how to play ark cross platform

Charlotte

2 min read

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02-02-2025

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ARK: Survival Evolved's vast prehistoric world is even better when shared with friends, regardless of their gaming platform. This guide will walk you through the process of playing ARK cross-platform, ensuring you can team up with anyone, anytime. Whether you're on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, this guide has you covered.

Understanding ARK's Cross-Platform Capabilities

ARK: Survival Evolved offers cross-platform play between several platforms, but it's not universal. Let's break down the compatibility:

• Xbox, PlayStation, and PC (Steam): These platforms enjoy full cross-platform play. You can seamlessly join servers and tribes with friends on different consoles and PC.
• Nintendo Switch: The Nintendo Switch version has some cross-platform functionality, but it's limited. It can connect to some unofficial servers. However, connecting to dedicated servers isn't always consistent. This may depend on the server's settings and whether the server admins have enabled Switch crossplay.
• Mobile (iOS and Android): Mobile versions do not currently support cross-platform play with consoles or PC.

Key Considerations Before You Start

• Platform Differences: While the core gameplay is the same, minor differences in controls and UI might exist between platforms.
• Server Selection: Make sure the server you're joining supports cross-platform play. Many servers explicitly state their cross-platform compatibility in their descriptions.
• Friends List: Add your friends across platforms through the in-game friends list or the game's respective platforms (Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Steam, Nintendo Switch Online).

Steps to Play ARK Cross-Platform

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your platform. But the general process is similar:

1. Launch ARK: Start the game on your chosen platform.
2. Join a Server: Select a server that supports cross-platform play. Look for mentions of "crossplay," "cross-platform," or compatibility with multiple platforms in the server list. If a server is particularly popular and doesn't mention it, it likely is crossplay enabled.
3. Add Friends: If playing with friends, ensure they've added you to their friends list on their platform's network.
4. Invite or Join: Once on the same server, you can invite friends through the in-game menus or have them directly join your session.

Specific Platform Notes:

• PC (Steam): Joining a server is done directly through the server browser in the game. Adding friends is done through Steam.
• Xbox: Use the Xbox friends list and server browser to connect.
• PlayStation: Use the PlayStation Network friends list and server browser.
• Nintendo Switch: The process is similar, but success may depend on the server's configuration.

Troubleshooting Cross-Platform Issues

If you experience problems, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check Server Settings: Ensure the server you're trying to join actually supports cross-platform play. Contact the server administrator if you're unsure.
• Update Your Game: Make sure all players have the latest version of ARK installed.
• Restart Your Game/Console: A simple restart can resolve many connection issues.
• Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is vital for cross-platform play.
• Consult ARK Support: If problems persist, check the official ARK support website or forums for known issues and solutions.

Conclusion: Expanding Your ARK Experience

Playing ARK: Survival Evolved cross-platform opens up a world of cooperative possibilities. By following these steps, you can join forces with friends regardless of their preferred gaming platform and build an even more epic prehistoric adventure. Remember that while most platforms have great crossplay, the Nintendo Switch version may require some more attention when picking servers. Remember to check the server's description for specific details to make sure it's compatible with your system!