Ark: Survival Ascended is set to receive its first canonical expansion, titled Ark: Lost Colony, launching on December 16, 2025. This expansion serves as a bridge between the game's previous expansions, Extinction and Genesis, and lays the groundwork for the highly anticipated Ark 2. Notably, Lost Colony will feature well-known actors such as Michelle Yeoh and David Tennant, appearing in cinematic anime sequences produced by Japanese studio MAPPA. Players will embark on a journey in the snowy environment of Arat Prime, encountering new character ability trees, cursed gear, and creatures like the Ossidon, an apex winter predator available as preview content for those who purchase the expansion pass. Though Lost Colony is on track for release, Ark 2 remains in limbo with uncertain timelines, having been delayed since its initial announcement in 2020.

What new features can players expect in Ark: Lost Colony?

Players can anticipate new character ability trees, cursed gear, enhanced building systems, and the introduction of new creatures for taming, including the powerful Ossidon. The expansion will also connect to the animated series featuring notable voices in cinematic sequences.

Ark: Survival Ascended is part of the long-standing Ark franchise that has captivated gamers with its combination of survival elements and dinosaur taming. The franchise began with Ark: Survival Evolved, which launched in 2015 and quickly gained a passionate following due to its open-world setting and unique mechanics. The upcoming Ark 2 promises to expand upon these elements with new gameplay features and storylines, drawing even more players into its immersive prehistoric world.