In this piece, we’re delving into the crux of a burning query that’s been circulating among the ARK community: Is ARK cross-platform? If so, how can you traverse this gaming universe alongside your friends, regardless of your preferred console?
Video games are a continually shifting landscape, brimming with a multitude of choices for avid players. Within this vast expanse, Ark: Survival Evolved has managed to carve a niche for itself, magnetizing gamers worldwide with its compelling blend of action and adventure.
It’s important to note that while the gaming cosmos is teeming with countless stellar experiences, Ark often emerges as a preferred choice for many. Since its inception, Ark has consistently held gamers’ fascination, and it’s not hard to fathom why. Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the world of Ark, particularly addressing its cross-platform capabilities. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this intriguing journey.
Is ARK Cross Platform in 2023?
Yes, Ark is cross-platform. However, the bad news is that it is not cross-platform for all platforms.
Here are the supported cross-platform combinations:
- Mobile: Android and iOS
- PC: Steam and Epic Games Store
- Xbox: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC (Microsoft Store)
Cross-platform is not supported between:
- PlayStation
- Nintendo Switch
- Mac
- Linux
It is also important to note that cross-platform play is only supported on dedicated servers. You cannot cross-play on official servers or on non-dedicated servers.
What is Ark Game?
Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular action-adventure survival video game developed by Studio Wildcard, in collaboration with Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, and Virtual Basement. It was initially released in August 2017 after an early access phase began in 2015.
In Ark, players find themselves stranded, naked, freezing, and starving on the shores of a mysterious island called ARK, and they must hunt, harvest resources, craft items, grow crops, research technologies, and build shelters to withstand the harsh elements. They also have to contend with potential threats from other players in multiplayer mode, as well as a diverse array of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that roam the island.
Players can use their skill and cunning to kill, tame, breed, and even ride Dinosaurs and other primitive beasts living on the ARK. With the game’s deep crafting system, players can craft a variety of items, from primitive tools and weapons to advanced technologies.
The game is known for its large, persistent open world that players can explore, as well as its focus on base building, cooperation and competition between players, and the ability to tame and ride dozens of dinosaurs and other creatures.
Ark is available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android devices. It also has a number of expansion packs that add new maps and creatures to the game.
How To Play ARK Cross-Play?
Playing ARK: Survival Evolved with cross-play enabled involves a few steps. This feature allows players on different platforms, such as Windows 10 PC and Xbox, to share the Ark world and play together. Here’s how to set it up:
- Create a GPORTAL account or log in if you already have one.
- Search the servers and choose the one you want.
- Navigate to the left menu.
- Click on “Basic settings”.
- Choose your preferred option. Epic, Steam, or Epic+Steam are available.
- Restart the specific server.
How To Find A Cross-Platform ARK Server?
Now that we’ve clarified the cross-platform capabilities of Ark: Survival Evolved, let’s delve into the specifics of how to engage in gameplay across different devices that support this feature.
- Check the server list: There are many crossplay servers available. If a server can be seen on PC, it’s likely to be a crossplay server that Xbox players can also join1.
- Search for specific servers: Some servers are explicitly crossplay. For example, the “Rag Resort” US server on Nitrado is known to be crossplay-compatible1.
- Look at server advertisements: ARK subreddits and other online communities often have server advertisements. Servers that support crossplay will typically mention this in their posts1.
- Contact server owners/admins: If you’re unsure whether a server supports crossplay, you can reach out to the server owners or admins directly to ask1.
Please note that crossplay in ARK is only available between the Windows 10 version of the game and the Xbox version.
How To Find A Cross-Platform ARK Server?
Locating a cross-platform ARK server is a straightforward process, thanks to the abundance of options available. Any server visible on your PC should be cross-platform, thus enabling both PC and Xbox users to play together. Please note that this cross-platform functionality is specific to the Windows 10 version of ARK and the Xbox version.
Exploring online communities such as subreddit threads dedicated to ARK can also yield a wealth of information. Server advertisements are commonly posted here, with most cross-platform servers clearly indicating their status. This method allows you to explore different servers and select one that best fits your preferences in terms of stats and other features.
Specific server names, such as “Rag Resort” on the Nitrado platform, have been mentioned by users as being cross-platform. A simple search using the server name can direct you to these servers.
Another recommended strategy is to directly contact server owners or admins. By asking them directly, you can confirm whether their server supports cross-platform play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ark cross play between PS4 and Xbox?
No, Ark is not cross-platform compatible between PS4 and Xbox.
Is PC and PS4 cross-platform Ark?
No, PC and PS4 are not cross-platform compatible for Ark.
Is there crossplay between Xbox and PC Ark?
Yes, Xbox and PC are cross-platform compatible for Ark.
How do I join a PC server on Ark PS4?
You cannot join a PC server on Ark PS4. Cross-platform play is only supported on dedicated servers, and there are no dedicated servers that allow PC and PS4 players to play together.
Can Steam and Xbox play together?
Yes, Steam and Xbox can play together on Ark. Cross-platform play is supported on dedicated servers for both platforms.
Final Words
After traversing the extensive terrain of Ark’s cross-platform capabilities, we trust that you now have a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic feature. To distill the core points, Ark: Survival Evolved—an enthralling action-adventure survival game—offers cross-platform functionality for Android, iOS, Windows PC, and Xbox One, with no current support for other platforms.
This feature dismantles the barriers of device disparity, allowing you to join forces with friends regardless of their device of choice, provided it’s a compatible one. Whether you’re scattered across different cities or countries, the world of Ark remains within your reach. All you need is to converge on a common server and ensure a stable internet connection.
Remember, in the evolving landscape of gaming, cross-platform play is not just a feature; it’s a bridge that connects communities, intensifies camaraderie, and amplifies the shared thrill of survival in the captivating world of Ark. Embrace it, explore it, and enhance your gaming journey.