To run ARK: Survival Evolved on Windows, the official minimum is 8 GB of RAM, 60 GB of free storage, an Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320 CPU, and a GTX 670 2 GB or Radeon HD 7870 2 GB graphics card. Epic Games Store also lists a recommended tier: 16 GB RAM, an Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, and DirectX 11. These are storefront requirements, not a promise of a particular frame rate or graphics quality.
ARK: Survival Evolved minimum requirements for Windows
Steam and Epic Games Store list the same core Windows minimum hardware. The game also requires the listed operating system and DirectX version; multiplayer requires broadband internet, but neither storefront specifies a minimum connection speed.
| Component | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320, or better |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 670 with 2 GB VRAM or AMD Radeon HD 7870 with 2 GB VRAM, or better |
| DirectX | Version 10 |
| Storage | 60 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required for multiplayer; no speed threshold is stated |
These are the official storefront listings: Steam and Epic Games Store.
Epic Games Store recommended requirements
Epic publishes a recommended tier in addition to its minimum. It raises the processor and memory specifications, but its GPU examples are identical to those in the minimum row.
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| Component | Epic recommended requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4670K at 3.4 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, or better |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 670 with 2 GB VRAM or AMD Radeon HD 7870 with 2 GB VRAM, or better |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 60 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required for multiplayer; no speed threshold is stated |
Epic does not name a newer graphics card for its recommended tier, so these legacy GPU examples should not be read as a current graphics-card buying recommendation. Steam’s listing provides minimum requirements but no recommended tier.
How to check whether your PC meets the requirements
Compare each part of your computer with the requirements for the storefront you plan to use. Meeting one threshold, such as the RAM requirement, does not make up for a CPU or GPU that falls below its listed minimum.
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- Processor: Check the exact CPU model, not just its clock speed or the number of cores.
- Graphics card: Compare the GPU model and its video memory (VRAM) with the listed card and 2 GB requirement.
- Memory: Check installed system RAM: the minimum is 8 GB, while Epic lists 16 GB as recommended.
- Storage: Make sure at least 60 GB is available for the game.
- DirectX and operating system: Confirm support for the relevant version and that your operating system is compatible with the game and storefront client.
The storefront pages do not state a target resolution, graphics preset, or frame rate. Their specifications therefore cannot establish how smoothly a particular PC will run the game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Steam and macOS compatibility notes
Steam’s Windows requirement field still lists Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 (64-bit). Separately, Steam says its client supports Windows 10 and later from January 1, 2024 onward. The game’s historical minimum OS field and the client’s current support policy are different compatibility details; check current Steam client support as well as the game listing before relying on an older Windows version.
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Steam also lists legacy macOS minimums: OSX 10.9 or higher, a 2 GHz equivalent processor, 4 GB RAM, an OpenGL 3-compatible GPU with 1 GB video RAM, and 20,000 MB of available storage. Steam separately notes that, beginning February 15, 2024, its client no longer supports 32-bit games or macOS 10.14 and lower. Because that compatibility note can affect whether the legacy game listing is usable, check the current Steam listing and client support before assuming an older macOS setup will work. Epic’s cited requirements are for Windows only.
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