Ark Survival Evolved: Split Screen On Xbox One - A Detailed Guide

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the wild world of Ark Survival Evolved with a buddy right next to you on the couch? Playing split screen on Xbox One can be an absolute blast, turning those survival challenges into shared triumphs (or hilarious defeats!). But let's be real, getting it set up can sometimes feel like wrestling a T-Rex. Fear not! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your split-screen adventure started.

What You Need to Play Split Screen on Ark

Before we get started, let's make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for this split-screen recipe. First off, you'll need an Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X. The game is also available on the newer Xbox Series S and X consoles. Naturally, you're going to need a copy of Ark Survival Evolved installed on your console. Ensure your game is updated to the latest version to avoid any compatibility issues or glitches that could prevent split-screen from working correctly.

Of course, you'll require two Xbox One controllers. Make sure they are fully charged or have fresh batteries so that your gaming session isn't cut short. Sync both controllers to your Xbox One console before launching the game. This is usually a straightforward process: turn on the controller, press the sync button on both the controller and the console, and wait for them to connect. It's also a good idea to have a stable power supply for your Xbox One. Ark Survival Evolved can be resource-intensive, and you don’t want your console to shut down unexpectedly mid-game. Finally, you'll need a TV or monitor big enough to comfortably display two separate screens. Playing split-screen on a smaller screen can be challenging and might detract from the overall experience. Consider using a larger display for a better viewing experience.

How to Set Up Split Screen on Xbox One

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. First things first, boot up Ark Survival Evolved on your Xbox One. Once you’re at the main menu, you’ll want to navigate to the “Local/Non-Dedicated Host” option. This is the key to getting your split-screen game going. Select this option, and you will be taken to the world creation screen. This is where you can customize your gaming experience. You can tweak various settings such as the difficulty level, resource availability, and the types of dinosaurs that spawn. Take your time to set these parameters according to your preferences and playing style. Ensure that you choose settings that both you and your friend will enjoy, balancing the challenge with the fun. When you're happy with your settings, it’s time to bring in the second player.

Here's where the magic happens: have the second player press the 'A' button on their controller. This should prompt them to sign in to their Xbox Live account. Once they've signed in, they'll be added to the game. You should now see the screen split, with each player having their own view. Now you both are ready to create your characters and dive into the world of Ark! Remember that the player who starts the game is the host and has some control over the game settings and can pause the game for both players. Coordinate with your friend on who will be the host to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Also, keep in mind that playing split-screen can sometimes affect the game's performance, especially on the original Xbox One. If you encounter lag or frame rate drops, try reducing some of the graphics settings to improve performance.

Troubleshooting Split Screen Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like. If you’re having trouble getting split screen to work, don’t panic! Let’s run through some common issues and their solutions. First off, make sure both controllers are properly synced to the Xbox One. A common mistake is thinking a controller is connected when it’s not. Go to the Xbox settings to confirm that both controllers are recognized and assigned to player profiles. If one of the controllers isn't syncing, try restarting both the controller and the console. Also, check the controller's batteries to ensure they aren't low, as this can sometimes cause connectivity issues.

Another issue could be related to Xbox Live accounts. Both players need to have their own Xbox Live accounts, and they both need to be signed in. If one player is signed in as a guest, split screen might not work correctly. Ensure each player has a dedicated account and is fully signed in before attempting to start the game. If you are still experiencing problems, try restarting Ark Survival Evolved. Sometimes, the game can encounter glitches that prevent split screen from working. Closing the game completely and then relaunching it can often resolve these issues. As a last resort, consider restarting your Xbox One console. This can clear any temporary files or processes that might be interfering with the game. If none of these steps work, it might be a more complex issue, and you may need to consult the Ark Survival Evolved support forums or contact Xbox Support for further assistance.

Optimizing Your Split Screen Experience

To really get the most out of your Ark Survival Evolved split-screen experience, there are a few things you can do to optimize your gameplay. Communication is key. Since you're sharing a screen, clear communication can help you coordinate your actions and avoid confusion. Use headsets or simply talk to each other to plan your strategies, share resources, and warn each other about dangers. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Another tip is to adjust the game settings to improve performance. Split-screen can be demanding on the Xbox One, especially the older models. Lowering the graphics settings, reducing the draw distance, and minimizing the number of complex structures in your base can help reduce lag and improve frame rates. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance. It's also a good idea to divide tasks and responsibilities. One player can focus on gathering resources, while the other can focus on building or taming dinosaurs. This can help you progress more efficiently and avoid stepping on each other's toes. Coordinate your efforts to maximize your productivity and ensure that all essential tasks are covered.

Additionally, consider playing on a non-dedicated server. This allows you to play together without being tethered to each other by a limited distance. The host player will need to keep the game running, but it provides more freedom and flexibility compared to the standard split-screen mode. However, keep in mind that the host's console performance can affect the experience for both players. So, if you’re experiencing lag, consider having the player with the more powerful console host the game. Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated. Playing Ark Survival Evolved can be immersive and engaging, but it's important to take regular breaks to avoid eye strain and fatigue. Get up, stretch, and grab a drink to stay refreshed and maintain your focus. By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable, and more successful split-screen adventure in Ark Survival Evolved.

Is Split Screen Available on Other Platforms?

While we've been focusing on Xbox One, you might be wondering if split screen is available on other platforms. Unfortunately, split-screen functionality is not universally available across all versions of Ark Survival Evolved. On PC, split-screen is not officially supported. However, there are mods available that can enable split-screen play, but these are not officially endorsed by the developers and may come with their own set of issues or limitations. Always exercise caution when installing mods and ensure they are from trusted sources to avoid potential security risks.

On PlayStation 4, the split-screen setup is very similar to the Xbox One. You can access it through the Local/Non-Dedicated Host option in the main menu. The same troubleshooting tips and optimization strategies apply to the PS4 version as well. Make sure both controllers are properly synced, and both players are signed in with their PlayStation Network accounts. The performance on PS4 can also be affected by split-screen play, so adjusting the graphics settings may be necessary to improve frame rates. As for other platforms like Nintendo Switch, Ark Survival Evolved does not support split-screen play. The game is available on Switch, but it is a single-player experience. The mobile version of Ark Survival Evolved is also single-player only and does not offer split-screen functionality. So, if you're looking to play split-screen, your best bet is to stick with the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 versions of the game. Keep an eye on official announcements from the developers, as they may add split-screen support to other platforms in the future, but for now, those are your main options.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing Ark Survival Evolved in split screen on your Xbox One can create some seriously fun and memorable gaming moments. Just remember to follow these steps, troubleshoot when needed, and optimize your settings for the best possible experience. Now grab a friend, fire up your Xbox, and get ready to tame some dinosaurs together. Happy surviving, guys!