Ark 2 suffers big delay, Ark: Survival Evolved servers closing to make way for remaster

Studio Wildcard has announced a big delay for Ark 2 and that a remaster for Ark: Survival Evolved is in the works.

In a lengthy blog post detailing Ark's roadmap, Studio Wildcard revealed that Ark 2 has been delayed to the end of 2024 and will no longer launch this year as planned. The developer has also announced Ark: Survival Ascended, a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, and that servers for the original game will be closed.

Ark 2 delayed to 2024

"After careful consideration, we have decided to delay the sequel's launch to the end of 2024, when it will still launch exclusively on Xbox, Game Pass, and Windows distribution platforms (Steam/PC)," Studio Wildcard said. "We’ve put much thought into delaying Ark 2 for the betterment of the final product and the team's well-being. This news will be disappointing to many — we feel it too — but we’re confident this heavy decision is the right one."

Studio Wildcard goes on to explain that the reason behind the delay is so its developers can get to grips with Unreal Engine 5 and use "this cutting-edge tech to its fullest potential while creating a game with never-before-achieved scope at Studio Wildcard."

As the end of 2024 is quite a way out, Studio Wildcard has announced it is releasing a remaster of Ark: Survival Evolved. Coming to Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC in August 2023, Ark: Survival Ascended is a remaster of the original game using Unreal Engine 5. According to the developer, you can expect a complete Unreal Engine 5 overhaul, dynamic water, interactive foliage, better performance, cross-platform multiplayer, new content, quality-of-life improvements, and much more. The remaster will include the base game, "The Island, SOTF, and all the 'non-canon' DLC maps." On Xbox and PC, it can only be purchased as part of the Ark Respawned Bundle, which includes both Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2 for $49.99, until August 2024, when both games will be sold separately.

However, with the launch of Ark: Survival Ascended, Studio Wildcard has announced it is closing all official servers for Ark: Survival Evolved at the end of August. "At that time, the final save-data from the Ark: Survival Evolved Official Servers will be uploaded for players to re-host on their own servers or play in single player/non-dedi, as well as slightly earlier snapshots," the developer said. "You will still be able to play on single-player, non-dedicated, player-dedicated, and unofficial servers." It appears that saves will also not be transferrable from Evolved to the new remaster. As Ark: Survival Evolved achievements can be earned offline in single-player, we don't think any will be discontinued.

What do you make of all this? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.

Written by Sean Carey

With a deep love for Xbox and achievements, Sean has committed to playing the best RPGs, racing games, and first-person shooters Xbox Game Pass and his precious free time will allow. Prior to joining TrueAchievements, Sean gained a degree in journalism from Solent University.