How to Play Ark Multiplayer: A Journey Through Chaos and Camaraderie

Ark: Survival Evolved is not just a game; it’s an experience that blends survival, strategy, and chaos into one thrilling multiplayer adventure. Whether you’re taming dinosaurs, building fortresses, or engaging in tribal warfare, Ark’s multiplayer mode offers endless possibilities. But how do you navigate this wild world with others? Let’s dive into the madness and explore how to play Ark multiplayer, while also pondering the existential question: Why do dinosaurs always seem to have better teamwork than humans?

1. Choose Your Multiplayer Mode: The First Step into the Wild

Ark offers several multiplayer options, each with its own flavor of chaos:

• Official Servers: These are the wild west of Ark. Join a server with strangers, and prepare for anything—from friendly alliances to ruthless betrayals. The rules are minimal, and the stakes are high.
• Unofficial Servers: These are player-hosted servers with custom settings. They can range from relaxed, beginner-friendly environments to hardcore, high-difficulty challenges. Unofficial servers often have active communities and mods that enhance gameplay.
• Non-Dedicated Sessions: Play with a small group of friends in a local session. While this limits the number of players, it allows for a more controlled and intimate experience.
• Single-Player with Multiplayer Mods: If you prefer solitude but still want a taste of multiplayer dynamics, mods like “Ark Single Player Plus” can simulate multiplayer elements.

2. Assemble Your Tribe: Because Dinosaurs Don’t Play Fair

In Ark, teamwork is essential. Forming or joining a tribe is the key to survival. Tribes allow players to share resources, structures, and tamed creatures. Here’s how to make the most of your tribe:

• Recruit Strategically: Look for players with complementary skills. A builder, a tamer, and a fighter make a well-rounded team.
• Establish Roles: Assign responsibilities to avoid chaos. Who’s gathering resources? Who’s taming dinosaurs? Who’s defending the base?
• Communicate Effectively: Use in-game voice chat or external apps like Discord to coordinate. Miscommunication can lead to disaster—like accidentally aggroing a T-Rex.

3. Tame the Beasts: Because Who Doesn’t Want a Pet Dino?

Taming dinosaurs is one of Ark’s most iconic features. In multiplayer, taming becomes a team effort. Here’s how to do it:

• Knock Out the Dino: Use tranquilizer arrows or a slingshot to render the creature unconscious.
• Feed It: Different dinos prefer different foods. Stock up on berries, meat, or kibble.
• Protect It: While taming, dinos are vulnerable. Assign tribe members to guard the area from predators or rival players.

Pro Tip: Taming a Quetzal or a Giganotosaurus is a rite of passage in Ark multiplayer. Just don’t forget to bring enough narcotics—or you’ll wake up to a very angry dinosaur.

4. Build Your Base: Fortify Against the Chaos

Your base is your sanctuary in the wild. In multiplayer, it’s also a target. Here’s how to build a fortress that can withstand raids and rogue dinos:

• Location Matters: Choose a spot with access to resources but not too close to high-traffic areas. Hidden bases are harder to raid.
• Layer Your Defenses: Use walls, turrets, and traps to create multiple lines of defense. A single layer of thatch won’t stop a determined raider.
• Store Wisely: Keep your most valuable items in hidden or heavily guarded storage. Losing your hard-earned resources to a raid is heartbreaking.

5. Engage in PvP or PvE: Choose Your Path

Ark multiplayer offers two main playstyles:

• Player vs. Player (PvP): Engage in tribal warfare, raid enemy bases, and dominate the server. PvP is intense and unpredictable, with alliances shifting like the wind.
• Player vs. Environment (PvE): Focus on surviving the world’s dangers, like dinosaurs and natural disasters. PvE is more cooperative, but don’t underestimate the challenges.

6. Explore the Map: The World is Bigger Than You Think

Ark’s maps are vast and filled with secrets. In multiplayer, exploration becomes a shared adventure:

• Discover Caves: Caves contain valuable resources and artifacts but are often guarded by dangerous creatures.
• Unlock Obelisks: These towering structures are key to summoning bosses and ascending to higher levels of gameplay.
• Travel Together: Exploring alone is risky. Bring a tribe member or a tamed dino for backup.

7. Mods and Customization: Make the Game Your Own

Ark’s modding community is thriving. In multiplayer, mods can enhance the experience:

• Quality of Life Mods: Mods like “Structures Plus” and “Stacking Mods” make building and inventory management easier.
• New Creatures and Maps: Mods like “Primal Fear” and “Ragnarok” add new challenges and content.
• Role-Playing Mods: Transform Ark into a medieval kingdom or a post-apocalyptic wasteland with themed mods.

8. Survive the Chaos: Because Ark is Unforgiving

Ark multiplayer is unpredictable. You’ll face:

• Rival Tribes: Some will be allies, others enemies. Trust is a rare commodity.
• Server Wipes: Official servers occasionally reset, erasing all progress. Embrace the chaos and start anew.
• Glitches and Bugs: Ark is notorious for its quirks. Laugh them off—or rage quit. Your choice.

FAQs

Q: Can I play Ark multiplayer solo? A: Yes, but it’s challenging. Consider joining a tribe or playing on a PvE server for a more balanced experience.

Q: How do I deal with griefers in multiplayer? A: Build defensively, hide your base, and report toxic players to server admins.

Q: What’s the best dinosaur for beginners? A: Start with a Parasaur or a Trike. They’re easy to tame and great for gathering resources.

Q: Can I transfer my single-player progress to multiplayer? A: Yes, but only on unofficial servers that allow it. Official servers require starting fresh.

Q: Why do I keep getting eaten by raptors? A: Because raptors are the ultimate trolls of Ark. Always carry a weapon and stay alert.

Ark multiplayer is a wild, unpredictable journey. Whether you’re taming dinosaurs, building empires, or battling rivals, the experience is unforgettable. So gather your tribe, sharpen your spears, and dive into the chaos. Just remember: in Ark, the only constant is the unexpected.