Multiplayer has long been one of the best parts of ARK: Survival Ascended. Server hosting is a crucial part of this, but some players prefer to play together with split-screen multiplayer.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about split-screen multiplayer and co-op in ARK: Survival Ascended.
Can you play ARK Survival Ascended (ASA) split screen co-op?
The answer is no; ARK: Survival Ascended does not have split-screen multiplayer. At least, not at this time. The game launched in early access, and despite the Steam page advertising this feature, you can only play multiplayer online. It's especially frustrating considering ARK: Survival Evolved has split-screen multiplayer and the feature has been removed here.
One positive of ARK: Survival Ascended is not having split-screen player at launch means your PC won't explode. The game is highly demanding, and most high-end PCs have issues running the game. Even at low settings, players are encountering performance issues, stuttering, and FPS drops, and playing split-screen would likely magnify the demands and make the performance even worse. If this feature comes, delaying split-screen should give the developer time to iron out these issues.
Given split-screen multiplayer is listed on the official Steam page, I expect it to eventually be added. It may launch with the console release in November or be added later in the early access period. Hopefully, Wildcard Studios will have further optimized the game with an update or patch by the time split-screen is added. Until this time, you are limited to online multiplayer and servers.
For more information on ARK: Survival Ascended, check out How many GB is ARK Survival Ascended? – Total download size (GB) and Does ARK Survival Ascended have a single player or story mode? on Pro Game Guides.
Justin has been diving into fantasy worlds since he can remember. He is a certified nerd who has a deep love of reading, writing, and hiking. He has been writing since his college days, but specifically in gaming for two years. His favorite games are The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Banjo Kazooie.