Can you play Ark free with friends?

I'm curious, is it possible for me and my friends to enjoy Ark, the popular survival game, without having to pay any fees? We've heard so much about its thrilling gameplay and dynamic multiplayer features, and we're eager to explore the vast island together. But, before we dive in, we want to make sure that there's no financial barrier to entry. So, can you really play Ark free with friends, or do we need to invest in the game first?