TLC für 2026
The Extra Life Fundraising 2025 was a clear success for ARK: over $190,000 in donations were raised. At the same time, another community favorite came into focus: the TLC Update 2026. There are 5 slots available for this visual and gameplay overhaul program. Three dinos have already been confirmed: Araneo, Quetzalcoatlus, and Giganotosaurus. It is very likely that Therizinosaurus and Megalosaurus will follow. The Allosaurus has remained stubbornly in the ranking but is unlikely to gather enough votes anymore.
More information will be available in the future on the official ARK wiki: https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Tender…
Araneo
An ancient species of spider; little is known about the real Araneo, as it is largely based on fictional extensions in ARK. Used as a support tier, mainly due to web attacks and debuffs, but rarely in the meta. TLC 2026 (speculation): Higher mobility on walls, improved web effects (e.g., slower stamina regeneration for the opponent), and a more modern model.
Quetzalcoatlus
A giant flying reptile from the Cretaceous period, one of the largest flying animals in Earth's history. A mobile transport and building creature, flying platform base, strong in PvE for large transport logistics. TLC 2026 (speculation): Larger platform options, modernized animations, more efficient payload, and a slightly more dynamic flight model.
Giganotosaurus
One of the largest known theropods; lived in South America and was a top predator of the Late Cretaceous. Endgame boss killer, massive damage, rage mechanic; central in PvE and PvP. TLC 2026 (speculation): More differentiation between angry and normal states, cleaner hitboxes, revised model, and improved AI.
Therizinosaurus (very likely)
Large herbivorous theropod with extremely long claws; likely an omnivore or specialized herbivore. One of the best all-round PvE creatures (harvesting, boss fights, high damage).
TLC 2026 (speculation): Revised harvesting system, clearer animation steps, better hit zones, and visual upgrade.
Megalosaurus (very likely)
Large predator from the Jurassic period; one of the earliest scientifically described dinosaurs. Strong nocturnal hunter with sleep debuff, but impractical in the day/night meta. TLC 2026 (speculation): Improved daytime activity, higher quality night buffs, and smoother animations when grabbing opponents.
Allosaurus (6th place, lower chance)
Pack hunter of the Late Jurassic, an agile large theropod. Pack bleed damage, good midgame creature, but less relevant than the recently popular Carcha. TLC 2026 (speculation): Enhanced pack mechanics, smarter AI, and better roles between alpha and beta Allos.
