If you’re a fan of survival games that throw you into a world teeming with dinosaurs and prehistoric elements, you might have already sunk countless hours into ARK: Survival Evolved. This engaging open-world adventure offers immense opportunities for exploration, crafting, and what some may call a “Rex-ellent” time! What if I told you that you can battle against the elements, tame creatures, and build your dream base, all while playing locally with your friends? In this article, we’ll delve deep into the mechanics of playing ARK locally on your PS4, from setting up a game to tips for survival.
Understanding Local Play in ARK: Survival Evolved
The local multiplayer mode in ARK allows you to experience the game with friends right in the comfort of your living room. Local play is perfect for those who prefer couch gaming sessions over online options. In local mode, you can set up a split-screen experience, letting you form tribes, tame dinosaurs, or simply engage in friendly competition.
Setting Up Local Multiplayer on Your PS4
Setting up local multiplayer in ARK on your PS4 is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Launching the Game
Begin by powering on your PS4 and launching ARK: Survival Evolved. Make sure that all players have their controllers ready and that each controller is connected to the console.
Step 2: Selecting Local Multiplayer Mode
Once the game launches:
– Navigate through the initial menus until you are on the main menu screen.
– Select the option labeled “Host/Local.” This will allow you to host a local game that your friends can join.
Step 3: Game Settings Configuration
You will be taken to the game settings screen. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Map Selection: Choose the map you want to play on. You have a variety of options including The Island, Scorched Earth, and more.
- Game Mode: Decide if you want to play in Survival mode, Creative mode, or another available option.
- Difficulty Settings: Adjust the difficulty and experience multipliers based on your gaming preference.
- Taming Speed: If you want to speed up the process of taming dinosaurs, don’t hesitate to adjust these settings.
Tip: Make sure to enable the split-screen option so that another player can join your game.
Step 4: Inviting Friends
To invite your friends to join:
– Have them connect their controllers, and wait for their profiles to appear on the screen.
– Press the designated button on the second controller to join the game.
You should now see the split-screen setup, allowing both players to dive into the vast world of ARK together.
Start Your Adventure: Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Before embarking on your prehistoric journey, it’s beneficial to understand some fundamental gameplay mechanics. ARK is known for its complexity and depth, especially regarding survival.
Gathering Resources
In the world of ARK, resource gathering is essential. Players must:
– Collect Materials: These include wood, stone, basic tools, and fiber, which will help you craft essential items.
– Foraging: Look for bushes, trees, and rocks to gather resources and build your survival base.
Aggressive and harmless creatures roam the land, so gathering resources can sometimes lead to confrontation.
Crafting and Building
Crafting your own tools and shelter is vital for survival. Here’s how you can begin:
- Access the Crafting Menu: Press the corresponding button to open the crafting interface, where you can create the following:
- Tools (axes, pickaxes, etc.)
- Weapons (spears, bows)
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Structures (foundations, walls, and roofs)
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Build a Shelter: Creating a safe haven protected from the elements and hostile creatures is critical. Make sure to place your structure in a strategic location, ideally near resources.
Tip: Building near water sources will make it easier for you to survive, as you’ll need to hydrate frequently.
Incorporating Taming and Breeding
One of the most captivating aspects of ARK lies in its taming system. Players can encounter various dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, which they can tame for utility or companionship.
Taming Dinosaurs
The process of taming varies by species, but here’s a basic overview:
- Passive Taming: Some creatures require you to feed them food while they are unconscious (e.g., herbivores).
- Tranquilizing: For aggressive creatures, you will need to knock them out using tranquilizer arrows or other means before taming them.
Once tamed, you can command creatures, use them for transportation, or even take them into battle.
Breeding Dinosaurs
Breeding is a fascinating feature that allows you to create stronger and unique dinosaurs. Pay attention to:
- Genetics: Different stats and abilities can be passed down to offspring.
- Gestation: Some creatures will undergo a gestation period before giving birth.
Communication and Collaboration in Local Multiplayer
Strong communication can dramatically improve your gaming experience while playing locally in ARK.
The Importance of Teamwork
Working as a team is critical to overcoming challenges and successful survival:
– Sharing Resources: Divide the labor of resource collection; each player can specialize in different tasks.
– Combine Skills: Different players can enhance their attributes in various skills, allowing for more balanced gameplay.
Engaging in Friendly PVP (Player vs. Player)
You can set up friendly competitions to boost camaraderie without the inherent frustrations of online PVP:
- Set Challenges: Create mini-games like races or base-building competitions.
- PVP Duels: Engage in fun and harmless combat to test survival skills.
Enhancing Your Local ARK Experience
To truly immerse yourself in the ARK experience while playing locally on PS4, consider some additional options and approaches.
Using Mods and Custom Games
If you’re looking to spice up your gameplay, you might consider using custom rules or mods available on the PC version:
- Creative Modes: Switch to Creative mode for wobbling around without the constraints of survival.
- Building Challenges: Set milestones that you and your friends can achieve together.
While mods aren’t available directly on PS4, the spirit of creativity can still thrive in local settings.
Joining Communities and Forums
Besides playing locally, immerse yourself in the vibrant ARK communities. Check out forums and social media groups to:
– Share Tips: Exchange strategies and survival techniques with other ARK enthusiasts.
– Get Inspired: Discover new building designs or taming tricks that you can try out in your game.
Final Considerations for an Epic Local ARK Session
As you prepare for your gaming session, remember these tips to maximize your enjoyment and effective gameplay.
Stay Prepared
Always equip yourself properly before venturing into the wild. Make sure you:
– Have Enough Supplies: Carry food, water, weapons, and building materials.
– Level Up: Utilize experience gained from gathering and surviving to apply points to important attributes like Health, Stamina, and Weight.
Embrace the Atmosphere
Finally, don’t forget to embrace the immersive atmosphere that ARK provides:
– Interact with Dinosaurs: Take your time exploring the various creatures and environments you encounter.
– Enjoy the Dynamics: The changing weather and day-night cycle add layers of challenge to your gameplay.
In conclusion, playing ARK: Survival Evolved locally on PS4 can offer thrilling experiences filled with survival, teamwork, and imaginative gameplay. By setting up your game correctly, communicating openly with fellow players, and capitalizing on the vast crafting and taming systems, you can create unforgettable memories. Now, gear up, unleash your inner adventurer, and dive into the magnificent world of ARK!
What is ARK: Survival Evolved and what makes it unique?
ARK: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game where players are stranded on a mysterious island filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The main goal is to survive and thrive by gathering resources, building shelters, taming creatures, and crafting tools. What sets ARK apart from other survival games is its detailed ecosystem and the ability to interact with a wide variety of flora and fauna, fostering a sense of exploration and adventure. Players can even build elaborate bases and engage in large-scale battles with other players or AI-controlled creatures.
In addition to survival mechanics, ARK features a rich lore and engaging progression system. Players can level up their characters, learn new crafting recipes, and unlock advanced technologies as they progress. The breath-taking graphics and immersive environments also contribute to the game’s allure, making each excursion feel like a unique adventure. The blend of complex mechanics and dynamic interactions creates an engaging experience that invites players to explore, conquer, and survive.
How do I play ARK locally on my PS4?
Playing ARK locally on your PS4 involves launching the game from your console and selecting the ‘Host/Local’ option in the main menu. Once you select this option, you can adjust various game settings such as difficulty, taming speed, and resource availability to tailor your gaming experience. After customizing your settings, you will create a new world or load an existing one where you can start your adventure either solo or with friends.
To invite friends to join you in your local world, simply ensure they are connected to the same network. They can join your game by navigating to the ‘Join Ark’ menu on their PS4, where they can find your locally hosted game. By setting the game to private or public, you can control who can join your session. This local multiplayer option enhances the cooperative experience, allowing players to share in the adventures and challenges that the game has to offer.
Can I play ARK in split-screen mode on PS4?
Yes, ARK: Survival Evolved supports split-screen mode on PS4, allowing two players to team up and experience the game together on a single console. To access this mode, you will need to connect a second controller to your PS4. Once connected, start the game and select the ‘Host/Local’ option as you normally would. The second player can join by pressing the appropriate button on their controller once prompted when the host player is in the game.
Split-screen mode allows both players to work collaboratively to gather resources, tame creatures, and build structures. However, it’s important to note that the screen may become crowded, and the game might perform differently due to rendering both players’ perspectives simultaneously. Despite this, the shared experience of engaging in quests and exploring the ARK together can make the gameplay incredibly rewarding and memorable.
What strategies should I employ when starting out in ARK?
When you first dive into ARK, it’s crucial to start with basic survival strategies. Focus on gathering essential resources like wood, stone, and thatch as soon as you spawn. These resources will allow you to craft basic tools and weapons, which are vital for your survival against both the environment and potentially aggressive creatures. Building a temporary shelter as soon as possible can provide protection from the elements and hostile players, if applicable. Consider crafting a campfire to cook food, which is also essential for maintaining your health.
In addition to gathering resources and building shelters, taming creatures early on can be a game-changer. Start with smaller herbivores and ensure you have plenty of berries on hand for taming them. These creatures can assist you in gathering resources and provide transportation across the map. As you progress, continue leveling up your character and learning new skills, which will significantly enhance your survival prospects and enable you to tackle more challenging adventures as you explore the expansive ARK world.
Are there any mods available for the PS4 version of ARK?
Unlike the PC version, the PS4 edition of ARK: Survival Evolved does not support mods or custom server integrations. This means players are limited to the base game content and any official updates released by the developers. However, the game regularly receives updates and expansions that introduce new creatures, items, and mechanics, maintaining a fresh experience for players. You can explore various official maps and expansions that add multitude of gameplay experiences without the need for mods.
While the lack of mod support might seem limiting, the inherent complexity and depth of the base game offer extensive possibilities. Players can still tailor their settings for personal gameplay, incorporate different challenges, and collaborate with friends to create unique experiences. Engaging in community-driven events or participating in challenges set by the developers can also help fill the void left by the absence of mods, fostering a vibrant online community despite the constraints.
What are some tips for enhancing performance while playing ARK on PS4?
To enhance performance while playing ARK on your PS4, it’s essential to manage your settings for an optimal experience. Lowering graphics settings can help improve frame rates, especially during intense multiplayer sessions or when exploring visually demanding areas. Additionally, consider disabling unnecessary background applications on your console to free up system resources, ensuring ARK runs smoother and reduces the chances of lag during gameplay.
Another way to improve your gaming experience is to regularly update the game, as developers often release patches that enhance performance and fix bugs. If you’re experiencing significant slowdowns or crashes, scrutinize your saved data for corruption, as this can also affect the game’s stability. Clearing game cache, optimizing your network connection, and avoiding overcrowding in your in-game base can also contribute to a more enjoyable ARK experience on your PS4.
Is there player support available for ARK on PS4?
Yes, there is player support available for ARK: Survival Evolved on PS4. The official ARK forums, community pages on social media, and the game’s support page provide resources for players seeking help. Here’s where you can find articles, troubleshooting guides, and guides created by other players that can assist you in resolving common issues or understanding gameplay mechanics. Engaging with the community can also lead to tips and strategies shared by experienced players.
For technical issues or bugs that you may encounter during gameplay, reaching out to the game’s support team and submitting a ticket can result in more direct assistance. Players can access support through the official ARK: Survival Evolved website, where they can find FAQs and guides tailored to common concerns. Overall, the active community and developer support help ensure players have an enjoyable and engaging experience in ARK on PS4.