ARK 2 is currently targeted for 2028. Studio Wildcard co-founder Jeremy Stieglitz described that year as the studio’s intention in a December 2025 report; he did not give a month or day, and the target is not a guaranteed release date.
When is ARK 2 coming out?
The latest located release target is 2028. In an interview reported by the Epic Games Store on December 18, 2025, Stieglitz was asked whether ARK 2 would arrive in 2028. His answer was: “That’s our intention.” This indicates a planned year, not a confirmed launch date.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved (PS4) | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved - Xbox One | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved (Nintendo Switch) | $35.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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ARK: Survival Evolved - Xbox One (Renewed) | $21.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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ARK Survival Evolved Definitive Complete Guide & Walkthrough (Latest Update 2025) All Strategies,... | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
PC Gamer’s February 19, 2026 overview also reports 2028 as the latest target it found.
How the release target changed
- December 2020: Xbox Wire announced ARK 2 as a console launch exclusive for Xbox Series X|S, with more news to come. Read the original announcement.
- April 2023: Studio Wildcard moved the planned release to the end of 2024. That date is an earlier target and has been superseded. Read Studio Wildcard’s announcement archive.
- December 2025: Stieglitz described 2028 as the studio’s intention, the latest located timing statement.
What platforms will ARK 2 be on?
The available announcements establish historical plans, not a definitive platform list for the 2028 target. The 2020 announcement named Xbox Series X|S; the 2023 delay announcement referred to Xbox, Game Pass, and Windows distribution. Treat those as earlier plans until Studio Wildcard or a current official store listing confirms availability for the newer target. The older Game Pass mention is not a guarantee of launch-day access.
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- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
What is Legacy of Santiago?
The December 2025 report describes Legacy of Santiago as a planned prequel expansion for ARK: Survival Ascended, targeted for late 2027. It is intended to let players try some mechanics and features planned for ARK 2. That roadmap detail does not establish a specific ARK 2 launch date.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
Rank #3
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game. Run too far and not only will you be exhausted, but you will also quickly get hungry and thirsty. Weather effects are based on real-world climates, and so you'll need to hide out from rain and snow, while making the most of sunny days
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Gather Resources, Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes and style of everything from the walls of your home, to your character's armor, weapons and more
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout. Make your way to the final boss and figure out why you've been dropped into this Jurassic-era experience
Rank #2
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
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