Will Ark Be on PS4? A Deep Dive into the Prehistoric Survival Phenomenon
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The short answer is yes, the original Ark: Survival Evolved is available on PS4. However, the future of the franchise, particularly Ark 2 and its enhanced remaster Ark: Survival Ascended, brings a bit more complexity to the question. Let’s unravel the details!
Ark: Survival Evolved on PS4: A Solid Experience
Ark: Survival Evolved had a somewhat rocky start across all platforms, including the PS4. However, through numerous updates and optimizations, it’s become a playable experience on the console. While it may not boast the graphical fidelity or performance of its PC or next-gen counterparts, the game is fully functional and enjoyable, especially on the PS4 Pro.
Players have reported decent graphics on High detail settings, and while the occasional animation quirk might appear (think fish doing headstands underwater), the overall experience is stable, with few freezes or crashes reported after many hours of playtime. The real question is whether or not it’s the best way to experience Ark, which leads us to our next point:
Ark 2 and Ark: Survival Ascended: A Shift in Focus
The saga takes a turn when discussing Ark 2 and Ark: Survival Ascended. Ark 2 is set to be a console launch exclusive for Xbox Series X/S. This means PlayStation 5 players will have to wait before getting their hands on the sequel. The duration of this exclusivity remains unclear.
Further complicating matters, Ark: Survival Ascended, a remastered version of the original Ark using Unreal Engine 5, initially raised concerns when Studio Wildcard announced plans to shut down the original Ark servers upon its release. This led to a community backlash and a subsequent reversal of this decision. Ark: Survival Ascended promises enhanced visuals and improved performance, but its availability on PS4 is not happening.
Ark 2 also has third person features which differ greatly from the original. Advanced character traversal mechanics include mantling, free-climbing, parkour, sliding, and swinging!
Ark 2 is not on PS4, and neither is Ark: Survival Ascended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to address specific concerns and provide additional information about Ark’s availability on various platforms:
1. Will Ark 2 ever come to PS5?
While Ark 2 is an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive at launch, the exclusivity agreement is likely time-limited. After the exclusivity period expires (which could range from a few months to a year), it is highly probable that Ark 2 will be released on PS5. But, as of now, there is no definite release date for PS5.
2. Is Ark: Survival Ascended available on PS4?
No, Ark: Survival Ascended, the Unreal Engine 5 remaster of the original Ark, will not be released on PS4. Its target platforms are PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5.
3. Is Ark free on PS4?
Ark: Survival Evolved has been free on PS4 in the past, specifically as a PlayStation Plus monthly game in March 2022. However, it is not currently free unless you acquired it during that promotional period. You can find more about the Games Learning Society here.
4. How much does it cost to rent an Ark server on PS4?
The cost of renting an Ark: Survival Evolved server on PS4 varies depending on the provider and the number of player slots. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 per month for 30 slots to $50 per month for 100 slots.
5. Why is Ark so laggy on PS4?
Lag in Ark: Survival Evolved on PS4 can be attributed to various factors, including network connection issues, server load, and the game’s demanding graphics. Ensuring a stable internet connection, playing on servers with low ping, and adjusting graphics settings can help mitigate lag.
6. What’s the best Ark map to play on PS4?
The “best” Ark map is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, popular choices include The Island (the original map), Valguero, and Ragnarok. Each map offers unique environments, resources, and challenges.
7. Can you use God mode in Ark on PS4?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved on PS4 supports cheat commands, including God mode. To access cheat commands, you typically need to enable admin privileges on your server or in single-player mode.
8. Will Ark 2 replace Ark: Survival Evolved?
While Ark 2 represents the future of the franchise, it’s unlikely to completely replace Ark: Survival Evolved. Many players still enjoy the original game, and Studio Wildcard has confirmed that the original servers will remain active, even after the release of Ark: Survival Ascended.
9. Is Ark 2 first-person or third-person?
Ark 2 will feature a third-person perspective, a significant departure from the first-person perspective of the original Ark. This change aims to introduce more advanced character movement and traversal mechanics.
10. Can you host an Ark server for free?
While fully free ARK server hosting options are limited, there are ways to enjoy the game without paying. You can set up a dedicated server on your PC (though this requires technical knowledge and resources), explore free trial offers from hosting providers, or join community-hosted servers.
11. What does the “Ark” in Ark: Survival Evolved stand for?
The “Ark” in Ark: Survival Evolved refers to the massive structures in the game’s world, which serve as habitats for various creatures and contain advanced technology. The ultimate goal of the game is to uncover the mysteries surrounding these Arks and their purpose.
12. Where did the idea of Ark come from?
While the developers haven’t definitively stated a single source of inspiration, the game clearly draws from various influences, including science fiction, paleontology, and survival genres. Films like Jurassic Park and Stargate are often cited as potential influences.
13. Is Ark cross-platform with PS4?
Ark: Survival Evolved does not support cross-platform play between PS4 and other platforms like PC or Xbox. This is due to platform-specific restrictions and development choices. However, PS4 players can play with other PS4 players on the same server.
14. Is Ark a good game for kids on PS4?
Ark: Survival Evolved is rated T for Teen due to violence, blood, and some mature themes. While the core gameplay loop can be engaging for younger players, parents should be aware of the game’s content and consider its suitability for their child’s age and maturity level.
15. Are there any alternatives to Ark on PS4?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Ark: Survival Evolved on PS4 that offer similar survival and crafting gameplay. These include Conan Exiles, Minecraft, No Man’s Sky, and The Forest. Each game offers its own unique spin on the genre.
The Evolving Ark Universe
In conclusion, while the original Ark: Survival Evolved is indeed available on PS4 and offers a solid, albeit not flawless, experience, the future of the franchise brings shifts in platform availability. Ark 2 being an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive at launch and the enhanced Ark: Survival Ascended skipping PS4 entirely present challenges for PlayStation players. However, the original Ark remains playable on PS4, and the possibility of Ark 2 eventually making its way to PS5 exists. Keep an eye on official announcements and news for the latest updates on the Ark saga.