As 2025 drew to a close, fans of Ark Survival Ascended found themselves in the midst of an exhilarating whirlwind. The release of the highly anticipated Lost Colony DLC marked a significant milestone, being the first expansion that introduced entirely new content rather than simply remastering existing elements from Survival Evolved. Alongside this, Studio Wildcard unveiled an ambitious roadmap outlining the next two years of ASA’s journey, promising a series of seven notable releases that include revamped game modes, unexpected surprises, and substantial expansions that pave the way for the eventual launch of Ark 2.
Roadmap Realities
In a conversation with Jeremey Stieglitz, co-founder and development director of Studio Wildcard, I sought clarity on the feasibility of the roadmap’s release windows. The studio has faced challenges in the past, particularly with the much-delayed Ark 2. Stieglitz acknowledged the studio’s history with delays, noting that while deadlines have often served as aspirational targets rather than strict commitments, there has been a noticeable improvement in their ability to meet these timelines. “Look at the last two years,” he remarked. “We’ve gone from missing deadlines by several months to just one month, which is progress.” This trend instills a sense of optimism as the roadmap extends through to the end of 2027, with Ark 2 now expected in 2028.
While a separate team, Studio Sirens, is tasked with rebooting the PvP multiplayer spinoff, Ark Survival of the Fittest, Stieglitz expressed confidence in the deadlines set for the upcoming content. He shared that Lost Colony has transitioned to the capable hands of Wildcard’s live-support team, while another group is already hard at work on the pirate-themed, non-canonical Bob’s True Tales: Tides of Fortune, projected for a “late Q2” release. Additionally, the much-anticipated World Editor tool, designed to facilitate user-generated content akin to Roblox and Fortnite Creative, is also in development, with an early Q3 release anticipated.
Expanding Horizons
As I probed deeper into the new expansions, Stieglitz provided insights into the features being integrated into the reboot of Survival of the Fittest. Although he is not directly involved with this project, he shared a wishlist of enhancements aimed at addressing previous shortcomings, including meta progression and background matchmaking to streamline player experiences. “They’re trying to do all these things!” he noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit between Wildcard and Studio Sirens.
Stieglitz elaborated on the rationale behind reviving Survival of the Fittest, emphasizing its potential as an optional mode for players seeking fast-paced dino combat while honing their skills. “If [Studio Sirens] can pull that off, it would greatly benefit ASA,” he stated, expressing hope for its success.
Turning to Tides of Fortune, the incorporation of pirate themes and sailing mechanics promises to enhance the ASA remake of ASE’s Genesis Part 1 expansion, which features a water-centric map. Stieglitz also teased the upcoming Dragontopia, scheduled for late 2026, which will embrace a dragon theme as another non-canonical DLC. Meanwhile, Atlantis, the first expansion of 2027, is being crafted in collaboration with renowned modder ‘Nekatus,’ known for his creative prowess. “He’s basically a modder who turned pro,” Stieglitz remarked, underscoring the support provided by the Wildcard team.
Looking Ahead
The final expansion on the roadmap, Legacy of Santiago, is poised to serve as a crucial bridge to Ark 2. Stieglitz indicated that this expansion will allow Wildcard to experiment with new gameplay features in a live environment, rather than in isolation. “We feel doing it in a live game is much more useful to us,” he explained, highlighting the potential for innovative mechanics to be tested in this narrative context.
Should the ambitious roadmap for Ark Survival Ascended materialize as planned, the game could emerge as a formidable platform for both new content and user-generated experiences. The revival of Survival of the Fittest, combined with the introduction of the World Creator, could invigorate the community, while the experimental expansions keep players engaged. However, one must ponder whether the extensive investment in ASA might render Ark 2 somewhat redundant, despite the promise of a new narrative and fresh features. The balance between innovation and continuity will be pivotal as Studio Wildcard navigates this intricate landscape.
