With Ark 2 Scheduled for release next year, the sequel has the chance to further improve the technology that the franchise created. Although the sequel to the beloved prehistoric survival game has experienced considerable delays, and Ark: Ascended Survival continues to receive DLCs, is still surrounded by waves of excitement. Studio Wildcard also said 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 technology level in the franchise is Tek. It’s a combination of modern technology mixed with glimpses of what’s possible in the future. This ultimate equipment is unlocked by defeating the different world bosses and drastically increases the power of both players and dinosaurs. However, Ark 2 could take this to a new level.
How Ark 2 Can Expand Technology
Science fiction becomes science reality
Ark 2 has the chance to add a new level of technology beyond Tek, and the right way to go would be Alien. This wouldn’t be including a new extraterrestrial race in the game, but just admitting that they are around or once existed. This path also keeps the chain of progression intact, moving from prehistoric to medieval, modern, near future and then extremely advanced.
The Alien level can be reached in two ways. The first would be to make them even stronger than Tek equipment, but the problem is worrying about reaching a point where the player is too strong. Like many enemies in ArkEven the underrated S-Tier tames are tanky, this may not be a big problem, but it should be monitored. The alternative to this is if Ark 2 plans to have more threatening enemies that are on par with Alien technology.
The other option is to leave them at the same level as Tek equipment, but make them different in effects. For example, where the Tek Rifle deals explosive damage, an Alien Rifle can make the target more susceptible to damage. The effects vary and there is a chance that something completely new will be added, but the result is the same. The purpose of this option is to make new weapons stand out in certain situations, but not to make Tek equipment obsolete.
How a new tech level would affect Ark 2’s gameplay
A new brand of combat
Whether option one or two is used, the effect a new level of technology would have on the sequel is huge. First, a new system would have to be created to allow players to obtain this powerful equipment. The easiest way to do this would be to change how Tek gear is acquired and replace it with Alien gear, or combine both as boss rewards. An alternative option is a new system like intense trials/dungeons that would reward them. This option can be in bulk or by RNG, making it an opportunity to Ark to add a new playable encounter type.
The creatures that roam Ark it will also need to be adjusted with a new technological level; namely, new damage spikes will need higher health pool targets to compensate. Not everything will need this buff, but the creatures that pose the biggest threats will have to be created. The other likely effect is whatever new creatures Studio Wildcard has in mind. If Ark 2 receive a new technology level or not, new creatures are almost guaranteed. If a new level of technology comes with them, some will likely have new abilities or stats meant to counterattack.
Overall, while a new level of technology could take multiple paths, it would feel like a new addition to the game. Even though the creatures are often the most popular part, giving players new toys is never a bad thing. Furthermore, given the numerous delays and the bleak state of Ark 2For the future, the more new content and ways it differentiates itself from its predecessor, the more it will help its success, and a new level of technology above Tek is a clear path to Ark 2 to achieve this.
Source: Ark: Ascended Survival/YouTube