The gaming world has witnessed a significant shift with the introduction of next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5. As gamers, we’re often left wondering about the compatibility of our favorite games on the new hardware. One such game that has sparked curiosity is Ark: Survival Evolved, a survival action-adventure game that has gained a massive following. In this article, we’ll delve into the question that’s on every Ark player’s mind: Can Ark PS4 play on PS5?
Understanding Backward Compatibility
Before we dive into the specifics of Ark, it’s essential to understand the concept of backward compatibility. Backward compatibility refers to the ability of a newer console or system to run software or games designed for an older platform. In the context of the PS5, this means that the console can play games originally developed for the PS4.
Sony has emphasized the importance of backward compatibility for the PS5, promising to support a vast library of PS4 games. This move is a significant step forward, as it allows gamers to continue playing their favorite titles without worrying about upgrading to a new console.
How Does Backward Compatibility Work on PS5?
The PS5’s backward compatibility is made possible through a combination of hardware and software enhancements. The console’s GPU is designed to mimic the performance of the PS4, ensuring that games run at their intended pace. Additionally, the PS5’s operating system has been optimized to recognize and emulate the PS4 architecture, allowing for seamless gameplay.
When you insert a PS4 game disc into the PS5 or download a PS4 game from the PlayStation Store, the console automatically detects the game and launches it in a “PS4 Mode.” This mode ensures that the game runs at its original resolution, frame rate, and graphical settings, providing an authentic gaming experience.
Ark PS4 on PS5: What to Expect
Now that we’ve covered the basics of backward compatibility, let’s focus on Ark: Survival Evolved specifically. The game’s developer, Studio Wildcard, has been mum about the game’s PS5 compatibility. However, based on Sony’s backward compatibility promises and user reports, we can make some educated guesses.
Ark PS4 players can expect the following when playing the game on PS5:
- Seamless Gameplay Experience: Ark on PS5 should run smoothly, without any significant performance issues or glitches. The game’s core mechanics, including survival mechanics, building, and combat, should remain intact.
- Original Graphics and Resolution: Since the PS5 is emulating the PS4, the game’s graphics and resolution should remain the same as on the PS4. You won’t see any significant visual upgrades or improvements.
Keep in mind that these expectations are based on the current understanding of backward compatibility on the PS5. As more players test Ark on the new console, we may discover additional benefits or limitations.
Upgrading to PS5: Worth It for Ark Players?
If you’re an Ark player currently on the PS4, you might be wondering whether upgrading to the PS5 is worth it. The answer depends on several factors, including your gaming habits, hardware preferences, and the importance of Ark in your gaming library.
If you’re heavily invested in Ark and have a large base or significant progress, upgrading to the PS5 might be appealing for the following reasons:
On the other hand, if you’re a casual Ark player or have limited time to dedicate to the game, upgrading to the PS5 solely for Ark might not be worth the investment. The gameplay experience on PS5 will likely be similar to that on PS4, and you might not notice significant differences.
Studio Wildcard’s Plans for PS5
While we’ve discussed the PS5’s backward compatibility and what to expect when playing Ark on the new console, we still haven’t heard from Studio Wildcard about their plans for a native PS5 version of the game.
In a recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), Studio Wildcard’s Community Manager, Jat, mentioned that the team is “looking into” the possibility of a PS5 version, but there was no concrete confirmation or timeline provided.
It’s essential to remember that developing a native PS5 version of Ark would require significant resources and optimizations to take advantage of the console’s unique features, such as its controller’s haptic feedback and improved graphics capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ark PS4 players can expect a seamless gameplay experience on the PS5, with the console’s backward compatibility ensuring that the game runs smoothly and without significant performance issues. While there are some benefits to upgrading to the PS5, such as faster load times and improved performance, the decision ultimately depends on individual gaming habits and priorities.
As we wait for Studio Wildcard’s official announcement about a native PS5 version of Ark, we can continue to enjoy the game on the new console, knowing that our progress and experience will be preserved.
The gaming world is constantly evolving, and it’s exciting to see how Ark and other games will adapt to the next generation of consoles. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy surviving in Ark!
Can I Play Ark PS4 on PS5?
Yes, you can play Ark PS4 on PS5 through the backwards compatibility feature. This feature allows players to play older games on the new console, and Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the compatible games. However, it’s essential to note that the game’s performance and graphics might not be optimized for the PS5, and you might not be able to take full advantage of the new console’s capabilities.
To play Ark PS4 on PS5, you’ll need to insert the PS4 game disc or download the game from the PlayStation Store if you’ve purchased it digitally. Once you’ve done that, you can launch the game, and it should run smoothly on your PS5. You’ll be able to continue playing with your existing save files, and you can even play with friends who are still on the PS4.
Will My Ark PS4 Save Files Transfer to PS5?
Yes, your Ark PS4 save files will transfer to PS5, allowing you to pick up where you left off on your new console. This is possible because the game’s save files are stored in the cloud, and you can access them from any platform as long as you have an internet connection. When you launch the game on your PS5, it will automatically sync with your cloud save files, and you’ll be able to continue playing with your existing characters and progress.
It’s worth noting that if you’re playing on a non-Steam PC version, your save files might not transfer automatically. In this case, you’ll need to upload your save files to the cloud manually or use a third-party service to transfer them. Additionally, if you’re playing with a non-official server, your save files might not be compatible with the PS5 version, and you might need to start over.
Are There Any Performance Improvements on PS5?
While the PS5’s hardware is more powerful than the PS4’s, the Ark PS4 version running on PS5 through backwards compatibility might not take full advantage of the new console’s capabilities. You might not notice significant performance improvements, such as higher frame rates or better graphics, because the game is still running on PS4 architecture.
However, some players have reported that the game runs slightly smoother on PS5, possibly due to the new console’s faster loading times and improved hardware. Additionally, if the game developers release a native PS5 version of Ark in the future, it’s likely that it will offer significant performance improvements over the PS4 version.
Can I Play with PS4 Players on PS5?
Yes, you can play with PS4 players on PS5, and vice versa. Ark: Survival Evolved offers cross-platform play between PS4 and PS5, allowing you to play with friends regardless of the console they’re using. This means that you can form tribes, join servers, and play together seamlessly across both platforms.
However, it’s essential to note that if you’re playing on a non-official server, cross-platform play might not be supported. In this case, you’ll need to ensure that all players are on the same platform or use a third-party service to enable cross-platform play.
Will I Get Any Exclusive PS5 Features?
As the PS5 version of Ark is running through backwards compatibility, you won’t get any exclusive PS5 features or enhancements. The game will essentially be the same as the PS4 version, with the same graphics, performance, and gameplay.
However, if the game developers release a native PS5 version of Ark in the future, it’s likely that it will offer exclusive features, such as improved graphics, higher frame rates, and support for the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Do I Need a PS5 to Play Ark?
No, you don’t need a PS5 to play Ark: Survival Evolved. The game is still available on PS4, and you can purchase and play it on the older console without any issues. The PS5 is only required if you want to take advantage of the backwards compatibility feature and play the game on the new console.
If you’re still playing on PS4, you can continue to do so without any issues, and you’ll still be able to play with friends who have upgraded to PS5.
Will Ark PS5 Receive Updates and Patches?
As the PS5 version of Ark is running through backwards compatibility, it’s unlikely that the game will receive any exclusive updates or patches specifically optimized for the new console. However, the game developers will continue to support the PS4 version of the game, and any updates or patches they release will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
It’s worth noting that if a native PS5 version of Ark is released in the future, it’s likely that it will receive its own set of updates and patches, which might not be compatible with the PS4 version.