost Colony, for ARK: Survival Ascended takes center stage. This highly anticipated addition offers players an immersive experience while setting the stage for the much-anticipated ARK 2. Recent reports have highlighted the technological advancements expected from the upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.7, scheduled for March, which promises to significantly enhance game performance and potentially pave the way for a Nintendo Switch 2 port.
The Journey to Enhanced Gameplay
Studio Wildcard’s Jeremy Stieglitz shared insights into the studio’s unwavering commitment to improving ARK: Survival Ascended. Since its launch, the team has focused on addressing players’ concerns about content, performance, and innovation. Over the past two years, substantial progress has been made in refreshing legacy content, creating new expansions, and enhancing system performance. Unreal Engine 5.7 will bring about a further 30 to 40% performance boost on both CPU and GPU. This advancement is expected to roll out by March 2026, alongside the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 port.
Lost Colony’s Narrative and Development
The Lost Colony expansion offers a rich narrative experience, bridging the gap between ARK: Survival Ascended and the upcoming ARK 2. Players can expect an expansive Arctic setting, complete with a new storyline, engaging quests, and a skill tree of over 70 abilities. The development phase for Lost Colony was swift, with its conception beginning in the latter half of the previous year. Studio Wildcard has utilized a variety of storytelling techniques, including CGI, anime, and illustrated storybook sequences. Renowned actors such as Michelle Yeoh, David Tennant, and Karl Urban lend their voices to this epic saga.
A Glimpse into ARK’s Future
Looking ahead, Studio Wildcard is set to explore new frontiers with exciting projects like Dragontopia and ARK Atlantis, which will offer unique gameplay experiences. Meanwhile, the Legacy of Santiago will provide a prequel to ARK 2, helping the developers refine new systems ahead of the full game’s release. ARK 2 aims to return to its roots with a focus on squad-based survival and primitive combat, steering away from the fantastical elements that characterized its predecessors. With strong advancements in both gameplay and technology, the ARK franchise continues to evolve, promising an exhilarating future for players.