Introduction
If you’re a gamer who loves surviving in the wild, taming dinosaurs, and building epic bases, you’ve probably played Ark: Survival Evolved. But in this age of online multiplayer gaming, one burning question remains: Is Arkcross platform?
With so many players gaming on different devices—Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and even mobile—it’s natural to wonder if you and your friends can team up no matter what device you’re using. In this blog, we’ll dive into what cross-platform gaming means for Ark, how it works, and which platforms support it.
What Does Cross-Platform Mean in Gaming?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Ark, let’s quickly talk about what “cross-platform” actually means. Simply put, cross-platform gaming allows players using different devices to join the same game. For instance, someone playing on Xbox could team up with a friend using a PC. Sounds great, right?
Now, let’s explore how this works in Ark: Survival Evolved.
Is Ark CrossPlatform?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Ark: Survival Evolved is partially cross-platform, but it comes with some limitations depending on the platforms involved.
Here’s how cross-platform functionality works in Ark:
1. PC and Xbox Players
- Good news! Players on PC (via Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass) and Xbox consoles can play together seamlessly.
- This cross-play feature is made possible because both platforms are connected through Microsoft’s ecosystem.
2. PlayStation Players
- Unfortunately, Ark doesn’t support cross-play between PlayStation and other platforms.
- PlayStation players can only play with others who are also using PlayStation consoles.
3. Steam and Epic Games Players (PC)
- If you’re playing on PC, there’s some flexibility. Players on Steam and Epic Games can join the same servers and play together.
- However, this cross-platform support is limited to PC users only and doesn’t extend to consoles.
4. Mobile Players
- Ark’s mobile version is separate from the console and PC versions.
- Mobile players can enjoy cross-play, but only with others playing on iOS or Android devices.
Why Isn’t Ark Fully Cross-Platform?
While partial cross-platform support is great, it’s disappointing for players hoping for full functionality. The main reasons for this limitation include:
- Platform Restrictions: Different gaming platforms like PlayStation and Xbox have their own rules, which sometimes prevent cross-play.
- Technical Challenges: Syncing gameplay across different devices can be tricky due to varying hardware capabilities.
- Server Issues: Managing servers that cater to multiple platforms can be complex and costly for developers.
How to Enable Cross-Platform Play in Ark
If you’re ready to dive into Ark’s cross-platform world, here’s how you can get started:
- Choose the Right Version:
- Make sure you’re playing on a version of the game that supports cross-play (e.g., Xbox Game Pass or Microsoft Store for PC).
- Check Server Settings:
- When creating or joining a server, ensure it’s configured for cross-play. Some servers are platform-specific, so choose carefully.
- Link Accounts (if needed):
- For some platforms, like Xbox, you may need to link your gaming account to enable cross-play features.
- Invite Friends:
- Use your platform’s friend system (e.g., Xbox Live) to invite players from other devices.
The Future of CrossPlatform Gaming in Ark
With the upcoming release of Ark 2, many fans are hopeful for improved cross-platform support. Developers at Studio Wildcard have hinted at enhanced multiplayer features, but we’ll have to wait and see if this includes full cross-play functionality.
Conclusion
So, is Ark crossplatform? The answer is yes, but only partially. Players on Xbox and PC (via Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass) can team up, as can those using Steam and Epic Games on PC. Unfortunately, PlayStation and mobile players are left out of the broader cross-platform experience.
While it’s not perfect, Ark still offers enough cross-play options to make multiplayer sessions enjoyable for many. Hopefully, future updates or the release of Ark 2 will bring a fully cross-platform experience.
FAQs
1. Can PlayStation players join Xbox servers in Ark?
No, PlayStation players can only join servers with other PlayStation users.
2. Is Ark cross-platform between PC and mobile?
No, the PC and mobile versions of Ark are entirely separate and do not support cross-play.
3. Can Steam and Epic Games players play together?
Yes, PC players on Steam and Epic Games can join the same servers and play together.
4. Will Ark 2 be fully cross-platform?
While there’s no official confirmation, fans are optimistic that Ark 2 will offer full cross-platform functionality.
5. How do I know if a server supports cross-play?
Check the server settings or description. Servers that support cross-play will often mention it explicitly.
Happy surviving!
