Can Friends Join My Single Player Ark?

The short answer is: No, not directly. You cannot have friends join your single-player game in ARK: Survival Evolved (or its remaster, ARK: Survival Ascended) in the traditional sense of a multi-player session. Single-player mode is designed to be a purely local experience, isolated to your machine. However, there are ways to work around this limitation and play with your friends, which we’ll explore in detail. This article will cover how you can transition from a single player experience to a multiplayer one, options for setting up private servers for you and your friends, and answer some frequently asked questions about playing Ark in multiplayer mode.

Understanding the Limitation

It is important to clarify that single-player mode in Ark is a specific, isolated game mode. It’s meant to be a personal experience with a save file that is tied directly to your local game installation. When you initiate a single-player game, the game world and all its data are housed entirely on your computer. This is why friends cannot directly “join” your single-player session. The game is not designed to broadcast this local instance over the internet or local network for others to access.

However, this is not a dead end. The Ark ecosystem provides for various ways for friends to join in the fun using different methods that turn the single-player game into a multiplayer session. These options include non-dedicated and dedicated server hosting, and each has its pros and cons.

Transforming Your Single Player Game into a Multiplayer Experience

While friends can’t directly join your single-player game, there are several ways to bring them into your Ark world. These methods essentially involve setting up a private server where you, as the single-player host, can bring in your friends.

Non-Dedicated Server Hosting

The simplest solution to play with friends from your single player is by hosting a non-dedicated server. When you select “Host/Local” from the main menu and choose “Host Non-Dedicated Server,” your single player game will effectively convert into a non-dedicated multiplayer game. The game is still running on your computer, but it now also serves as a server, allowing your friends to connect to it.

• Ease of Setup: Non-dedicated servers are very easy to set up directly from within the game.
• Shared Save: Your non-dedicated server will continue the same world as your single player game.
• Host Limitations: Non-dedicated servers are subject to limitations. Specifically, only a small number of players can join, typically around four, and friends can only play if you are actively playing on the server. The server shuts down when the host leaves the game. The distance at which friends can move away from the host is also limited by the host’s location.

To start a non-dedicated server:

1. Open ARK: Survival Evolved (or ARK: Survival Ascended).
2. From the main menu, click “Host/Local”.
3. Select “Host Non-Dedicated Server.”
4. Configure your settings (e.g., admin password, private game checkbox).
5. Click “Ok” and invite your friends through the game client or your platform’s invite system.

Dedicated Server Hosting

If you need more control, a larger player base, and want the server to remain online even when you’re not playing, a dedicated server is the way to go. This option requires a little more setup but provides more flexibility and control over your ARK experience.

• Persistent World: A dedicated server runs even when the host player isn’t online, so friends can join whenever they want.
• Greater Capacity: Dedicated servers can handle significantly more players than non-dedicated servers.
• Increased Customization: They offer extensive server configuration options.

Two main ways to set up a dedicated server:

1. Using Ark Server Manager: You can utilize the Ark Server Manager, a third-party software, which simplifies the process of creating and customizing a dedicated server.
2. Purchasing Server Hosting: You can rent a server from a hosting provider. These services provide dedicated resources and technical support, ideal for those who prefer not to deal with the complexities of server management. There are also ways to get a free Ark server, and a free server may suit players depending on their experience and needs.

Transferring Characters and Dinos

Once you’re in a multiplayer environment, you might want to bring your progress from the single player game. Luckily, in ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended, you can transfer your character and tamed dinosaurs from your single-player world to your non-dedicated or dedicated server. The best and safest way to do this is to upload the characters and tames at an obelisk or tek transmitter. Be careful not to leave them in cryopods, as they are not guaranteed to transfer safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs that elaborate further on playing Ark with friends, and options for server types:

1. What is the difference between dedicated and non-dedicated servers in Ark?

A dedicated server is a server running on a separate machine, providing a persistent game world with greater player capacity. It’s always online, even when the host is not playing. A non-dedicated server, on the other hand, utilizes your computer to host the game. It has limited player capacity, and only runs when the host is playing.

2. Can friends join a non-dedicated server in Ark?

Yes! When you host a non-dedicated server, your friends can join your game. Just make sure you have the same mods subscribed on the workshop and everyone’s game is updated.

3. Can I transfer Dinos from single-player to a multiplayer server?

Yes, you can! You can upload your dinos at an obelisk or tek transmitter in your single-player game, then download them to your multiplayer server. Make sure not to leave your tames in cryopods when transferring, as this can lead to data loss.

4. How do I invite friends to a non-dedicated Ark session?

Start by creating a non-dedicated server, then ensure it is set to a private game by checking the box on the configuration page. Once the game is running, invite your friends through the game client or your respective gaming platform.

5. How many players can join a non-dedicated server in Ark?

Typically, non-dedicated servers are limited to 4 players.

6. What are the benefits of hosting a non-dedicated server in Ark?

The primary benefit is the cost-effectiveness. You don’t need to rent a server, as you are using your own machine. They are also very simple to set up from within the game.

7. What are the advantages of dedicated server hosting?

Dedicated servers offer greater stability, player capacity, server control, and continuous uptime, which allows for playing with friends at any time, and larger friend groups.

8. Do I have to pay to host my own Ark server?

Hosting a non-dedicated server is free, as you use your own computer. However, renting a dedicated server from a provider will come at a cost, depending on the number of slots and the provider. Some providers offer free trials, and ways to get a free server may be available through promotional codes.

9. How much does it cost to rent an Ark server?

The cost of renting an Ark server can vary significantly. It can range anywhere from $15 to $50+ per month, depending on the provider and the number of player slots.

10. Can I host my own Ark server for free?

You can host a non-dedicated server for free using your own machine. Additionally, when you purchase ARK: Survival Ascended on Steam at launch, you can create one PC private server for free.

11. What do I need to know when setting up a non-dedicated server?

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a powerful computer that can handle running both the server and the game simultaneously. Additionally, you will want to have a password set, and set the server to private so strangers cannot join.

12. Why can’t my friends connect to my server?

Ensure that:

• You have the correct server address and port number.
• Your game and your friends’ games are updated to the same version.
• Your server is online and available.
• Your firewalls and anti-virus programs are not blocking the connection.

13. What are the disadvantages of using a dedicated server?

Dedicated servers can be more complex to set up and maintain. They may also require technical knowledge or necessitate hiring a hosting provider, which adds to the cost of running a private server. They also require maintenance and consistent monitoring to ensure optimal performance.

14. Are Ark’s official servers shutting down?

Yes, official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved shut down on September 29, 2023. However, players can still play on private servers or host their own, or buy a copy of the remaster, ARK: Survival Ascended.

15. Can I return to my non-dedicated server world?

Yes! If you host a non-dedicated server using the same map, it will load up the same world. The non-dedicated server and single-player world are the same for the host, so make sure that the same player hosts each time.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly have your friends join your single-player Ark game, there are viable methods to transition from your single player game to a multiplayer experience, including non-dedicated servers for smaller groups, and dedicated servers for a more robust multiplayer experience. Each method offers different degrees of freedom and customization, allowing you to find the option that best suits your specific needs. By understanding these options and utilizing the in-game tools, you and your friends can enjoy the survival experience together.