Michelle Yeoh Stars in Ark: Survival Ascended's Lost Colony, Prelude to Ark 2

The highly anticipated dinosaur survival game, Ark 2, which had been shrouded in speculation about potential development issues or even cancellation, is back in the spotlight. Developer Studio Wildcard has announced a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended, titled Ark: Lost Colony, which not only breathes new life into the franchise but also sets the stage for the upcoming sequel.

Ark: Lost Colony marks the first original expansion for the remake Ark: Survival Ascended. The reveal trailer, showcased below, was crafted by the renowned anime studio Mappa, known for their work on Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man. The trailer features voiceover work by Michelle Yeoh, who returns to her role as Mei Yin from Ark: The Animated Series.

Studio Wildcard has confirmed that Ark: Lost Colony will include numerous cinematic anime story sequences, all produced by Mappa. The official synopsis provides a glimpse into the thrilling new narrative:

In this new frozen world, players follow in the footsteps of legendary Ark survivor Mei Yin, on a soul-searching quest deep into the chilling heart of darkness to find answers to long-buried secrets of Ark’s past.

Ark: Lost Colony will present survivors with thrilling new challenges as they become the hunted in a vast occupied city, and gain access to powerful new kinds of character abilities, unique gear, building systems, and phenomenally exotic tames.

Will Survivors be able to face down the demons lurking in Arat Prime, and connect Ark's past and future?

According to Studio Wildcard's press release, Ark: Lost Colony seamlessly integrates the storylines from Ark's Extinction and Genesis expansions, paving the way for the events of Ark 2.

Ark 2, powered by Unreal Engine 5, is the sequel to the immensely popular Ark: Survival Evolved. Initially announced with a surprise appearance by Vin Diesel at The Game Awards 2020, the game was slated for a 2022 release but faced multiple delays, first to 2023 and then to late 2024. It is set to launch as an Xbox Series X and S console exclusive, available day one on Game Pass, and on PC via Steam and Windows.

Despite Studio Wildcard's reassurances in December 2023 that Ark 2 would meet its late 2024 release window, the game did not materialize, raising concerns among fans. The announcement of Ark: Lost Colony in March 2025, however, reaffirms Studio Wildcard's commitment to the franchise, though an updated release date for Ark 2 remains undisclosed.

For Ark: Lost Colony, more concrete details are available. Pre-orders will commence in June 2025, offering immediate access to exclusive preview gameplay content. The full release is scheduled for November 2025, with the expansion priced at $29.99 across Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms.