Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game that has captivated gamers since its release in 2017. With its stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and vast world to explore, it has gained a massive following among gamers. However, with the increasing popularity of cross-platform gaming, the question arises whether Ark is cross-platform or not.
In this article, we will explore the compatibility of Ark with different platforms and discuss whether it supports cross-platform play. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to play Ark cross-platform and give our final thoughts on the future of cross-platform gaming in the industry.
Table of Contents
What is Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game that takes place in a vast open-world environment filled with dangerous creatures, challenging terrain, and other players. In the game, players find themselves stranded on an island and must scavenge for resources, build shelters, and craft weapons to survive in the harsh wilderness.
As they progress through the game, they encounter various dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that they can either tame and use for transportation or combat or hunt for resources. The game also features multiplayer modes that allow players to team up and explore the world together or compete against each other in battles.
History of the Game
Ark: Survival Evolved was developed by Studio Wildcard and released in August 2017 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. The game was initially released as an early access title in 2015 and underwent significant updates and improvements before its official release.
Since then, the game has received several expansions, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, and Genesis. The game’s development team has also added new features such as mod support, new creatures, and improved graphics, to enhance the gameplay experience.
Today, Ark remains one of the most popular survival games on the market, with a thriving community of players and a dedicated development team that continues to update and improve the game.
Is Ark Cross Platform?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved is cross-platform compatible, which means that players on different platforms can play the game together. The game supports cross-platform play between Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices (Android and iOS). This allows players to team up and explore the game’s vast open-world environment with friends, regardless of the platform they are playing on.
However, it is worth noting that cross-platform play in Ark is limited to specific game modes, such as PvE and non-dedicated sessions. Dedicated servers, which are a popular game mode, are not cross-platform compatible, meaning that players on different platforms cannot play together in these sessions. Additionally, some features of the game, such as mods and DLCs, may not be available on all platforms, which can affect cross-platform compatibility.
While Ark is cross-platform compatible, the extent of cross-platform play in the game depends on the game mode and features available on each platform.
Does Ark Support Crossplay?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved supports crossplay between Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. However, crossplay is limited to specific game modes, such as PvE and non-dedicated sessions, and may not be available for all features of the game, such as mods and DLCs.
Ark’s crossplay feature allows players to team up and explore the game’s open-world environment with friends on different platforms, providing a more inclusive and accessible gaming experience.
Is Ark Cross Gen?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved is cross-generational compatible, which means that players on different generations of consoles, such as PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, can play together using the game’s cross-play feature. This allows players to team up and explore the game’s open-world environment with friends, regardless of the generation of the console they are playing on.
What Consoles Can You Play Ark On?
Ark: Survival Evolved is available on a variety of platforms, including:
- Microsoft Windows
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch
- Android (Google Play and Amazon Appstore)
- iOS (App Store)
Players can choose to play Ark on their preferred platform, and the game offers crossplay compatibility between many of these platforms, allowing players on different devices to play together. However, the availability of certain features, such as mods and DLCs, may vary across different platforms.
How Does Ark’s Multiplayer Gameplay Work?
Ark’s multiplayer gameplay allows players to team up and explore the game’s open-world environment together or compete against each other in battles. The game features several multiplayer modes, including PvE, non-dedicated, dedicated, and player-hosted servers. Players can also join or create tribes with other players to share resources, build bases, and tame creatures, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
FAQs
Is PC and PS4 cross-platform Ark?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved supports crossplay between PC and PS4, allowing players on these platforms to play together in certain game modes, such as PvE and non-dedicated sessions.
Can I play Ark on PC with someone on Xbox?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved supports crossplay between PC and Xbox, allowing players on these platforms to play together in certain game modes, such as PvE and non-dedicated sessions.
Is Ark Crossplay Xbox ps5?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved supports crossplay between Xbox and PS5, allowing players on these platforms to play together using the game’s cross-play feature.
How do you play Ark with friends on PS4 and PC?
To play Ark with friends on PS4 and PC, both players must have the game installed on their respective platforms and enable cross-play in the game settings. Then, one player can host a non-dedicated session or join a dedicated server, and the other player can join the session using the in-game server browser or by entering the host’s IP address. Alternatively, players can join or create a tribe to play together and share resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ark: Survival Evolved is a cross-platform compatible game that allows players on different platforms to play together in certain game modes. The game supports crossplay between Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, providing a more inclusive and accessible gaming experience. However, crossplay may be limited for some game features and modes, which can affect the extent of cross-platform compatibility.
I’m a writer, artist, and designer working in the gaming and tech industries. I have held staff and freelance positions at large publications including Digital Trends, Lifehacker, Popular Science Magazine, Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN, The Xplore Tech, and others, primarily covering gaming criticism, A/V and mobile tech reviews, and data security advocacy.