Can someone on Epic Games join someone on Steam in ARK?
The short answer is yes, you can play ARK: Survival Evolved crossplay between the Steam and Epic Games PC platforms. This guide will explain exactly how it works, along with tips help you connect and play with friends across launchers.
As a long-time ARK player with over 1000+ hours, I‘ve hosted public crossplay servers and played on them extensively. I‘ll be sharing everything you need to know, from a gamer‘s perspective.
How ARK Crossplay Works
ARK utilizes the Steamworks and Epic Online Services APIs to enable friend invites and connectivity across different PC storefronts.
For it to work properly, the server host needs to toggle the appropriate settings in their ini file:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Crossplay Allowed | Enable or disable crossplay functionality |
| Crossplay Platforms | Choose "EPIC", "Steam", or "Steam+Epic" to control who can join |
Without the right Crossplay Platform set, Steam users won‘t even see Epic-hosted servers in their browser. And vice versa.
These settings allow admins to decide if they want a fully inclusive server, or limit it based on platform. This comes down to mods compatibility…
The Issue with Mods
ARK has a vibrant modding community, with over 44,000 Steam Workshop items that significantly expand gameplay.
The problem? Epic Games and Steam handle mods differently. Steam syncs them automatically from the Workshop. Epic requires manual installation from websites.
This causes compatibility issues. If a server has Steam mods, Epic players won‘t have them installed. Their game client will crash on join.
Solutions
Server admins have two options:
- Run vanilla ARK with no mods: This ensures maximum accessibility and stability. But loses functionality granted by complex mods.
- Manually install the same mods: Epic players would need download and add mods to match the server‘s load order. Tedious but retains full features.
Based on player feedback in my own Discord, the majority preferred crossplay over mods. So I run mine pure vanilla.
If you wish to sync mod content, apps like AMP can assist with that.
Connecting with Friends Across Launchers
To see and invite friends from both Steam and Epic Games, you first need to link your accounts:
- In Epic app, go to Settings > Connections
- Select Steam and login to connect it
Once done, your Steam friends will appear in the Epic Friends list. And vice versa.
However, there are reports of friends failing to show up occasionally. Typically rebooting both apps fixes it.
If friends are on but not joinable, double-check Crossplay Platforms are set properly in the server config. Everyone may need to reboot as well.
Hosting Your Own ARK Crossplay Server
Rather than relying on public servers, you can host your own to game privately with friends.
This gives full control to configure crossplay and mods as you prefer. You‘ll need:
- A Windows/Linux server or spare computer to act as host
- SteamCMD to install server files
- Port forwarding on your router
I‘ve used guides from Survival Servers and the Steam Community to help with setting this up.
The key things to adjust are in your GameUserSettings.ini:
- CrossplayAllowed
- CrossplayPlatformInviteMethod
- CrossPlayPlatforms
There are lots of great hosts like Nitrado, GPortal and ServerBlend that handle everything easily too. Just pick a location and toggle crossplay at checkout.
If configured right, Epic and Steam players can seamlessly play together!
Quick Crossplay Checklist
Follow this for smooth ARK crossplay sessions:
- Server allows CrossplayPlatforms=Epic+Steam
- Epic & Steam friend accounts connected
- Running vanilla or syncing mods manually
- Reboot apps if friends don‘t appear
- Port forward if self-hosting server
Stick to these and everyone should connect! Let‘s get out there and survive together.
