If you’re asking “is ark cross platform xbox and pc,” you’re in the right place. The direct answer is yes, but with some very important conditions. *Ark: Survival Evolved* supports shared adventures between Xbox and computer players on certain official and unofficial servers.
This cross-platform play, often called crossplay, is a fantastic feature. It lets you team up with friends regardless of whether they game on an Xbox console or a Windows PC. However, the setup isn’t universal across all versions of the game.
Understanding the rules is key to a smooth experience. This guide will explain exactly how Ark crossplay works between Xbox and PC, the steps you need to follow, and what limitations you might encounter.
Is Ark Cross Platform Xbox And Pc
Yes, *Ark: Survival Evolved* is cross-platform between Xbox and PC, but specifically between Xbox consoles and the Windows 10/11 version of the game purchased from the Microsoft Store. This is a crucial distinction. The standard Steam version of Ark on PC does not crossplay with Xbox consoles on official servers.
This crossplay functionality is powered by the Xbox Live network. Since both Xbox consoles and the Microsoft Store PC version use the same underlying Xbox Live architecture, players can connect on shared servers. Think of it as all players being part of the same Xbox ecosystem, even if they are on different devices.
This feature has been a significant benefit for the games community. It allows for larger, more diverse player bases on supported servers and helps friends stay connected without needing the same hardware.
Official Cross-Platform Servers
Studio Wildcard, the developer, maintains official cross-platform servers. These are labeled clearly in the server list. When you browse for a server on your Xbox or Microsoft Store PC version, you will see an option to filter for “Crossplay” servers.
Joining these official servers is straightforward. Both Xbox and PC (Microsoft Store) players can find and join the same server by its name. Your in-game friends list, powered by Xbox Live, will show friends from both platforms, allowing for easy invites.
Progress on these servers is shared. A character you create on an official crossplay server can be accessed from either your Xbox or your Windows PC, as long as you use the same Microsoft account. This provides great flexibility in how and where you play.
The Steam Version Limitation
This is the most important point to grasp. The version of *Ark: Survival Evolved* purchased and downloaded through the Steam platform on PC operates on a separate network. It does not connect to the Xbox Live-based official servers that facilitate Xbox and Microsoft Store PC crossplay.
Therefore, a player using the Steam version cannot join an official server that has Xbox or Microsoft Store PC players on it. The two ecosystems—Steam and Xbox Live—are siloed for official play. This often leads to confusion, as the Steam version is the most common on PC.
However, there is a workaround for unofficial servers, which we will cover in detail later. This involves using third-party tools and is not supported by the developer for official servers.
Why The Separation Exists
The separation stems from different platform policies and update schedules. Steam and the Microsoft Store/Xbox have different certification processes for game updates. In the past, Ark updates would release on Steam first, which would have given those players an advantage if the platforms were directly connected on official servers.
By keeping the official networks separate, Studio Wildcard can manage updates and patches per platform without disrupting cross-platform balance. It ensures that all players on a given official crossplay server are running the exact same game version.
Cross-Platform With Playstation And Nintendo Switch
For clarity, it’s essential to note that neither PlayStation 4/5 nor the Nintendo Switch version of *Ark: Survival Evolved* participate in this cross-platform play with Xbox or PC. PlayStation has its own network, and the Switch version is isolated.
There has been no announcement from Studio Wildcard about extending official crossplay to include these platforms. So, if your friends are on PlayStation, you cannot currently join them from an Xbox or PC on official servers.
How To Play Ark Cross Platform Xbox And Pc
Setting up crossplay between your Xbox and a Windows PC is a simple process if you follow the correct steps. The primary requirement is that the PC player must own the correct version of the game.
Step-By-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to get started with your cross-platform session.
- Ensure the PC player owns the Microsoft Store version of *Ark: Survival Evolved*. This is often called the “Windows 10/11” version. It can be purchased directly from the Microsoft Store app on Windows.
- Both players must have active Xbox Live accounts. This is automatic for Xbox players. PC players will need to sign into the Xbox app on their Windows computer with their Microsoft account.
- Add each other as friends through the Xbox network. You can do this via the Xbox console guide, the Xbox app on PC, or the xbox.com website.
- On your device (Xbox or PC), open Ark and navigate to the “Join Ark” menu.
- Apply the “Crossplay” filter to the server list. This will show only servers that support Xbox and Microsoft Store PC players.
- Choose an official server or an unofficial server that you know supports crossplay. You can also search for a specific server name.
- Once in the server, you can invite your friend directly from the in-game menu using the “Invite Friends” option, which will pull from your Xbox Live friends list.
If you encounter connection issues, double-check that both players have the latest game update installed. Sometimes a mismatch in versions can prevent joining.
Using Unofficial Servers For Crossplay
Unofficial servers, run by players on dedicated hardware or through hosting services, offer more flexibility. Many server hosts explicitly provide “Crossplay” servers that bridge Xbox and Microsoft Store PC.
To join an unofficial crossplay server, you will typically need the server’s exact name or its IP address. Server admins can configure these servers to allow both platforms. The process for joining is similar to joining an official server, but you may use the “Unofficial” filter and search field.
Some advanced server hosts even offer clusters that support crossplay, allowing you to travel between different maps with the same character across this platform bridge.
The Nitrado Hosting Solution
Nitrado is a popular game server hosting company that is officially partnered with Studio Wildcard. They provide a streamlined service for renting Ark servers, including crossplay between Xbox and Windows PC.
When renting a server from Nitrado, you can select the “Xbox/Windows 10” version. This server will then be accessible to players on both platforms. The Nitrado control panel makes it easy to manage settings, mods (with limitations), and whitelist players.
Crossplay Limitations And Considerations
While crossplay is powerful, it’s not without its quirks and limitations. Being aware of these will help you manage your expectations and troubleshoot problems.
Mod Support Differences
Mods are a huge part of the Ark experience on PC. However, crossplay servers have strict limitations. Official crossplay servers do not support any mods at all.
On unofficial servers, mod use is possible but restricted. Only mods that are available on the Xbox version’s in-game mod browser (CurseForge integration) can be used on a crossplay server. The Steam Workshop, with its vast library, is not accessible because Xbox consoles cannot use those files.
This means the selection of mods for a crossplay server is much smaller. The server admin must ensure that any mods they install are from the approved cross-platform list, or Xbox players will be unable to join.
Performance And Control Variations
PC players typically have advantages in terms of frame rate, graphical fidelity, and draw distance, depending on their hardware. They also use a keyboard and mouse, which can offer more precision for tasks like shooting or building compared to a controller.
This can sometimes lead to an imbalance in player versus player (PvP) scenarios. Some unofficial servers implement rules to balance this, or players simply choose to cooperate in PvE environments to avoid this issue entirely.
Voice chat is usually handled through the Xbox Live party system, which works seamlessly across both platforms. In-game text chat is also shared, so communication is generally not a problem.
Account And Progress Syncing
Your character data is stored on the server, not locally. This means if you create a character on an official crossplay server from your Xbox, you can later log into that same server from the Microsoft Store version on your PC and continue with the same character, inventory, and base.
You must use the same Microsoft/Xbox Live account on both devices for this to work. Your progress is linked to your account and the specific server cluster you played on.
Remember, this only applies to the official crossplay servers and unofficial servers that are part of the same cluster. You cannot transfer a character from a Steam-only server to an Xbox crossplay server.
Common Crossplay Problems And Fixes
Even with a straightforward setup, you might hit some snags. Here are common issues and their solutions.
Cannot Find Friend’s Server
If you can’t find your friend’s server in the list, try these steps:
- Confirm you are both searching for the same server type (Official vs. Unofficial).
- Ensure the “Crossplay” filter is enabled on both ends.
- Have your friend share the server’s full name exactly, as search is case-sensitive.
- Check that neither of you have a full tribe or server filter applied by accident.
Failed To Join Session Errors
Connection errors are common. Basic troubleshooting includes:
- Restarting the game on both devices.
- Performing a full power cycle on your Xbox (hold the power button).
- Checking your internet connection and NAT type on Xbox (should be “Open”).
- Verifying that the server is not currently full or undergoing a restart.
Version Mismatch Messages
This error means one platform has a game update the other does not. Studio Wildcard strives to release updates simultaneously for Xbox and Windows Store, but small delays can happen.
There is no fix but to wait. Ensure both your devices have automatic updates enabled. The player on the outdated version needs to check for and install the latest Ark update before you can reconnect.
Future Of Ark Cross-Platform Play
With the release of *Ark: Survival Ascended*, the next-generation remake of the game, the crossplay landscape has evolved. *Ark: Survival Ascended* supports cross-platform play between PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
This is a significant change from the original *Survival Evolved*. It indicates a move by Studio Wildcard towards broader, more inclusive crossplay in their new titles. However, for the original *Ark: Survival Evolved*, the existing rules between Xbox and PC (Microsoft Store) are unlikely to change.
If you are planning a new long-term adventure with friends across platforms, you may want to discuss moving to *Ark: Survival Ascended* to take advantage of the newer, more flexible crossplay system that includes Steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Xbox And PC Steam Play Ark Together?
No, not on official servers. The Steam version of Ark on PC cannot connect to the official crossplay servers for Xbox and Microsoft Store PC. They are on separate networks. The only way is through unofficial servers using a special third-party tool called Ark Server Manager with crossplay mods, which is complex and not officially supported.
Is Ark Cross Progression Between Xbox And PC?
Yes, but only if you play the Microsoft Store version on PC. Your character and progress on an official crossplay server are tied to your Xbox Live account. You can access that same character from either your Xbox console or the Microsoft Store PC version of the game by logging into the same server.
How Do I Enable Crossplay On My Ark Server?
If you are renting a server from a host like Nitrado, you must select the “Xbox/Windows 10” version when purchasing. This enables crossplay by default. For a PC-hosted server using the Microsoft Store version of the dedicated server tool, you must ensure the server is configured to allow Xbox Live connections in its settings files.
Can PlayStation And Xbox Play Ark Together?
No. In *Ark: Survival Evolved*, PlayStation and Xbox cannot play together on any official or unofficial servers. They are completely separated. This limitation is lifted in the newer *Ark: Survival Ascended*, which supports PlayStation and Xbox crossplay.
Why Can’t I See My PC Friend On Ark Xbox?
First, confirm your PC friend is using the Microsoft Store version, not Steam. Then, ensure you are both connected to Xbox Live and are friends on the Xbox network. Finally, make sure you are both browsing the “Crossplay” server list in the game. If you are on an unofficial server, the server must be specifically configured for crossplay.