How to Enable Split Screen in Ark: A Comprehensive Guide
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Enabling split-screen in Ark: Survival Evolved allows you to share the prehistoric survival experience with a friend right on your couch. This feature is perfect for local co-op play, enabling you and a buddy to tame dinosaurs, build bases, and explore the island together. Here’s a direct and comprehensive answer to your question:
To enable split-screen in Ark, you’ll need to be playing on a console (specifically, a PlayStation 4/5 or an Xbox One/Series X/S). Split-screen is not available on PC or mobile platforms. Once on your console, follow these steps:
- Start the Game: Launch Ark: Survival Evolved on your console.
- Host a Local Game: From the main menu, select “Host/Local“. This option is crucial as split-screen is only supported in local play.
- Create Character 1: Start a new single-player game and create your first character. Choose a name, appearance, and any initial settings. Click “Create New Survivor” to finalize this first player.
- Connect Second Controller: Ensure your second controller is connected and turned on.
- Activate Split Screen: Press the options button (PlayStation) or the menu button (Xbox) on the second controller. This action will automatically trigger split-screen mode, dividing the screen into two sections.
- Create Character 2: Now, you will create a new survivor for your second player. Customize the character to your preference.
- Start Playing: Both of you are now ready to play together in split-screen mode. Enjoy taming dinos, building, and surviving!
It’s important to note that both players will need a Playstation Network (PSN) account or Xbox Live account (depending on your console). While you do not have to pay for these accounts to enable split-screen, both users need to have profiles registered to the console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark Split Screen
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information about playing Ark in split-screen mode:
1. Can I Play Split Screen on PC?
Unfortunately, no, split-screen is not available on the PC version of Ark: Survival Evolved. PC players can only play multiplayer through online servers or by hosting a local server that friends can join. To play with a friend on the PC version, you would have to go through the multiplayer options, either by hosting a local game and inviting your friend via Steam, or by joining a public or private server.
2. Is Split Screen Available on Mobile?
Similar to PC, split-screen is not an option for the mobile version of Ark: Survival Evolved. The game is designed for individual play on mobile devices. If you want to play with friends on mobile, you’d have to join a server with other players.
3. How Many Players Can Play in Split Screen?
Ark: Survival Evolved only supports two-player split-screen on consoles. You cannot play split-screen with more than one friend on a single console. If you wish to play with more than one friend, you would need to play online and join or host a server.
4. Do Both Players Need PlayStation Network or Xbox Live Accounts?
Yes, both players need to have their own PSN accounts (on Playstation) or Xbox Live accounts (on Xbox) registered on the console to enable split-screen. These accounts do not need a paid subscription, but the profiles have to be set up on the console. This is necessary for the game to recognize both players as separate individuals.
5. Does Split Screen Affect Performance?
Yes, enabling split screen can slightly impact the performance of the game. This is because the console has to render two different perspectives of the game world simultaneously. You might notice a decrease in frame rates or a slight reduction in graphics quality.
6. Can Split Screen Players Join Online Servers?
No, split-screen is strictly a local co-op mode. You cannot join online servers while playing in split-screen. The split-screen option is only available for a hosted local game. If you wish to play together online you must join servers individually.
7. Can I Adjust Split Screen Settings?
While there are no specific split-screen settings, you can adjust the general graphics and performance settings to potentially improve the experience. Some other settings can be adjusted in the game settings menu. However, these settings affect both players, not just one.
8. How Do I Set Up a Local Game?
To set up a local game, from the main menu of Ark: Survival Evolved, choose “Host/Local“. This will take you to a single-player map with the option to invite a friend, which would create a split screen.
9. Can Split Screen Save Progress?
Yes, split screen progress is saved just like a normal single-player game. When you exit and return to the game, you’ll be able to continue your session from where you left off.
10. Are All Maps Available in Split Screen?
Yes, all maps are available to play in split-screen. However, the performance may vary from map to map, so you might have to adjust some settings for a smoother experience on some of the more demanding maps.
11. Can Split Screen Be Used On The Remastered Version of Ark?
Yes, split-screen is also supported on the remastered version Ark: Survival Ascended, as it maintains the local co-op gameplay from the original game. The steps to enable split screen are the same as described above for Ark: Survival Evolved.
12. Why Won’t My Split Screen Work?
If your split-screen isn’t working:
* Ensure Both Controllers are On: Check that both controllers are connected and have power.
* Confirm Both Players Have Accounts: Make sure both players have PSN or Xbox Live accounts registered on the console.
- Host Local Game: You must start a local game through “Host/Local“, as split screen will not be available in any other modes.
- Press Correct Button: You must press the options button (Playstation) or menu button (Xbox) on the second controller to initiate split screen mode.
13. Are there any benefits to playing split-screen versus single player?
Playing split screen does give you the benefit of having a friend to play with. It makes resource gathering quicker as you can work together, and makes the world feel less dangerous. You will not be able to do this while playing single player.
14. Is Ark free to play?
While Ark: Survival Evolved was given away for free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time, it is generally not a free-to-play game. The remastered version, Ark: Survival Ascended, is a paid game. There are also costs for some of the expansion packs or season passes.
15. What are the downsides to playing in split screen mode?
There are a few downsides to playing in split screen mode. As stated before, there can be some graphics downgrades, frame rate issues, and the game will have to render two separate views of the world simultaneously. Another downside is that the viewable space for each player is reduced due to the screen being split.