WithArk 2likely to come out in the next year, the sequel has a chance to further improve the technology the franchise has created. Though the sequel to the beloved prehistoric survival game has gone through considerable delays, andArk: Survival Ascendedcontinues to get DLCs, it is still surrounded by waves of excitement. Studio Wildcard has also said how it wants to expand what players and the game are capable of. In this regard, it can be expected that many new systems and items will be added.
Currently, the highest tech tier in the franchise is Tek. These are a combination of modern day technology mixed with glimpses of what is possible in the future. This endgame equipment is unlocked by defeating the different world bosses and drastically increases the power of players and dinosaurs. However,Ark 2could take this to a new level.
How Ark 2 Can Expand Technology
Science Fiction Becomes Science Reality
Ark 2has the chance to add a new tech tier beyond Tek, and the right path to go would be Alien. This would not be including a new extraterrestrial race in the game, but merely admitting they are out there or once did exist. This path also keeps the progression chain intact, moving from the prehistoric, to medieval, modern, near future, then extremely advanced.
The Alien Tier could be achieved in two ways.The first would be making them even stronger than Tek gear,but the issue with this is worrying about getting to a point where the player is too strong. Since many enemies inArk, evenunderrated S-Tier tames, are tanky, this may not be a huge issue, but one to monitor. The alternative to this is ifArk 2plans to have more threatening enemies that are on par with Alien tech.
The other option is leaving them on par with Tek gear, but making them differ in effects. For example, where the Tek Rifle does explosive damage, an Alien Rifle could make the target more susceptible to damage. The effects would vary and there’s a chance something completely new is added, but the result is the same. This option’s goal is to make the new weapons stand out for certain situations, but not lower Tek gear to be obsolete.
How A New Tech Tier Would Affect the Gameplay Of Ark 2
A New Brand Of Combat
Whether option one or two is used, the effect a new tech tier would have on the sequel is massive. First, a new system would have to be made to allow players to get this powerful gear. The easiest way to do this would be changing how Tek gear is acquired and replacing it with Alien gear, or combining both as boss rewards.An alternative option is a new system like intense trials/dungeons that would reward them. This option could be in bulk or by RNG, making it a chance forArkto add a new type of replayable encounter.
The creatures that roamArkwill also need to be adjusted with a new tech tier; namely,new damage spikes will need higher health pool targets to compensate. Not everything will need this buff, but the creatures meant to pose the biggest threats will have to be raised. The other likely effect is whatever new creatures Studio Wildcard has in mind. WhetherArk 2gets a new tech tier or not, new creatures are almost guaranteed. If a new tech tier is coming with them, some would likely have new abilities or stats meant to counter.
Overall, while a new tech tier could go numerous ways, it would feel like a fresh addition to the game. Even if the creatures are often the most popular part, giving new toys to players is never bad. Also, given the numerous delays andbleak state ofArk 2’s future, the more new content and ways it can set itself apart from its predecessor will help its success, and a new tech tier above Tek is a clear way forArk 2to accomplish this.
Source:Ark: Survival Ascended/YouTube
Ark: Survival Ascended
ARK: Survival Ascended is a reimagined version of the 2017 action-adventure survival MMORPG by the developers at Studio Wildcard and Grove Street Games. Built in Unreal Engine 5, players will return to ARK to build tribes, fight and tame dinosaurs, and brave the elements as they battle to survive in a unique sandbox where crafting and resource management is essential.
