Is Ark: Survival Ascended Cross-Platform? The Definitive Answer
Ark: Survival Ascended offers a stunning visual upgrade to the original survival game, but does it connect players across different gaming ecosystems? The answer, in short, is complicated. It’s not fully cross-platform in the traditional sense, but cross-play is available within certain limitations.
Understanding Cross-Platform Play in Ark: Survival Ascended
The concept of cross-platform play, or simply cross-play, allows players using different gaming platforms (e.g., PC, PlayStation, Xbox) to play the same game together. This fosters larger communities, reduces platform exclusivity restrictions, and can lead to a more vibrant and engaging gaming experience. Unfortunately, the reality of cross-play is often complex, involving technical challenges, licensing agreements, and platform-specific policies.
Official Stance: What We Know About Cross-Play
While Ark: Survival Evolved had limited cross-play capabilities, Ark: Survival Ascended initially launched with a stricter approach. Currently, official servers support cross-play between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X/S. PlayStation users, however, are not included in the official cross-play ecosystem.
The Complications with PlayStation Cross-Play
The absence of PlayStation in the official cross-play environment stems from several factors, including Sony’s platform policies and potentially licensing agreements. While the Ark community has expressed strong desires for PlayStation cross-play, there’s been no official confirmation from either Studio Wildcard (the developer) or Sony regarding its future implementation.
Unofficial Servers: A Potential Solution
For players looking to bridge the gap between platforms, unofficial servers may offer a solution. Some unofficial servers are configured to allow cross-play between different platforms, including PlayStation. However, it’s crucial to understand that unofficial servers are managed independently and may have their own rules, settings, and stability levels. The availability and reliability of such cross-play are dependent on the specific server.
Future Possibilities: Will Cross-Play Expand?
The possibility of broader cross-play for Ark: Survival Ascended is an ongoing topic of discussion within the community. While Studio Wildcard hasn’t made any definitive announcements, the persistent demand for cross-platform functionality may influence future development decisions. The success and popularity of the game could also sway platform holders like Sony to reconsider their policies regarding cross-play.
Benefits of Cross-Play in Ark: Survival Ascended
- Larger Player Base: Cross-play unites communities across different platforms, resulting in a larger pool of players and enhanced multiplayer experiences.
- Reduced Platform Exclusivity: Players are not restricted to playing only with others on the same platform, fostering a more inclusive and accessible gaming environment.
- Enhanced Multiplayer Opportunities: Cross-play opens up new possibilities for cooperative gameplay, competitive matches, and social interactions across different gaming ecosystems.
- Easier Friend Connections: Gamers can play with friends and family regardless of their preferred gaming platform.
Cross-Progression and Cross-Save: Are They Available?
Cross-progression allows you to carry your character’s progress (levels, skills, unlocked engrams) across different platforms. Cross-save enables you to transfer your save data (world state, structures, tames) between platforms. As of now, Ark: Survival Ascended does not officially support cross-progression or cross-save between platforms. Your progress is tied to the platform on which you are playing.
The Evolving Landscape of Cross-Play
Cross-play is a continuously evolving landscape in the gaming industry. As more games embrace cross-platform functionality, it becomes increasingly expected by players. The future of cross-play in Ark: Survival Ascended will likely depend on a combination of technical advancements, developer choices, and platform holder policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Ark: Survival Ascended ever be fully cross-platform with PlayStation?
While there’s no official confirmation, the possibility remains. Community demand and potential future shifts in platform policies could influence the implementation of PlayStation cross-play in Ark: Survival Ascended. However, for now, PlayStation players are isolated from PC and Xbox players on official servers.
What platforms can play together on official Ark: Survival Ascended servers?
Currently, official Ark: Survival Ascended servers support cross-play between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X/S. PlayStation is not included.
How do I find an unofficial Ark: Survival Ascended server with cross-play?
You’ll need to browse unofficial server lists and look for servers specifically advertising cross-play functionality. Server descriptions and communities are your best resource. Be aware that unofficial servers can be unreliable and may disappear without notice.
Is there any way to transfer my Ark: Survival Ascended character between platforms?
Unfortunately, Ark: Survival Ascended currently does not support cross-progression or cross-save. Your character and world progress are tied to the platform on which you created them.
Are there any disadvantages to playing on an unofficial cross-play server?
Yes, unofficial servers can have disadvantages. These include potential instability, unpredictable server resets, modified rulesets, and the risk of the server being shut down by its owner.
Does the lack of cross-play affect the gameplay experience for PlayStation users?
Yes, PlayStation players are limited to playing with other PlayStation players on official servers. This can result in a smaller player base and potentially longer wait times for finding games or connecting with other players.
What are the main technical challenges involved in implementing cross-play?
Technical challenges include handling different hardware architectures, managing account systems across platforms, and ensuring fair and balanced gameplay despite platform-specific advantages or disadvantages.
How does cross-play impact the competitive balance of Ark: Survival Ascended?
Concerns arise regarding potential advantages for PC players due to mouse and keyboard controls over console controllers. Developers often need to carefully balance gameplay to ensure fair competition across platforms.
Are there any plans for cross-progression or cross-save to be implemented in the future?
While there are no official announcements, the community has expressed a strong desire for cross-progression and cross-save. Whether these features will be implemented remains to be seen.
If cross-play is eventually added for PlayStation, will it be mandatory?
It’s likely that cross-play would be an optional feature, allowing players to choose whether they want to play with users on other platforms. This ensures that players who prefer to play exclusively with others on the same platform can do so.
Does Ark: Survival Ascended on PC have cross-play between Steam and Epic Games Store?
Yes, PC players using either the Steam or Epic Games Store versions of Ark: Survival Ascended can play together on official servers.
Why is cross-play so important to the Ark: Survival Ascended community?
Cross-play fosters a larger and more connected community, allowing friends to play together regardless of their preferred platform. It also helps to extend the lifespan of the game by maintaining a healthy player base across different gaming ecosystems.