If you’re an avid gamer like me, you’ve probably found yourself navigating the vast, dinosaur-filled landscapes of Ark: Survival Evolved. When I first started playing, I was completely captivated by the immersive world, the thrill of taming dinosaurs, and the challenge of surviving harsh environments. But as someone who loves gaming with friends, a big question loomed in my mind: Is Ark Survival Evolved cross-platform?
Cross-platform gaming is a game-changer, allowing players to team up regardless of their platform. It eliminates the frustration of platform restrictions and brings everyone together to share in the adventure. With the gaming industry increasingly moving toward crossplay, it’s natural to hope that Ark: Survival Evolved offers a similar experience. Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Is Ark Survival Evolved Cross-Platform?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. Whether Ark Survival Evolved supports cross-platform play depends on the platforms being used. Let’s break it down.
Crossplay Between PC and Xbox
Yes, Ark Survival Evolved does support crossplay between Xbox and Windows PC players—but only if the PC version is from the Microsoft Store. This means players in the Microsoft ecosystem can connect seamlessly, join the same servers, and survive together. As someone who plays on Xbox while my cousin uses a PC, this compatibility has been a lifesaver for our gaming sessions.
However, if you’re using the Steam or Epic Games version of the game on PC, you’ll find yourself on separate servers, unable to connect with Xbox players. This restriction can be a letdown for those who’ve already invested in Ark on these platforms.
PlayStation and Xbox: The Divide
Unfortunately, there is no crossplay between PlayStation and Xbox players. This limitation has been a significant hurdle for my gaming group, as some of my friends are PlayStation loyalists. While we’ve managed to work around it by sticking to platform-specific sessions, it’s not the seamless experience we were hoping for.
Mobile Crossplay
For mobile players, Ark Survival Evolved offers crossplay between iOS and Android devices. This is great news for those diving into the mobile version, as you can team up with friends regardless of their device.
Summary of Crossplay Options
- Xbox and Windows PC (Microsoft Store): Supported
- Steam or Epic Games (PC): Not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation
- PlayStation and Xbox: Not supported
- iOS and Android: Supported
My Experience with Ark Crossplay
One of my most memorable gaming experiences was when my cousin and I decided to set up a shared server. He’s on PC (via Microsoft Store), and I’m on Xbox. We spent hours taming dinosaurs, building bases, and defending against raiders. The crossplay feature worked seamlessly, making it feel like we were truly in the same world.
However, the situation wasn’t as rosy when another friend wanted to join. They were playing on Steam, and we quickly realized that they couldn’t connect to our server. It was frustrating but also a reminder to double-check platform compatibility before inviting friends to play.
Why Cross-Platform Gaming Matters
Cross-platform gaming is more than a technical feature; it’s about inclusivity and connectivity. Imagine being able to team up with friends on different systems without worrying about platform restrictions. For Ark Survival Evolved, this would mean creating tribes with players from all platforms, building colossal bases, and exploring together without limitations.
For me, the biggest appeal of cross-platform gaming is its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s collaborating with friends or meeting new players, the ability to connect across platforms enriches the gaming experience. If Ark Survival Evolved offered universal crossplay, it could foster a stronger, more united community.
How to Play Ark Cross-Platform
If you’re ready to explore Ark’s crossplay options, here are a few tips to get started:
- Check Platform Compatibility: Ensure both players are using platforms that support crossplay. For example, Xbox and Windows PC (Microsoft Store) players can connect, while Steam users cannot.
- Update the Game: Make sure all players have the latest version of Ark Survival Evolved. Crossplay requires everyone to be on the same patch.
- Find Crossplay Servers: Look for servers labeled as cross-platform compatible. These are typically noted in the server settings.
- Invite Friends: Use the in-game menu to invite friends to join your server or tribe.
The Future of Ark Crossplay
While Ark Survival Evolved currently offers partial cross-platform support, there’s hope for improvement. With the gaming industry’s growing emphasis on crossplay, developers may expand compatibility in future updates. A truly cross-platform Ark would not only enhance the player experience but also attract a larger audience.
For now, if you’re planning to play with friends, it’s essential to coordinate platforms and ensure compatibility. While the current limitations can be frustrating, the existing crossplay options still offer plenty of opportunities for shared adventures.
Final Thoughts
So, is Ark Survival Evolved cross-platform? The answer is a partial yes. While Xbox and Windows PC (Microsoft Store) players can enjoy seamless crossplay, the lack of universal compatibility between platforms like PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox remains a hurdle.
As someone who loves the immersive world of Ark and the camaraderie of multiplayer gaming, I’m hopeful that developers will address these gaps. Until then, I’ll continue taming dinosaurs, building bases, and surviving with the friends I can connect with. If you’re an Ark fan, I recommend exploring the available crossplay options and making the most of this incredible game.
Here’s to hoping that one day, we’ll all be able to unite on the same servers, regardless of our platform. Until then, happy surviving!
Feature Image Credit: Source
