Is Ark cross-platform?
Elen StelmakhSurvival games are very popular among gamers. There are dozens of different projects that deserve the attention of gamers to a greater or lesser extent. However, when it comes to multiplayer games, we can't help but think of Ark: Survival Evolved. The highlight of this project is the theme of survival in a world inhabited by dinosaurs. In general, the Mesozoic period is still shrouded in mystery and speculation, but this game allows you to plunge into the era when the Earth was dominated by reptiles.
Previously we've talked about Warframe, Red Dead Online, Rust and Stardew Valley. Now it is time to learn a little more about Ark: Survival Evolved and find out if the game supports cross-platform portability.
What is Ark: Survival Evolved about?
Ark: Survival Evolved is a multiplayer game that, as we already know, belongs to the survival genre. The game was developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Effecto Studios, and Virtual Basement. While the full release of the project took place back in August 2017.
The main essence of Ark: Survival Evolved is that players have to survive in a world inhabited by dinosaurs. To overcome all the dangers of the wild world, the gameplay offers various options to interact with the environment. In particular, players will have to build bases, tame animals, collect resources - in general, do everything that is necessary for survival.
When it comes to multiplayer, players can form tribes by forming single groups and working towards common goals. However, like most games of the same genre, Ark: Survival Evolved has the clear goal of survival.
Available on what platforms Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved is currently available on all known platforms. It was released on Linux, Windows and macOS (PC), and the Xbox and PlayStation consoles. After a while, the game also appeared on mobile devices running Android and iOS. In addition, a full port on the Nintendo Switch was released at the end of 2018.
Given the number of platforms, it's a reasonable question whether Ark: Survival Evolved supports cross-platform.
Is Ark: Survival Evolved cross-platform?
Cross-platform support is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices. Additionally, Ark: Survival Evolved is available for cross-platform play between Xbox One/ Xbox Series X | S consoles and Windows 10 PC. However, there is one important condition here - the game must be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. As such, players using the Ark: Survival Evolved version from Epic Games or the Steam Store will not be able to play together.
Bad news for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch fans - those consoles don't support cross-platform. So if you want to play together with your friends, or save your progress when upgrading to a new platform, it's worth looking at crossplay-supported systems.
So, cross-platform in Ark: Survival Evolved is only available for players on iOS and Android, as well as Xbox and PC.
What's in store for Ark: Survival Evolved for the foreseeable future
Taking the Ark: Survival Evolved cross-platform theme further, it's unlikely that the feature will be available to PlayStation owners. Sony has made it quite clear that they are not going to give their gamers access to players from other platforms. Moreover, everyone is well aware of the corporation's policy towards Microsoft.
Ark: Survival Evolved is an open-world game where gamers can explore, build and hunt huge dinosaurs together. Today, the project only supports cross-platform play between iOS and Android mobile devices, and between PC and Xbox. Lately, the developers have left no sign that anything will change soon. Even in this format, however, Ark: Survival Evolved is developing nicely and keeping its fans happy.
Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.