How to Play Ark on Mac: A Beginner’s Guide

Welcome to our tutorial on how to play Ark on Mac! If you’re an avid gamer, you will know that Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the hottest games on the market. However, for Mac users, it can be difficult to find the right resources for playing the game. In this guide, we will give you a complete rundown of how to play Ark on your Mac computer.

Steps

Step 1: Check Your System Requirements

Before you proceed with downloading the game, you need to ensure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for Ark. You can easily find this information on the Ark website or through Steam.

Step 2: Download Steam

In order to play Ark on your Mac, you need to download the Steam platform. This is where you will be able to purchase and install the game.

Step 3: Create a Steam Account

If you don’t already have a Steam account, you will need to create one. This is a quick and easy process that can be done on the Steam website.

Step 4: Purchase the Game

Once you have a Steam account, you can purchase the game. Ark is available for purchase on the Steam store.

Step 5: Install the Game

After purchasing the game, you can install it onto your Mac through the Steam platform.

Step 6: Set Up Your Settings

Once the game is installed, you need to set up graphics and resolution settings that work best for your Mac.

Step 7: Join a Server

In order to play the game, you need to join a server. You can browse through the available servers on the Ark website or through Steam.

Step 8: Create a Character

Before you start playing, you need to create a character. This is where you can customize your character’s appearance and select a name.

Step 9: Begin Playing

After creating your character, you can jump right into the game and begin playing.

Step 10: Explore and Survive

Ark is a survival game that requires you to explore and survive on a prehistoric island filled with dangerous creatures. You will need to gather resources, build shelter, and fend off predators in order to stay alive.

Step 11: Interact with Other Players

One of the best parts of Ark is the ability to interact with other players on the same server. You can team up with other players to survive or engage in battles.

Step 12: Save Your Progress

It’s important to save your progress in the game regularly. This ensures that you don’t lose any progress if the game crashes or if you need to exit the game.

Explanation

Now that we have provided you with the necessary steps to play Ark on your Mac, let’s delve a little deeper into each step.

Step 1 is crucial to ensuring that the game runs smoothly on your Mac. If your computer does not meet the minimum system requirements, the game may not run at all or may run very poorly.

Step 2 and 3 are simple and straightforward. Steam is a well-known platform that offers a huge selection of games, including Ark. Creating a Steam account is quick and easy and can be done on the Steam website.

Step 4 is an essential step in purchasing the game. Once you purchase the game, you own it forever and can access it through your Steam library.

Step 5 involves installing the game onto your computer. This is a simple process that can be done through the Steam platform by clicking on the “install” button.

Step 6 is important as it allows you to configure your graphics and resolution settings. This ensures that the game runs smoothly and looks great on your Mac.

Step 7 gives you the option to join a server. Ark offers both official and unofficial servers that vary in gameplay and rules.

Step 8 is where you can create your own character. This is a fun and creative aspect of the game that allows you to customize your character’s appearance and select a name.

Step 9 is where the real fun begins! Once you’ve created your character, you can jump into the game and start exploring and surviving.

Step 10 is where you need to put your survival skills to the test. Gather resources, build shelter, and fend off predators to stay alive on the island.

Step 11 offers the option to interact with other players. Join a tribe or engage in battles with other players for the ultimate gaming experience.

Step 12 is a small but important step to ensure that your progress is saved. This ensures that you don’t lose any progress if the game crashes or if you need to exit the game.

Tips and Tricks

1. Team Up with Other Players

Playing with other players can make the game more enjoyable and can help you survive longer.

2. Keep Your Eye on Your Health and Stamina

It’s important to monitor your health and stamina levels, especially when engaging in battles with predators.

3. Build a Strong Shelter

A strong and secure shelter is essential to surviving on the island. Make sure to gather resources and build a shelter that can withstand attacks.

4. Use the Taming Feature

The taming feature allows you to tame and ride creatures on the island. This can be a helpful tool in combat and for transportation.

5. Explore Different Areas of the Island

The island is vast and filled with different environments and creatures. Exploring different areas can help you find resources and new creatures to tame.

6. Gather Resources Efficiently

Gathering resources is key to survival, so make sure to gather them efficiently. Use tools and gather resources in areas where they are plentiful.

7. Avoid Engaging in Battles with Larger Creatures

Engaging in battles with larger creatures can be risky and can result in injury or death. Make sure to weigh the risks before engaging in any battles.

8. Use the Crafting System

The crafting system allows you to create new items and weapons. Use this system to create helpful tools for survival.

9. Keep Your Eyes Open for Supply Drops

Supply drops offer valuable resources and materials. Keep your eyes open for these drops, but be aware that other players may also be after them.

10. Have Fun!

Above all else, remember to have fun! Ark is a great game and can offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.

And that’s all you need to know to play Ark on your Mac! We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. Happy gaming!

Advantages of Playing Ark on Mac

Playing Ark on Mac has its advantages, including:

1. Compatibility Mac compatibility with many popular games has increased in recent years, and Ark is no exception. Players can enjoy the game without the need for a Windows PC.
2. Graphics Mac computers offer high-quality graphics and resolutions, making the game visually stunning.
3. Smooth Gameplay Mac systems are known for their smooth and stable performance, which offers a seamless gaming experience.
4. Large Screen Real Estate Mac computer screens tend to be larger than their Windows counterparts. This provides players with more visual space and detail while playing Ark.
5. Compatibility with Peripherals Many gamers prefer to use external peripherals such as gaming mice, keyboards, and controllers, and Mac systems are compatible with many of these peripherals.
6. Audio Quality Mac systems often offer better audio quality through the built-in speakers or external sound systems, enriching the gaming experience.
7. Multiplayer Advantage Playing Ark on Mac allows players to join multiplayer servers, regardless of whether they are on Mac or Windows PCs. This provides a larger pool of players to choose from, which increases the chances of finding friends to play with.
8. Cross-Platform Play With the introduction of cross-platform play, Mac players can now play with friends on other gaming platforms such as PS4 or Xbox One.
9. No Need for OS Upgrade Ark runs seamlessly on the latest Mac OS as well as older versions, making it unnecessary to upgrade your system before playing the game.
10. Community Support The Ark community is inclusive, friendly, and supportive of all players, regardless of the platform they use.

Disadvantages of Playing Ark on Mac

However, there are also some disadvantages of playing Ark on Mac, including:

1. Price Mac computers can be expensive, which may not be feasible for players on a tight budget.
2. Limited Game Options Mac computers have a limited range of games available, which may limit a player’s ability to switch games or explore different genres.
3. Lack of Game Optimization Some games are optimized better for Windows than for Mac, which may result in less than optimal performance while playing Ark on a Mac computer.
4. Compatibility Issues with Mods Mods are a popular way to customize and enhance gameplay in Ark. However, compatibility issues may arise while using mods on a Mac computer.
5. Requires High System Specification Ark requires a high system specification to run smoothly. Mac computers with lower configurations may struggle to run the game.
6. Limited User Control Mac systems have limited user control over system settings and operations, which may limit a player’s ability to optimize the system for gaming.
7. Limited Upgradability Unlike Windows PCs, Mac computers have limited upgradability options. Upgrading components such as RAM or graphics cards may be difficult or impossible on some models.
8. No Option for Custom Built Systems Players who prefer customization and building their own gaming systems may not be able to do so with Mac computers, which are pre-built and non-modular.
9. Limited Gaming Accessories Compared to Windows PCs, Mac systems have a limited range of gaming accessories available, which may not provide players with the same level of customization options.
10. Limited Availability of Online Deals Mac systems are not often included in online deals or discounts, which may make purchasing a new system more expensive than a Windows PC with similar specifications.

FAQ

1. Can I play ARK: Survival Evolved on a Mac?

Yes, you can play ARK: Survival Evolved on a Mac. However, it requires some workarounds.

2. What are the system requirements for running ARK on a Mac?

Your Mac must have at least an Intel Core i5-2400 or an AMD FX-8320 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM. These are the minimum requirements for running ARK on a Mac.

3. How do I download ARK on my Mac?

You can download ARK from Steam or Epic Games Store, depending on where you’ve purchased the game. Once you’ve installed Steam or Epic Games Store, simply search for ARK and download it.

4. Can I use a mouse and keyboard to play ARK on my Mac?

Yes, you can use a mouse and keyboard to play ARK on a Mac. However, some Mac users prefer using a gamepad, which you can also use if you have one.

5. How do I control the camera in ARK on a Mac?

You can use your mouse to control the camera in ARK on a Mac. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the mouse in the game settings.

6. What are the default controls for ARK on a Mac?

The default controls for ARK on a Mac are similar to those of a PC. You can view the default key bindings by opening the Options menu in the game.

7. Can I customize the controls in ARK on my Mac?

Yes, you can customize the controls in ARK on a Mac. You can do this by opening the Options menu in the game and then selecting Controls.

8. Does ARK support cross-platform play on a Mac?

Yes, ARK supports cross-platform play on a Mac if you’re playing with someone on Xbox One or Windows 10. However, it does not support cross-platform play with PS4 or mobile devices.

9. Is there a single-player mode in ARK on a Mac?

Yes, there is a single-player mode in ARK on a Mac. You can select this mode when starting a new game or by creating a local server.

10. Are there any mods available for ARK on a Mac?

Yes, there are mods available for ARK on a Mac. You can browse and download mods from the Steam Workshop or the Epic Games Store.

11. Do I need an internet connection to play ARK on a Mac?

No, you do not need an internet connection to play ARK on a Mac in single-player mode. However, you will need an internet connection to play multiplayer or to download updates.

12. How do I update ARK on a Mac?

If you installed ARK through Steam or Epic Games Store, it should update automatically. If not, you can check for updates by opening the game and checking the game version or by checking for updates through Steam or Epic Games Store.

13. What should I do if I encounter technical issues while playing ARK on my Mac?

If you encounter technical issues while playing ARK on your Mac, you should first try updating your drivers or reinstalling the game. If the problem persists, you can contact the game’s customer support for assistance.

Conclusion

Playing Ark on Mac may seem like a difficult task, but with some simple steps, it is possible to enjoy this fantastic game on your Apple device. First, you need to purchase and download the game on Steam, and then install and run it using a virtual machine or Boot Camp. To improve your gaming experience, consider adjusting your graphics settings and controlling your character’s movements with a gamepad or keyboard. Finally, make sure to join a community of players who can help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter along the way. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be able to dive into the world of Ark and start building your own virtual reality.

Closing

Thank you for reading this guide on how to play Ark on Mac. We hope that this article has been helpful in getting you started on your gaming journey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s always something new to explore in the world of Ark. So go ahead and grab your controller, cue up your favorite soundtrack, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with endless possibilities. Good luck and see you in the game!