> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Enable Epic Games Crossplay in Ark

> Learn how to allow Epic Games Store and Steam players to play together on your Ark server. Understand the limitations of cross-platform modding.

## Community Cross-Play Support

Ark: Survival Evolved (ASE) supports cross-play between the Steam and Epic Games Store versions of the game. Enabling this feature allows you to unite your community across different PC platforms. However, before activating cross-play, it is important to understand the significant restrictions it introduces regarding server modifications and accessibility.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner Friendly
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## The Modding Limitation

The primary challenge with cross-platform play in Ark is how each store handles game modifications.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Steam Workshop">
    Steam users benefit from the integrated Steam Workshop, which automatically downloads and updates mod files when joining a server.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Epic Games Store">
    The Epic Games version of Ark does **not** have a native mod downloader or support for the Steam Workshop.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Important>
  **The Conflict:** Because Epic players cannot download mods, **cross-play only functions on Vanilla servers**. To allow Epic Games players to join, you must remove all mods from your server configuration.
</Important>

***

## Implementation Steps

Follow these steps to activate cross-play on your FREAKHOSTING server.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Startup Settings">
    Log in to your [Game Panel](https://panel.freakhosting.com) and navigate to the **Startup** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Launch Argument">
    Locate the **Additional Arguments** field and add the `-crossplay` flag.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Disable Mods">
    Ensure the `ActiveMods` field is completely empty. If there are any mod IDs listed, Epic players will be unable to connect.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Your Server">
    Navigate to the **Console** and restart your server to apply the changes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Troubleshooting: The Epic Password Bug

The Epic Games client has a known technical issue where the password entry prompt often fails to appear when joining a server.

<Check>
  ### Manual Connection Fix

  If your players encounter this bug, they can bypass the UI by using the console:

  1. Press **TAB** to open the in-game console.
  2. Type: `open [Server_IP]:[Port]?password=YourPassword`
  3. Press Enter to join directly.
</Check>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Crossplay:** Connecting communities.
</div>