Ark: Survival Evolved PS4 Update 1.34 Adds PC Dedicated Servers

ARK: Survival Evolved update 1.34 has launched on PS4, and according to its official patch notes, it allows players to host a PC-based dedicated server for the game. Server providers Nitrado have partnered with Studio Wildcard on a variety of packages.

As it stands now, there are three pre-configured tiers with ranging benefits. The Dodo costs just $13, but it only has room for 10 player slots. Upgrading to the Raptor for $16.90 offers 16 slots, and the $32 Rex supports 32 slots. All tiers support a special web interface, automatic backups and Dino transfers using the CrossArk system. Individual runtimes are 30 days.

If those selections aren’t to your liking, there’s also the opportunity to customize. On the server selection site, users can choose server runtimes ranging from three to 365 days with slots for up to 100 players. Total cost ranges from $3.25 for three days all the way to $897 for a full year.

To help survivors get started with the new system, Wildcard community management staff also tweeted a few tips. Cheats are accessed on PC-hosted servers by pressing L1+R1+square+triangle and typing in the server’s designated password. Should new server names not appear in the list, the server should be restarted using Nitrado’s interface.

A feature such as this might only appeal to the most dedicated tribes or groups that wish to play together without being disturbed, but the concept inches the console versions of ARK one step closer to their final retail SKUs. Unfortunately, PC dedicated servers won’t be added to Xbox One until after launch. The patch has a target arrival month of September.

PS4 update 1.34 arrives hot on the heels of the v265 PC patch. For those who missed our initial post on the subject, the sizeable download brings tameable Titanoboas to the game alongside a bunch of new server functions and bug fixes. Those enjoying the officially modded Ragnarok map also got a treat, with 25 percent more surface area to explore and a super dangerous Wyvern cove. All of these features will arrive on console in the coming weeks.

Following a release delay to Aug. 29, the minds behind ARK: Survival Evolved continue to polish and tighten the experience for its life beyond early access. With mere weeks to go, there’s only time for a few more patches before the general public jumps in.

ARK: Survival Evolved is available in early access on PC, Xbox One, PS4, OS X and Linux. The retail game arrives Aug. 29.

What are your thoughts on PS4 players being able to purchase their own PC-hosted server? Is this something you’d want to do? Tell us in the comments section!