Surviving in a post-apocalyptic dinosaur world is more fun with friends, and if you’re wondering about Ark cross play and cross platform support, there’s good news for you – depending on who you want to play with. Studio Wildcard did implement Ark cross play support, but the way it works for PC players is somewhat restrictive. If you are able to play with your friends, joining a session is a straightforward process, as long as you don’t want to host a dedicated server, so you can hop on with your friends in almost no time.
Ark cross play and cross platform explained
Ark cross play and cross platform functionality only works between PC and Xbox players and between Android and iOS players. On PC, Ark’s cross platform includes those playing on the Epic Games Store and Steam. However, it doesn’t include Mac players, who are currently unable to join anyone other than Mac users.
If your friends are on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation, they can only play with other PlayStation or Switch users for now. Whether Studio Wildcard expands Ark’s cross platform play in the future remains to be seen, though it hasn’t featured in any recent developer updates.
How to join friends in Ark
You can join your friends in a few different ways. The easiest is just choosing “Join Ark” from the main menu and selecting the server your friends are on.
If you want a bit more control over the session, choose the “Host/Local” option instead. From here, you can pick the “Non-Dedicated Server” choice, which gives you the option to use mods and tailor variables under the rules menu. The caveat here is that a non-dedicated server won’t let anyone stray too far from the session host (that’s you). If they do wander off, an invisible tether forces them back to the host’s location.
The third option is hosting a dedicated server, though – as the name suggests – you have to actually own and run the hardware and software to maintain that server.
If you’re looking for more to do in Ark, check out our compilation of the best Ark mods. Brush up on Ark’s dinosaurs so you know which ones are worth your time, and if you need a bit of unofficial help, use Ark’s console commands to make life a bit easier. Don’t forget to check out our best Ark servers guide to join active communities.
FAQs
If you're on Ark Survival Evolved, you'll be able to connect with your friends and play cross-platform using dedicated, rented servers. If you're on Ark Survival Ascended, cross platform play is available between Xbox Series X|S and PS5 platforms – but PC crossplay is only available through rented servers.
Is Ark crossplay Xbox and PC? ›
Can Xbox and PC players play Ark together? Yes, Xbox One users can play with Windows Store version players through the game's "Play Anywhere" feature, but not with Steam or Epic Games versions.
Can PS5 and PC play Ark together? ›
This ARK is only cross platform in the following option: Steam and Epic (Dedicated server only and no mods with crossplay enabled), Win10 version and Xbox. That is it, PS4, PS5 is NOT cross platform with anything.
Will ARK 2 be cross-platform? ›
Studio Wildcard also confirmed as part of its E3 2022 announcements that Ark 2 will feature mod. io's cross-platform mod and user-generated content support.
Is Ark survival ascended cross-platform Xbox and PC? ›
The Ark Survival Ascended cross-play feature is available, although it comes with certain limitations. The game currently only allows cross-platform play between PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S on official servers. However, crossplay between PC and console is currently unavailable.
Is ARK crossplay Xbox and PS4? ›
PlayStation and Xbox users can play cross-gen within the same console brand, but not cross-platform with each other. Xbox users can crossplay with PC users who have purchased the game from the Microsoft Store. PC users playing on a Microsoft Store copy cannot crossplay with PC users on Steam or the Epic Games Store.
Can you play Ark cross-platform PS5 and Xbox? ›
Ark: Survival Ascended is cross-platform, meaning that people on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S can play together on official servers.
How do you crossplay in Ark? ›
How To Setup ARK Crossplay
- Log in to Scalacube.com.
- Go to Servers > Manage server > Manage > Settings.
- Change Crossplay to Crossplay.
- Reboot server.
No need for console wars – as you can play Fortnite with friends on Xbox Series X even if you have a PS5, for example. Crossplay isn't easy for developers to implement, but more and more games come with crossplay, especially large multiplayer games.
Is Ark 2 going to be like Ark 1? ›
There are some major differences between Ark and Ark 2.
The biggest is that the game swaps the original's first-person perspective for third-person, promising, "Advanced character traversal mechanics include mantling, free-climbing, parkour, sliding, and swinging!"
With Russell Crowe playing Kor the Prophet, an eccentric 'dino-whisperer' hailing from a time before recorded history. And Vin Diesel playing 24th century 'Mek'-pilot, gearhead, & freedom-fighter Santiago.
Will Ark 2 be on Nintendo? ›
Which consoles and platforms can play Ark 2? Ark 2 is an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive, but will also be playable on PC.
Is Xbox One cross-platform with PC? ›
Fortunately, those dark times are now a distant memory as cross-platform gaming has now become the norm – allowing friends to play their favorite together, regardless of whether they play on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or even PC.
What's the difference between Ark: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended? ›
Ark: Survival Ascended has much better graphics and utilizes Unreal Engine 5, making the game's visuals, textures, dinosaurs, and lighting look better than in Ark: Survival Evolved.
Can console Ark play with PC? ›
Crossplay for ARK works only between the Windows Store Version of ARK and XBOX (since both Microsoft), PS4 and Steam PC Version are on their own individually...
How do you play with friends on Ark Xbox? ›
The easiest way is for you all to join the same public server. Browse the server list to find one that suits your playstyle (PVE, PVP, RP, etc.) and has space for all of your group. Connect to the server and spawn in - then meet up with your friends and get to work building a base, taming dinos and exploring!
Is Ark free to play on PC? ›
ARK: Survival Evolved is Free To Own!
