ARK: Survival Evolved Linux Requirements - Can You Run It?

lotusticas30111d2
Aug 7, 2023
12 min read

How to Download and Play ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most popular action-adventure survival games in the world. It lets you explore, craft, tame, and fight in a vast open world full of dinosaurs and other creatures. But did you know that you can also play it on Linux? In this article, we will show you how to download and play ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux using Steam and Proton. We will also give you some tips on how to improve your gaming performance on Linux.

What is ARK: Survival Evolved?

A brief introduction to the game and its features

ARK: Survival Evolved is a game that puts you in the shoes of a survivor who wakes up on a mysterious island called ARK. You have to hunt, harvest, craft, build, and research technologies to survive the harsh environment and the hostile creatures that inhabit it. You can also tame, train, breed, and ride over 80 different dinosaurs and other animals that roam the land, sea, air, and even underground. You can play solo or team up with other players to form tribes and cooperate or compete with each other.

ark survival evolved linux download

Download

The game offers a rich and immersive experience with stunning graphics, dynamic weather, day-night cycle, realistic physics, and advanced AI. You can also customize your character, your base, your weapons, and your vehicles with various skins, items, structures, and mods. The game has a story mode that takes you through different maps and missions, as well as an endless sandbox mode that lets you create your own adventure.

The benefits of playing it on Linux

While ARK: Survival Evolved was originally developed for Windows, it is also possible to play it on Linux thanks to Steam and Proton. Steam is the most popular gaming platform for PC gamers, and it has a native client for Linux that allows you to access thousands of games from your library. Proton is a compatibility layer that enables you to run Windows games on Linux without any hassle.

By playing ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux, you can enjoy several benefits such as:

Better security and privacy than Windows

Faster boot time and performance than Windows

More control and customization over your system than Windows

Free and open source software that respects your freedom and choice

A supportive and helpful community of Linux gamers

Of course, playing games on Linux is not without its challenges. You may encounter some issues such as lower FPS, graphical glitches, compatibility problems, or missing features. However, these issues are not insurmountable, and there are many ways to fix them or work around them. We will cover some of them later in this article.

How to play ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux with Steam

ARK: Survival Evolved Linux performance and compatibility report

Setting up an ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server on Linux

ARK: Survival Evolved Linux mods and customizations guide

Best Linux distros for running ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved Linux system requirements and optimization tips

Troubleshooting common issues with ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to join multiplayer servers in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

ARK: Survival Evolved Linux vs Windows comparison and review

How to backup and restore your ARK: Survival Evolved data on Linux

How to install and update ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux manually

How to use ProtonDB to check ARK: Survival Evolved compatibility on Linux

How to enable and disable BattlEye anti-cheat in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to configure graphics settings and resolution in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to use console commands and cheats in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to play ARK: Survival Evolved with friends on Linux using Steam Remote Play

How to install and use the ARK Server Manager tool on Linux

How to access the Steam Workshop for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to fix the black sky issue in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to play ARK: Survival Evolved with a controller on Linux

How to install and play the official DLCs for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to create and host your own custom maps for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the ArkAdmin web interface for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to monitor and manage your ARK: Survival Evolved server resources on Linux

How to secure and protect your ARK: Survival Evolved server on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server API plugin for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to enable and disable crossplay in ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the ArkBot discord bot for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the ArkSavegameToolkit library for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the ArkTools command-line utility for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the ArkInventoryEditor GUI tool for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Breeding Assistant app for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Smart Breeding desktop application for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Companion mobile app for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Paint Converter tool for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Mod Downloader tool for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Launcher tool for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Browser tool for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Tools script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Update Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Backup Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Restore Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Monitor Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Status Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Restart Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Maintenance Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux

How to install and use the Ark Server Configuration Utility script for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux How to Install Steam on Linux

The different methods for different distributions

Steam is the most popular gaming platform for PC gamers, and it has a native client for Linux that allows you to access thousands of games from your library. However, depending on your Linux distribution, the installation process may vary. Here are some common methods for installing Steam on different Linux distributions:

Ubuntu or Debian: You can install Steam from the Ubuntu Software app or use the apt command line tool. You can also download the official Steam DEB package from the and install it manually .

Fedora, OpenSUSE, or RPM-based distributions: You need to add a third-party RPM fusion repository and then use the dnf or zypper command line tool to install Steam. Alternatively, you can use Flatpak to install Steam from Flathub .

Arch-based distributions: You can install Steam from the official Arch repositories using the pacman command line tool. You can also use Flatpak to install Steam from Flathub.

Other distributions: You can use Flatpak to install Steam from Flathub on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak. You need to install the Flatpak manager and enable the Flathub app store first.

How to enable the Flatpak runtime and Flathub app store

Flatpak is a universal packaging format that allows you to run applications on any Linux distribution without worrying about dependencies or compatibility issues. Flathub is an online app store that hosts hundreds of Flatpak applications, including Steam. To use Flatpak and Flathub, you need to do the following steps:

Install the Flatpak manager on your Linux distribution. You can find instructions for different distributions on the .

Add the Flathub repository to your system by running this command in a terminal: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub

Restart your system or log out and log back in to complete the setup.

You can now install Steam from Flathub by running this command in a terminal: flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

You can also browse and install other Flatpak applications from Flathub using a graphical interface such as GNOME Software or KDE Discover.

Using Flatpak and Flathub is a convenient way to install Steam and other applications on Linux, as they are updated automatically and isolated from the rest of your system. However, they may also consume more disk space and have some performance overhead compared to native packages. How to Install ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux via Steam

How to purchase and download the game from Steam

Once you have installed Steam on your Linux system, you can purchase and download ARK: Survival Evolved from the Steam store. Here are the steps to do so:

Launch Steam and log in to your account.

Go to the and click on the Add to Cart button.

Proceed to checkout and complete your payment.

Go to your Library and click on ARK: Survival Evolved in the list of games.

Click on the Install button and choose a location for the game files.

Wait for the download and installation to finish.

You can now launch the game from your Library or from the desktop shortcut.

The game requires about 60 GB of disk space and may take a long time to download depending on your internet speed. You can also buy the DLCs and expansions for the game from the Steam store if you want more content and features.

How to use Proton to run the Windows version of the game

ARK: Survival Evolved does not have a native Linux version, but you can still run it on Linux using Proton. Proton is a compatibility layer that enables you to run Windows games on Linux without any hassle. It is based on Wine, DXVK, and other open source projects that translate Windows APIs to Linux ones. Proton is integrated with Steam and works automatically for most games, but you may need to tweak some settings for ARK: Survival Evolved. Here is how to use Proton to run ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux:

Go to your Steam settings and click on the Steam Play tab.

Check the box that says Enable Steam Play for all other titles.

Select the latest version of Proton from the drop-down menu.

Restart Steam for the changes to take effect.

Go to your Library and right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved.

Select Properties and click on the General tab.

Check the box that says Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.

Select the same version of Proton that you chose in step 3 from the drop-down menu.

Click on Close and launch the game.

The game should run smoothly on Linux using Proton, but you may encounter some issues such as lower FPS, graphical glitches, compatibility problems, or missing features. We will cover some of them in the next section.

How to fix common issues and bugs

While Proton is a great tool for running Windows games on Linux, it is not perfect and may have some limitations or bugs. Here are some common issues that you may face while playing ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux using Proton and how to fix them:

The game crashes or freezes at startup or during gameplay: This may be caused by a corrupted or outdated game file or by a conflict with another program. You can try verifying the integrity of the game files from Steam, updating your system and drivers, disabling any overlay or antivirus software, or running the game in windowed mode or with lower graphics settings.

The game does not detect your controller or keyboard: This may be caused by a wrong input configuration or by a lack of support for your device. You can try changing the input settings from Steam or from the game menu, using a different controller or keyboard, or installing a third-party tool such as x360ce or sc-controller.

The game does not support online multiplayer or cross-play: This may be caused by a network issue or by a difference in game versions or platforms. You can try checking your internet connection, firewall, and router settings, updating your game and Proton versions, or joining a dedicated server or a private session with other Linux players.

If you still have problems with the game, you can check out the for ARK: Survival Evolved, where you can find more tips, reports, and ratings from other Linux gamers. You can also submit your own report and feedback to help improve Proton and gaming on Linux. How to Improve Gaming Performance on Linux

How to update your graphics drivers and Mesa packages

One of the most important factors that affect your gaming performance on Linux is your graphics driver. A graphics driver is a software that communicates with your graphics card and allows it to render the game graphics. You need to have the latest and most compatible graphics driver for your system and your game to get the best performance and avoid any issues.

There are two main types of graphics drivers for Linux: proprietary and open source. Proprietary drivers are developed by the graphics card manufacturers such as Nvidia or AMD, and they may offer better performance, stability, and features for some games. However, they may also be harder to install, update, or configure, and they may not respect your freedom or privacy. Open source drivers are developed by the Linux community and they may offer better compatibility, flexibility, and support for some games. However, they may also be less optimized, buggy, or outdated for some games.

The choice of graphics driver depends on your preference and your hardware. If you have an Nvidia card, you can use the proprietary Nvidia driver or the open source Nouveau driver. If you have an AMD or Intel card, you can use the open source Mesa driver. You can find instructions on how to install, update, or switch between different graphics drivers on the .

Mesa is a collection of open source libraries that implement various graphics APIs such as OpenGL, Vulkan, or DirectX. Mesa is used by the open source graphics drivers to render the game graphics on Linux. You need to have the latest version of Mesa for your system and your game to get the best performance and avoid any issues.

You can update Mesa from your distribution's repositories using the command line tool or the graphical interface. However, some distributions may not have the latest version of Mesa available in their repositories. In that case, you can use a third-party repository such as for Fedora . You can also compile Mesa from source if you are feeling adventurous.

How to tweak your game settings and launch options

Another factor that affects your gaming performance on Linux is your game settings. Game settings are the options that you can adjust in the game menu or in the game files to change how the game looks and runs. You can tweak your game settings to improve your FPS, reduce lag, or fix bugs.

Some of the common game settings that you can tweak are:

Resolution: The number of pixels that are displayed on your screen. A higher resolution means a sharper image, but it also requires more processing power. You can lower your resolution to increase your FPS, but it may also make the game look blurry or pixelated.

Graphics quality: The level of detail and effects that are applied to the game graphics. A higher graphics quality means a more realistic and immersive image, but it also requires more processing power. You can lower your graphics quality to increase your FPS, but it may also make the game look dull or flat.

V-sync: A feature that synchronizes the frame rate of the game with the refresh rate of your monitor. V-sync prevents screen tearing, which is a visual artifact that occurs when the game frames are not aligned with the monitor frames. However, V-sync also introduces input lag, which is a delay between your input and the game response. You can disable V-sync to reduce input lag, but it may also cause screen tearing.

FPS limit: A feature that limits the maximum frame rate of the game. FPS limit prevents overheating, stuttering, or wasted resources when the game runs faster than necessary. However, FPS limit also reduces smoothness and responsiveness. You can increase or disable FPS limit to improve smoothness and responsiveness, but it may also cause overheating, stuttering, or wasted resources.

You can tweak these and other game settings from the game menu or from the game files. However, some games may not have all the settings available or accessible in the menu or in the files. In that case, you can use launch options to override or add some settings.

Launch options are commands that you can enter in Steam or in a terminal before without installing Windows. Lutris is a tool that manages and launches games from different sources using Wine or other runners. You can try using Wine or Lutris to run the Windows version of ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux without Steam or Proton, but it may not work properly or at all. You may also encounter more issues and bugs than using Steam or Proton. We do not recommend this method unless you are an advanced user and you know what you are doing.

What are the system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux?

The system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux are the same as the system requirements for the Windows version of the game, except that you need to have a Linux operating system and a Steam client installed. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved on Linux:

Minimum

Recommended

OS: Ubuntu 16.04 or newer

OS: Ubuntu 18.04 or newer

Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better

Processor: Intel Core i7-4770/AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or better

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Memory: 16 GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better

Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti 4GB/AMD Radeon RX 470 4GB or better

Storage: 60 GB available space

Network: Broadband Internet connection

Additional Notes: Requires Steam and Proton to run

You can check your system specifications by using commands such as lscpu, lsmem, lspci, or lsblk in a terminal, or by using graphical tools such as Neofetch, Hardinfo, or CPU-X. You can also compare your system specifications with the game requirements using websites such as .

Where can I find more information and support for gaming on Linux?

If you want to learn more about gaming on Linux, you can visit some of the following websites and resources:

: A website that collects user reports, ratings, and tips for running Windows games on Linux using Proton.

: A website that covers news, reviews, guides, and opinions about gaming on Linux.

: A subreddit that discusses everything related to gaming on Linux.

: A Discord server that connects Linux gamers from around the world.

: A Steam forum that provides information and support for ARK: Survival Evolved.

: A wiki that contains comprehensive information and guides for ARK: Survival Evolved.

: The official website of ARK: Survival Evolved.

: The official website of the Linux Foundation.

: A website that tracks and compares different Linux distributions.

: A website that teaches you the basics of Linux.

You can also ask for help or advice from other Linux gamers on these websites or resources, or on other online platforms such as forums, blogs, podcasts, videos, or social media. You can also contribute to the Linux gaming community by sharing your experience, feedback, suggestions, or solutions with others. 44f88ac181