ARK: Survival Evolved has been a popular game on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) since its release in 2017. However, in recent times, there have been concerns among the gaming community about the game’s current state on the console. In this article, we will delve into the world of ARK and explore whether the game is indeed dead on PS4.
The Rise and Fall of ARK on PS4
ARK: Survival Evolved was first released on PC in 2015 and later ported to the PS4 in 2017. The game was a massive hit, attracting millions of players worldwide with its unique blend of survival mechanics, dinosaur taming, and multiplayer features. The game’s popularity on PS4 was evident, with many players spending countless hours exploring the vast open world, building bases, and fighting off hostile creatures.
However, over time, the game’s popularity began to wane. Several factors contributed to this decline, including:
- Lack of significant updates: The game’s developer, Studio Wildcard, seemed to focus more on the PC version, leaving the PS4 version with fewer updates and new content.
- Bugs and glitches: The game was plagued by bugs and glitches, which frustrated players and made the game less enjoyable.
- Increased competition: The survival genre became increasingly crowded, with new games like Rust, Conan Exiles, and Subnautica drawing players away from ARK.
Current State of ARK on PS4
So, is ARK dead on PS4? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While the game’s popularity has declined, it still maintains a dedicated player base. However, the game’s current state is far from ideal.
- Low player numbers: The game’s player numbers have decreased significantly, making it harder to find other players to join or play with.
- Outdated content: The game’s content has not been updated in a while, leading to a stale gameplay experience.
- Persistent bugs and glitches: Despite efforts to fix them, bugs and glitches still persist, affecting the overall gaming experience.
Efforts to Revive ARK on PS4
Studio Wildcard has made efforts to revive the game on PS4, including:
- Regular updates: The developer has released regular updates, which have addressed some of the game’s issues and added new content.
- Community engagement: Studio Wildcard has engaged with the community, listening to feedback and suggestions, and incorporating them into the game.
- Cross-play with PC: The game now features cross-play with PC, allowing PS4 players to play with PC players, which has helped to increase player numbers.
Comparison with Other Platforms
ARK’s performance on PS4 is not unique. The game’s popularity has declined on other platforms as well, including Xbox and PC. However, the game’s state on these platforms is different from PS4.
- Xbox: The game’s performance on Xbox is similar to PS4, with low player numbers and outdated content.
- PC: The game’s PC version is still popular, with a large player base and regular updates. However, the game’s community on PC is more fragmented, with many players playing on private servers.
Why ARK Remains Popular on PC
There are several reasons why ARK remains popular on PC:
- Modding community: The game’s modding community is active and creative, producing a wide range of mods that enhance gameplay and add new features.
- <strong/Private servers: PC players can create and join private servers, which offer a more customized gameplay experience.
- <strong-Regular updates: The game’s developer, Studio Wildcard, releases regular updates for the PC version, which adds new content and addresses issues.
Conclusion
Is ARK dead on PS4? While the game’s popularity has declined, it still maintains a dedicated player base. However, the game’s current state is far from ideal, with low player numbers, outdated content, and persistent bugs and glitches. Studio Wildcard has made efforts to revive the game, including regular updates, community engagement, and cross-play with PC. However, more needs to be done to address the game’s issues and attract new players.
If you’re a fan of ARK, don’t give up hope. The game still offers a unique gaming experience, and with the right support and updates, it can thrive once again. If you’re new to ARK, it’s worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of survival games or dinosaurs.
| Platform | Player Numbers | Content Updates | Bugs and Glitches |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 | Low | Outdated | Persistent |
| Xbox | Low | Outdated | Persistent |
| PC | High | Regular | Some |
In conclusion, while ARK may not be as popular as it once was on PS4, it’s not dead yet. With the right support and updates, the game can still offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
Is ARK: Survival Evolved still available on the PS4?
ARK: Survival Evolved is indeed still available on the PS4, and players can continue to purchase and download the game from the PlayStation Store. However, it’s essential to note that the game’s developer, Studio Wildcard, has shifted its focus towards the more recent console generations, such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Although the game is still available, the frequency and quality of updates for the PS4 version may not be the same as for the newer console versions. This could potentially lead to a less-than-optimal gaming experience for PS4 players, especially if they’re used to playing on more powerful hardware.
Is ARK: Survival Evolved still receiving updates on the PS4?
ARK: Survival Evolved is still receiving updates on the PS4, but the frequency and scope of these updates have decreased significantly compared to the game’s earlier days. Studio Wildcard continues to release patches and hotfixes to address bugs and balance issues, but major content updates are less common.
The updates that are released for the PS4 version often lag behind the updates for the PC and newer console versions. This means that PS4 players may have to wait longer to access new features, creatures, and game modes that are already available on other platforms.
Can I still play ARK: Survival Evolved online with friends on the PS4?
Yes, you can still play ARK: Survival Evolved online with friends on the PS4, but the experience may not be as seamless as it once was. The game’s online servers are still active, and players can join or create servers to play with friends.
However, the player base for the PS4 version has decreased significantly since the game’s peak, which can make it more challenging to find populated servers or join games with friends. Additionally, the game’s online features may not be as stable as they once were, which can lead to disconnections and other issues.
Is ARK: Survival Evolved still worth playing on the PS4?
Whether or not ARK: Survival Evolved is still worth playing on the PS4 depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you’re a new player, you may still find the game enjoyable, especially if you’re a fan of survival games or have a strong interest in dinosaurs.
However, if you’re a veteran player who’s been playing the game for years, you may find that the lack of significant updates and the dwindling player base make the game less appealing. Additionally, the game’s performance on the PS4 may not be as smooth as it once was, which can detract from the overall experience.
Will ARK: Survival Evolved be discontinued on the PS4?
There’s no official word from Studio Wildcard on whether ARK: Survival Evolved will be discontinued on the PS4. However, given the game’s age and the developer’s focus on newer console generations, it’s possible that support for the PS4 version may eventually be phased out.
If this happens, the game may still be playable on the PS4, but it will no longer receive updates or online support. This could lead to a decline in the game’s overall quality and playability, making it less enjoyable for players.
Can I transfer my ARK: Survival Evolved progress to the PS5?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to transfer your ARK: Survival Evolved progress directly from the PS4 to the PS5. However, if you purchase the PS5 version of the game, you can start fresh and take advantage of the improved performance and features that the newer console offers.
If you’re concerned about losing your progress, you may want to consider continuing to play on the PS4 or exploring other options, such as playing on PC or using a cloud gaming service that allows you to access your game saves across different devices.
What’s the future of ARK: Survival Evolved on consoles?
The future of ARK: Survival Evolved on consoles is uncertain, but it’s clear that Studio Wildcard is focusing on the newer console generations. The developer has released a next-generation version of the game for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, which offers improved performance, graphics, and features.
As for the PS4 version, it’s likely that support will continue to dwindle, and the game may eventually be phased out. However, the game’s community remains active, and there may still be opportunities for players to engage with the game and its developers, even if the PS4 version is no longer the primary focus.