Introduction
Is Ark cross-platform? The answer to this burning question among gaming addicts is yes and no. It mainly depends on which platforms the players are using. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of Ark’s cross-play capabilities, examine the reasons behind limited cross-platform multiplayer, and explore some cross-platform alternatives for Ark enthusiasts.
Does Ark Support Crossplay? Here’s the answer!
Ark: Survival Evolved does support cross-play, but only between specific platforms. Here’s a quick summary of Ark’s cross-platform play:
- PC players using Steam and Epic Games Store can cross-play.
- PC players using the Windows Store version can cross-play with Xbox players.
- Switch and PS4 do not have cross-play.
- PS4 has zero cross-play.
- Windows 10 Store and Steam cannot cross-play because the Windows 10 Store edition is essentially a port of the Xbox version.
What Exactly is Cross-Platform Compatibility?
Cross-platform compatibility refers to the ability of a game to allow players on different platforms, such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, to play together seamlessly. This feature breaks down barriers between gaming communities, enabling friends to enjoy multiplayer experiences regardless of their chosen hardware.
Popularity and Demand for Crossplay
With increasing gaming platforms and devices, cross-play demand has skyrocketed. Gamers expect flexibility and freedom to play with friends, regardless of platform. As a result, many game developers are now focusing on cross-platform compatibility to cater to this growing demand.
How Crossplay Works
Platform-Based Matchmaking
Crossplay-enabled games often use platform-based matchmaking, meaning players can match with others on the same platform or opt for cross-platform play. This allows for a more balanced gaming experience and caters to player preferences.
Crossplay-Enabled Games
Many popular titles support cross-play, including Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Minecraft, and Rocket League. These games have successfully implemented cross-platform multiplayer, providing gamers a more connected and enjoyable experience.
General Platform Considerations
Console Availability
Ark: Survival Evolved is available on various platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. However, cross-play compatibility is not uniform across these platforms, as highlighted earlier.
Crossplay Compatibility
Ark’s cross-play compatibility is limited. While players on Steam and the Epic Games Store can enjoy cross-platform play, PS4 and Switch users must be included. Furthermore, the Windows 10 Store edition of Ark can only cross-play with Xbox players because it is an Xbox version port.
Reasons for Limited Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Technical Challenges
Cross-platform multiplayer has numerous technical challenges, such as different game engines, hardware limitations, and software incompatibilities. These factors can make it difficult for developers to create a seamless cross-platform experience.
Update Frequency
Synchronizing game updates across platforms can be a complex task. Some platforms have different certification processes and timelines, making it challenging to release updates simultaneously.
Hardware Differences
Different platforms have varying hardware capabilities, which may affect gameplay and create player disparities.
Skill Gap
Cross-platform play can introduce a skill gap between players using different input methods, such as controllers versus keyboard and mouse. Balancing gameplay can be challenging when catering to players with varying input preferences.
Controller Input Differences
Different platforms have unique controller layouts and input methods, which can lead to discrepancies in gameplay and affect the overall experience.
Competitive Balance
Maintaining competitive balance is crucial for multiplayer games. Cross-platform play can create disparities between players on different platforms, challenging to ensure a fair and balanced experience.
Company Policies
Some companies have restrictive policies regarding cross-play, which can limit the ability of game developers to implement cross-platform multiplayer functionality.
Companies Cross-Platform Restrictions
Platform-Specific Optimizations
Developers often optimize games for specific platforms to ensure the best possible experience. These optimizations can make cross-platform play challenging to implement.
Patch Synchronization and Certification
As mentioned, synchronizing game updates across platforms can be complex due to varying certification processes and timelines.
Financial Incentives
Financial incentives can influence a company’s decision to restrict or support cross-play. For instance, a platform might prioritize exclusivity deals to drive hardware sales.
Playing with Players on Other Systems
VPNs for Cross-Platform Gaming
While not a direct solution for cross-play limitations, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help gamers connect with friends on other platforms. However, this method can have varying success rates and may only be ideal for some situations.
Cross-Gen Bundles
Some games offer cross-gen bundles, which enable players to enjoy cross-platform multiplayer between different generations of consoles, such as PS4 and PS5 or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Future Possibilities and Official Announcements
Trends in Cross-Platform Gaming
The gaming industry is moving towards increased cross-platform compatibility. As technology advances and platform barriers dissolve, we can expect more games to adopt cross-play features.
Staying Informed Through Newsletters and Updates
To stay updated on cross-platform developments for your favorite games, subscribe to official newsletters, follow social media channels, and regularly check developer websites for announcements.
Cross-Platform Compatible Game Alternatives
List of Popular Cross-Platform Games
If you’re looking for games similar to Ark that support cross-play, consider these popular titles:
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Minecraft
- Rocket League
- Dauntless
Similar Genres
For those interested in games within similar genres as Ark, consider exploring these options:
- Conan Exiles
- Rust
- Days to Die
- The Forest
- No Man’s Sky
Is Ark cross-platform?
Ark supports cross-platform play between specific platforms. Steam and Epic Games Store users can access cross-play, while Windows Store players can play cross-play with Xbox users. PS4 and Switch players do not have cross-play support.
How do you enable cross-play on Ark?
Cross-play is automatically enabled for compatible platforms. Ensure you’re playing on a consistent platform with other players on supported platforms.
Can PC and PS4 play Ark together?
PC and PS4 players cannot play Ark together because these platforms have no cross-play support.
Can PS5 and PS4 play Ark together?
PS5 players can play Ark with PS4 players through backward compatibility, but this is not accurate cross-platform play, as both players are using PlayStation systems.
Can PS4 and PC play Ark together?
As previously mentioned, PS4 and PC players cannot play Ark together due to the lack of cross-play support between these platforms.
Why is Ark, not crossplay?
Ark has limited cross-play support due to technical challenges, hardware differences, and company policies. It’s important to note that cross-play does exist between specific platforms, such as Steam and Epic Games Store users, as well as Windows Store and Xbox players.
How do I enable crossplay on PS4 for Ark?
Unfortunately, Ark does not support cross-play on PS4, so enabling cross-play is impossible for PS4 users.
How to crossplay Ark PC and Xbox?
To cross-play Ark between PC and Xbox, the PC player must use the Windows Store version of the game, which is a port of the Xbox version. Cross-play will be automatically enabled for compatible platforms.
How do you play Ark with friends on PC?
To play Ark with friends on PC, ensure that all players use either the Steam or Epic Games Store version of the game. Then, use the in-game friend and party systems to join each other’s games and enjoy cross-platform play.
Why Ark has no crossplay?
Ark does have cross-play, but it is limited to specific platforms. Technical challenges, hardware differences, and company policies contribute to Ark’s limited cross-platform multiplayer support.
What are the Crossplay Modes for Ark?
Ark’s cross-play modes are limited to specific platform pairings. Steam, Epic Games Store, and Windows Store players can cross-play with Xbox users. Other platform combinations do not support cross-play in Ark.
