Turok: Origins – The Epic Return of the Legendary Dinosaur Hunter

At The Game Awards 2024, Saber Interactive, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, unveiled Turok: Origins, marking the triumphant return of the iconic dinosaur-hunting franchise after nearly three decades. Developed and published by Saber Interactive, this third-person shooter promises a thrilling adventure with solo and co-op gameplay for up to three players. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Turok: Origins is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, immersing players in a universe teeming with ferocious dinosaurs, menacing alien threats, and ancient mysteries.

A Legendary Franchise Reborn

First introduced in 1997 with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter on Nintendo 64 and PC, the Turok franchise redefined the shooter genre with its unique blend of dinosaur hunting, science fiction, and exploration. Rooted in the 1950s Turok: Son of Stone comics, the series captivated players with titles like Turok 2: Seeds of Evil and Turok: Evolution. After its last appearance in 2008 with a reboot by Disney Interactive Studios, Turok faded from the spotlight. Now, Turok: Origins brings the franchise back to life, merging its classic spirit with modern gameplay. Saber Interactive’s CEO, Matthew Karch, shared, “Turok was one of the first console shooters I ever played. When looking for brands worth reviving, Turok was always at the top of the list.”

The Story: A Battle for Humanity’s Survival

Turok: Origins casts players as legendary Turok warriors fighting to protect humanity from a ruthless alien species intent on wiping out mankind. The story unfolds across multiple planets, from ancient temples and rugged canyons to dense jungles, each location brimming with secrets tied to the Order of the Turok. According to game director Jesus Iglesias, the game is a standalone adventure that doesn’t require prior knowledge of the Turok series, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. The narrative promises twists and discoveries, centered on a mission to thwart humanity’s destruction.

Gameplay: Thrilling Action and Innovation

Unlike previous Turok titles, which were first-person shooters (FPS), Turok: Origins shifts to a third-person perspective to highlight its innovative features, particularly the “DNA powers” system. Players can collect DNA from defeated enemies, such as dinosaurs or alien creatures, to upgrade their biomorphic suits in real-time. These abilities include summoning lightning, using tentacles to hurl enemies, or enhancing weapons, adding strategic depth to combat. “We wanted to explore a new direction, leveraging Saber’s expertise in third-person shooters,” Iglesias explained.

The game supports both solo and co-op play for up to three players, allowing friends to coordinate DNA abilities for unique tactics. For example, one player might slow enemies with a DNA power while teammates unleash devastating attacks. The arsenal is diverse, featuring plasma rifles, ray guns, sniper rifles, bows, and shotguns, complemented by melee attacks and special abilities. Semi-open environments across multiple planets, connected by space portals, offer rich exploration and epic boss battles.

Platforms and Release Date

Turok: Origins will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with no plans for a Nintendo Switch release. However, the game is playable on handheld devices like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally. No official release date has been announced, but based on Saber Interactive’s development history (e.g., Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launched in 2024 after its 2021 reveal), Turok: Origins could arrive as early as mid-2025 or as late as 2027. Players can wishlist the game on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store. Turok: Origins merchandise has been available on Amazon since December 2024.

Saber Interactive’s Vision

Saber Interactive, renowned for World War Z and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, is committed to honoring Turok’s legacy while innovating for modern audiences. Bill Kispert, Senior Vice President at Universal Products & Experiences, stated, “Turok is an iconic brand that has enthralled players for decades. We’re proud to celebrate its rich legacy while reimagining it for a new era.” Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers stunning visuals, from sprawling jungles with towering mushrooms to Mayan-inspired temples, paired with fast-paced action and exploration.

On Rumors of a Turok: Origins Movie

A post on X from user @TvYogiboo on May 22, 2025, mentioned a Turok: Origins movie featuring actors like Dwayne Johnson, Jason Momoa, Walton Goggins, and Giancarlo Esposito. However, no official sources from Saber Interactive, Universal, or major studios have confirmed such a project. The post is likely speculative or inaccurate. Given Universal Products & Experiences’ involvement and the potential success of Turok: Origins (the game), a future film adaptation isn’t impossible, but as of now, no such project exists.

Why Turok: Origins Is Worth the Hype

Turok: Origins is more than a nostalgic revival—it’s a bold evolution of a classic franchise. With its innovative DNA powers, engaging co-op gameplay, and a standalone story brimming with intrigue, the game promises to captivate both longtime fans and new players. The blend of intense action, exploration of mysterious planets, and battles against dinosaurs and alien threats makes Turok: Origins a standout title to watch in the coming year.

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