Update Ark On PC: Xbox App Guide
Hey there, fellow survivors! Are you trying to figure out how to update Ark: Survival Evolved on your PC through the Xbox app? Keeping your game updated is crucial for accessing the latest features, bug fixes, and improvements that the developers roll out. Trust me, nobody wants to be stuck with outdated dinos and glitches! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you spend less time troubleshooting and more time dominating the Ark.
Why Update Ark: Survival Evolved?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly cover why updates are so important. Developers like Studio Wildcard are constantly working to improve the game. These updates can include:
- Bug Fixes: Nobody likes game-breaking bugs, and updates often squash these annoying issues.
- New Content: Updates frequently introduce new creatures, items, and game mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
- Performance Improvements: Updates can optimize the game's performance, leading to smoother gameplay and better graphics.
- Balance Changes: To keep the game fair and balanced, updates often tweak creature stats, weapon damage, and resource availability.
- Security Patches: These are essential for protecting your game and your computer from potential security threats.
Ignoring updates can mean missing out on all these benefits, not to mention compatibility issues when trying to play with friends who are on the latest version. So, let's make sure you're always up-to-date!
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Ark on the Xbox App
Alright, let's get down to business. Updating Ark: Survival Evolved on the Xbox app is generally a straightforward process, but sometimes things don't go as planned. Here's a detailed guide to help you through it:
1. Open the Xbox App
First things first, you need to launch the Xbox app on your PC. You can usually find it in your Start Menu or by typing "Xbox" in the Windows search bar. Make sure you're signed in with the Microsoft account you used to purchase or access Ark: Survival Evolved.
2. Navigate to Your Game Library
Once the Xbox app is open, look for the "My Library" or "Owned Games" section. This is where all the games associated with your account are listed. Scroll through your library until you find Ark: Survival Evolved. If you have a lot of games, you might want to use the search bar within the app to quickly locate it. Just type "Ark" and it should pop right up.
3. Check for Updates
Now that you've found Ark: Survival Evolved in your library, it's time to check for updates. Usually, the Xbox app will automatically display a notification if an update is available for any of your installed games. You might see a download icon or a message indicating that an update is ready to be installed. If you don't see any immediate notifications, don't worry! There's a manual way to check as well.
To manually check for updates, click on the game's icon. This will take you to the game's page within the Xbox app. Look for an option like "Manage" or "More Options." Clicking on this should reveal a drop-down menu with various options. One of these options should be related to updates. If an update is available, you'll see a button to initiate the download and installation process. Click on it to get started.
4. Start the Update
Once you've initiated the update, the Xbox app will begin downloading the necessary files. The download speed will depend on your internet connection and the size of the update. You can monitor the progress of the download in the Xbox app's download queue. This is usually located in the lower section of the app or in a dedicated "Downloads" section.
While the update is downloading, it's a good idea to avoid using your internet connection for other bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as streaming videos or downloading large files. This will ensure that the update downloads as quickly and smoothly as possible. You can still use your computer for other tasks, but keep in mind that the update process might slow down other applications that require network access.
5. Install the Update
After the download is complete, the Xbox app will automatically begin installing the update. This process might take a few minutes, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your computer. During the installation, it's important to keep the Xbox app open and avoid interrupting the process. Closing the app or shutting down your computer could potentially corrupt the update and cause problems with the game.
Once the installation is finished, you should receive a notification from the Xbox app confirming that the update has been successfully installed. At this point, you're good to go! You can now launch Ark: Survival Evolved and enjoy the latest features and improvements.
6. Restart the Game (If Necessary)
In some cases, even after the update is installed, you might need to restart the game for the changes to take effect. If you notice any issues or if the game is not behaving as expected, try closing Ark: Survival Evolved completely and then relaunching it. This will ensure that the game is running with the latest version of all the files and assets.
Troubleshooting Common Update Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things can go wrong during the update process. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Update Stuck at a Certain Percentage
If the update seems to be stuck at a particular percentage for an extended period, the first thing to try is restarting the Xbox app. Close the app completely and then relaunch it. This can often resolve minor glitches and get the update moving again.
If restarting the app doesn't work, try pausing and resuming the update. This can sometimes kickstart the download process. To do this, go to the download queue in the Xbox app, find the Ark: Survival Evolved update, and click the "Pause" button. Wait a few seconds, and then click the "Resume" button. This might help the update get past the point where it was stuck.
2. Download Speed is Too Slow
Slow download speeds can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to jump back into the game. There are several factors that can affect your download speed, including your internet connection, the Xbox app's settings, and other applications that are using your network bandwidth.
First, make sure that your internet connection is working properly. Run a speed test to check your download speed. If your download speed is significantly lower than what you're paying for, contact your internet service provider.
Next, check the Xbox app's download settings. In the app's settings menu, look for options related to download bandwidth. Make sure that the app is not limiting your download speed. You can also try clearing the app's cache to see if that improves performance.
Finally, close any other applications that are using your network bandwidth. Streaming videos, downloading files, and playing online games can all slow down your download speed. Close these applications while the Ark: Survival Evolved update is downloading.
3. Installation Errors
If you encounter an error during the installation process, the first thing to do is check the error message. The error message might provide some clues about the cause of the problem. For example, it might indicate that a file is corrupted or that there is not enough disk space.
If the error message indicates that a file is corrupted, try verifying the game files. The Xbox app has a built-in feature that allows you to verify the integrity of your game files. This will scan your game files and replace any corrupted or missing files.
If the error message indicates that there is not enough disk space, free up some space on your hard drive. Uninstall any unnecessary programs or delete any large files that you no longer need.
4. Game Won't Launch After Update
Sometimes, after an update, the game might not launch properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted game files, outdated drivers, or conflicts with other software.
First, try verifying the game files. As mentioned earlier, the Xbox app has a built-in feature that allows you to verify the integrity of your game files. This will scan your game files and replace any corrupted or missing files.
Next, make sure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and prevent the game from launching properly. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) to download the latest drivers.
Finally, try disabling any unnecessary software that might be conflicting with the game. This includes antivirus software, firewalls, and other security programs. Sometimes, these programs can interfere with the game's launch process.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Update
To ensure a smooth update experience, here are a few additional tips:
- Close the Game: Make sure Ark: Survival Evolved is completely closed before starting the update. Running the game during the update process can cause conflicts and errors.
- Stable Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for downloading updates. Avoid updating during peak hours when your internet connection might be congested.
- Check Storage Space: Ensure you have enough free storage space on your hard drive to accommodate the update. Insufficient storage space can prevent the update from installing properly.
- Run as Administrator: Sometimes, running the Xbox app as an administrator can help resolve permission issues that might be preventing the update from installing.
- Patience is Key: Updating can take some time, depending on the size of the update and your internet connection. Be patient and avoid interrupting the process.
Conclusion
Updating Ark: Survival Evolved on the Xbox app doesn't have to be a headache. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can keep your game up-to-date and enjoy all the latest content and improvements. Happy surviving, and may your tames always be loyal!