To play ARK: Survival Evolved with friends, follow these steps:
1. Join an Official Server:
– Launch ARK and select “Join ARK.”
– Filter for “Official Servers.”
– Find a server that is suitable for you and your friends.
– You can join a server by searching for its name or browsing through the available options.
2. Create a Non-Dedicated Server:
– From the main menu, select “Host/Local.”
– Choose the “Non-Dedicated Server” option. This allows you to play with friends without needing a dedicated server, but the host player’s game is the one running.
– Set up the game settings, such as the map, difficulty, and mods.
– Once the game loads, your friends can join by selecting “Join ARK” and entering the host’s IP address or finding the game in the server list.
3. Set Up a Dedicated Server (Private Server):
– You can rent or set up your own dedicated server, which is always online and doesn’t require the host to be online for others to play.
– Use a hosting provider or set it up through the game files (requires some technical knowledge).
– Share the server’s IP address and password with your friends so they can join.
4. Invite Friends via Steam (for PC):
– If you’re on Steam, you can directly invite friends to your game. Right-click on their name in the Steam friends list and select “Join Game” when you’re online in ARK.
– Alternatively, you can invite them through the in-game menu by clicking the “Invite Friends” button.
5. Crossplay (Console/PC):
– ARK supports crossplay between certain platforms, so you can play with friends on different devices (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, or PC).
– To play cross-platform, you’ll need to make sure your game is set up for crossplay, usually by enabling this option in the game settings or on the server hosting settings.
6. Setting Up LAN Play (Local Network):
– If you and your friends are on the same local network, you can set up a LAN server.
– In the main menu, select “Host/Local” and then “Start LAN Game.”
– Your friends can join through the “Join ARK” menu by selecting your game from the LAN tab.
7. Modding and Server Settings:
– You can add mods or adjust settings (like rates for XP, taming, and harvesting) to customize the experience for you and your friends.
– Ensure everyone has the same mods installed if you’re playing on a modded server.
With these methods, you and your friends can enjoy ARK together!
