If you’ve ever logged into Ark: Survival Evolved itching to go head-to-head with a friend who plays on a different platform or owns a separate copy of the game, you’ve probably asked can 2 different players play against each other on Ark. The short answer is yes, but there are a handful of rules, setup steps, and platform restrictions you need to know before you jump into a match. I’ve tested this across every major platform over the last three years, so I’ll break down exactly what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the most common headaches players run into.
Platform Compatibility Rules for Cross-Platform PvP in Ark
First, you need to confirm that both players are on platforms that support crossplay for Ark, because not all systems work together. For the original Ark: Survival Evolved, PC players on Steam and Epic Games Store can crossplay with each other and all Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players. PlayStation 4 and 5 players can only crossplay with other PlayStation users, and Switch players are restricted to only playing against other Switch players with no crossplay support for any other system.
If you’re playing the remastered Ark: Survival Ascended, crossplay support is far broader, with PlayStation players now able to join lobbies with Xbox and PC players. Crossplay is only enabled for non-dedicated and dedicated servers that have the setting turned on, so you’ll need to double check that box before launching your server if you’re playing across different storefronts or platforms.
You also don’t need to own the exact same DLC packs to play against each other, as long as you’re both joining a server running a base game map like The Island. If you want to play on a DLC map like Scorched Earth or Aberration, both players will need to own and install that DLC to access the server. You don’t need to be friends on the same platform to play against each other, but you do need to be on the same server with PvP enabled.
Step-by-Step Setup to Let 2 Different Players Play Against Each Other on Ark
Setting up a PvP match for two separate players takes less than 10 minutes for most casual setups, and you don’t need any advanced technical skills to pull it off. Follow these steps to get your match up and running:
Non-dedicated servers are ideal if you’re only playing with one other person, as you can launch one directly from your in-game menu in less than a minute. The only downside is that the second player can’t move more than 100 meters away from you, the host, without getting teleported back, so you’ll need to build your bases fairly close to each other if you go this route. Non-dedicated servers are the fastest option for casual 1v1 play, as you don’t need any external hosting tools to set one up.
If you’re waiting for the other player to install mod updates or connect to the server, you can fill the downtime with a quick casual game to pass the time. Many players I know opt for quick, low-stakes games between long Ark sessions to keep their focus sharp, and INR Rummy is a popular pick for quick, skill-based rounds that fit into 10 minute gaps perfectly. Just make sure you don’t get so wrapped up in your side game that you forget to check when your opponent joins the server, or they might raid your base before you even spawn in.
Common Issues That Block PvP Between Different Ark Players
Even if you follow all the setup steps correctly, you might run into a few common issues that prevent you from playing against each other. The most frequent problem is a version mismatch, where one player is running an older version of the game or a mod than the other. This usually causes the joining player to get kicked immediately, or crash when they try to load into the server. You should always update your game to the latest official patch before trying to join a friend’s server, even if you haven’t played in months.
Another common issue is platform restriction, which we touched on earlier. If you’re on PlayStation and your friend is on Xbox, you won’t be able to join the same server for the original Ark: Survival Evolved, no matter what settings you adjust. You’ll either need to switch to the same platform, or upgrade to Ark: Survival Ascended which supports full crossplay across all modern systems.
Firewall or router issues can also block the second player from joining your server. If the host has their firewall blocking incoming connections, the server won’t show up in the other player’s browser at all. You can fix this by port forwarding 7777 and 27015 on your router, or using a VPN if your ISP is blocking game server connections. If you don’t want to mess with router settings, you can also join the same public PvP server instead of hosting a private one, which eliminates most connection issues entirely.
Tips for Fair and Fun PvP Between 2 Different Ark Players
Once you’re both in the same server, there are a few small tweaks you can make to ensure your match is fun for both players, instead of frustrating for the person who gets raided first. The most important step is to agree on clear ground rules before you start playing. You can set rules like no admin commands, no using overpowered tames like Giganotosaurus for the first week of play, or no raiding until both players have at least a stone base set up.
Setting clear rules ahead of time eliminates almost all arguments that pop up during casual PvP matches with friends. You can also set a clear win condition for your match, like whoever raids the other player’s base first wins, or whoever gets 10 kills first wins, so you don’t end up dragging out the match for weeks if you don’t want to.
If you’re new to PvP, you can practice on a PvE server first to get comfortable with building, taming, and combat mechanics before you jump into a PvP match. You can also use creative mode to build test bases and practice fighting each other without losing any of your hard-earned items if you die. For more competitive matches, you can record your gameplay to share clips of your best raids or fight sequences, which is a fun way to relive the match later.
At the end of the day, can 2 different players play against each other on Ark is a question with a very positive answer for most platform combinations, as long as you follow the setup steps and account for platform restrictions. Whether you're looking for a casual 1v1 with a friend or a long-term competitive server rivalry, Ark's flexible multiplayer settings make it easy to set up the exact PvP experience you want. Just remember to double check your game versions and server settings before you start, and you'll be battling it out with dinos and base raids in no time.