Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the most popular survival games that allows players to tame dinosaurs, build structures, and survive in a prehistoric world. It has captivated millions of players worldwide with its dynamic gameplay and immersive environment. However, one burning question many players have is, is Ark cross-platform? Can you play with friends who are on different devices, like PlayStation, Xbox, or PC? In this article, we will dive into this topic and give you all the details you need to know about cross-platform play in Ark: Survival Evolved.

What Does “Cross-Platform” Mean?

Before we dive into the specifics of Ark: Survival Evolved, let’s first understand what cross-platform gaming is. Cross-platform refers to the ability for players on different gaming platforms (such as Xbox, PlayStation, and PC) to play together in the same game world. In other words, cross-platform allows gamers to connect and interact with friends who are using different systems without any restrictions.

With the growing popularity of cross-platform play, more and more games are enabling this feature to allow players to enjoy a unified experience. Now, let’s find out whether Ark: Survival Evolved supports this feature.

Is Ark: Survival Evolved Cross-Platform?

The simple answer is: Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved does have cross-platform play, but with limitations. Let’s break down how cross-platform works in Ark and which platforms support this feature.

1. PC and Console Cross-Platform Play

At the time of writing, Ark does not support full cross-platform play between all platforms. This means that PC players cannot directly play with PlayStation or Xbox players. However, there is an important exception to note. Ark: Survival Evolved does have cross-platform play between Xbox and Windows 10 PC players.

• Xbox and PC Cross-Platform: If you’re playing on a Windows 10 PC (through the Microsoft Store) or Xbox, you can play together on the same servers. This is made possible through the Microsoft ecosystem, where Xbox and Windows 10 users can connect to the same servers.

2. PlayStation and Cross-Platform Play

On the other hand, PlayStation users (PS4 and PS5) currently do not have the ability to play with Xbox or PC users. While Ark has full cross-platform support between Xbox and Windows 10 PC, this feature is not available for PlayStation users. Unfortunately, PlayStation gamers are restricted to playing only with other PlayStation players on official servers or private servers.

3. Private Servers and Cross-Platform Play

Another aspect to consider is the use of private servers. If you’re playing on a private server that allows cross-platform play (like custom servers hosted on PC), you may be able to play across platforms in some cases. However, this usually depends on the server host’s settings and may not always be available. The most common cross-platform compatibility is between Xbox and Windows 10 PC.

4. Cross-Platform Progression

In Ark, your progression (like your tamed dinosaurs, items, and structures) is usually tied to the platform you play on. This means that even if cross-platform play is enabled, your save data might not carry over between different platforms. For example, if you start playing on a Windows 10 PC and then switch to a PlayStation 4, you may not be able to carry over your progress. As of now, Ark doesn’t support cross-platform progression between different consoles or between PC and console.

Why Is There No Full Cross-Platform Play in Ark?

One of the reasons why full cross-platform play is not available for Ark: Survival Evolved is due to technical limitations and the differences between gaming platforms. Here are a few reasons why Ark isn’t fully cross-platform:

1. Platform Restrictions

Each platform has its own set of rules and policies regarding cross-platform play. For instance, Sony (PlayStation) has been historically resistant to full cross-platform play with Xbox and PC, although they have slowly opened up to some games. This is likely why PlayStation users are left out of Ark’s cross-platform features.

2. Game Server Differences

The game servers for Ark are different for each platform. While Xbox and Windows 10 PC share some of the same servers, PlayStation has its own isolated servers. These differences make it more difficult to link players from different platforms together.

3. Compatibility Issues

Another reason is the technical challenges of ensuring that the game functions properly across different platforms. Each gaming console and PC has its own hardware, software, and performance limitations, which can create compatibility issues. Developers have to balance these differences to provide a stable and fair experience for all players.

How to Play Ark with Friends on Different Platforms

If you’re wondering how you can still play Ark with friends who are on a different platform, here are some tips:

1. Using Xbox and PC Together

As mentioned earlier, Xbox and Windows 10 PC players can play together. To join a cross-platform server, simply join a Microsoft Store version of the game on PC. Make sure that both you and your friends are using the Microsoft Store version rather than the Steam version on PC.

2. Private Servers

If you’re on different platforms (like Xbox and PlayStation) and want to play together, your best bet would be to find or host a private server that allows cross-platform play. Some private servers may be able to bridge the gap between different platforms, but it’s not guaranteed, and you’ll need to verify that the server supports it.

3. Cross-Platform Events and Features

Sometimes, cross-platform events are made available during special updates or events. Keep an eye on the official announcements for Ark to see if such events or features are available.

Future of Cross-Platform Play in Ark

As of now, Ark: Survival Evolved supports limited cross-platform play between Xbox and Windows 10 PC, but there is no clear indication of whether full cross-platform play (including PlayStation and PC) will be introduced in the future. The game is still actively being updated, and it’s possible that the developers might look into expanding cross-platform features as the game evolves.

Fans of Ark are hopeful that future updates will offer a full cross-platform experience, especially as other popular games have begun to break down the barriers between consoles and PCs. However, for now, players will have to make do with the current restrictions.

Conclusion: Is Ark Cross-Platform?

To answer the question once again: Ark: Survival Evolved is partially cross-platform. It allows cross-platform play between Xbox and Windows 10 PC, but does not support cross-platform play between PlayStation and other platforms like Xbox or PC. Players on different platforms can play together on private servers, provided that the server supports cross-platform features.

As for full cross-platform play, we hope that future updates to Ark will bring more options for players on different consoles and platforms to connect and play together. Until then, players will need to explore the available cross-platform features and make the most of the current game settings.

If you want to play Ark with friends across different platforms, your best option is to make use of the limited cross-play support or join private servers that allow more flexibility. Be sure to check for updates from the developers, as new features and improvements are always in the works!

Looking for ark server hosting?