How to Join Your Friend’s Ark Server on PC: A Comprehensive Guide

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The question plaguing many a would-be dinosaur tamer: How do I join my friend’s Ark server on PC? Thankfully, the process is usually straightforward, though a few potential snags exist. Here’s the comprehensive answer, followed by a deep dive into potential problems and solutions.

To join your friend’s Ark server on PC, you primarily have two main routes: joining through the in-game server browser or using a direct connection via IP address.

1. Using the In-Game Server Browser: This is generally the easiest method.

   • Launch Ark: Survival Evolved on your PC.
   • From the main menu, select “Join Ark.”
   • In the server browser, use the filters at the top to narrow your search. Crucially, ensure the “Session Filter” is set to either “Unofficial PC Sessions” (for most player-hosted servers) or “My Survivors” if you’re already played on the server. Selecting the wrong filter will prevent the server from appearing.
   • Type your friend’s server name into the search bar. Make sure the spelling is exact, including capitalization and any special characters.
   • If the server is password protected, a lock icon will appear. You’ll need to obtain the password from your friend.
   • Once you find the server, select it and click “Join.”
   • Enter the password if prompted, and wait for the game to load.

2. Direct Connection via IP Address: This method is useful if the server doesn’t appear in the server browser.

   • Obtain the server IP address and port number from your friend. This typically looks like 192.168.1.1:7777 (the numbers are examples and will be different for each server).
   • Launch Steam.
   • Click “View” in the top menu bar.
   • Select “Servers.”
   • In the “Servers” window, click the “Favorites” tab.
   • Click the “Add a Server” button.
   • Enter the IP address and port number provided by your friend into the input field.
   • Click “Add this address to favorites.”
   • Now, launch Ark: Survival Evolved.
   • From the main menu, select “Join Ark.”
   • In the server browser, select the “Favorites” filter in the lower-left corner.
   • Your friend’s server should now appear. Select it, enter the password if necessary, and click “Join.”

Both methods require you to have the same version of Ark installed as the server. If you’re running an outdated version, you won’t be able to connect. Steam should automatically update your game, but you can manually trigger an update if needed.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you’re still unable to connect after following these steps, several factors could be at play. This includes server downtime, firewall issues, incorrect passwords, or conflicting game files. Working through the FAQs below will help you pinpoint the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions and solutions to help you resolve any difficulties you encounter while joining your friend’s Ark server:

1. Why can’t I find my friend’s server in the server list?

• Incorrect Filters: Double-check your server filters. The most common culprit is the “Session Filter.” Make sure it’s set to “Unofficial PC Sessions” or “My Survivors.” Also, verify that you haven’t accidentally applied other filters that are excluding the server (e.g., “Requires Password” set to “Yes” when the server doesn’t have one).
• Incorrect Server Name: Spelling errors, capitalization, and special characters in the server name can prevent it from appearing. Confirm the exact server name with your friend.
• Server is Offline: The server might be temporarily down for maintenance, updates, or technical issues. Ask your friend if the server is currently running.
• Region Lock: If the server is region-locked, you may not be able to connect if your location doesn’t match the server’s region.

2. I have the correct password, but it still says “Incorrect Password!” What’s wrong?

• Typos: Passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check for any typos or accidental capitalization.
• Special Characters: Some password managers or copy-pasting can introduce hidden characters. Try typing the password manually.
• Server Restart: If the server has recently restarted, the password might not have fully synchronized yet. Wait a few minutes and try again.
• Admin Change: The server admin might have recently changed the password without informing you. Confirm the current password with your friend.

3. I’m getting a “Connection Timeout” error. What does this mean?

• Firewall Issues: Your firewall might be blocking Ark’s connection. Add Ark: Survival Evolved (both the game executable and the BattlEye executable) to your firewall’s exception list.
• Internet Connection: Check your internet connection. Ensure you have a stable and reliable connection. Try restarting your router.
• Server Location: If the server is located far away from you, the connection might be slower and more prone to timeouts.
• Server Overload: The server might be experiencing high traffic or be overloaded with players. Try again later.

4. What is BattlEye, and how does it affect my ability to join the server?

• Anti-Cheat System: BattlEye is an anti-cheat system used by Ark. It’s required to play on most servers.
• Installation: Ensure BattlEye is properly installed and running. Steam should automatically install it when you install Ark.
• Conflicting Software: BattlEye can sometimes conflict with other software on your computer. Try closing any unnecessary programs running in the background.
• BattlEye Updates: Make sure your BattlEye is up to date. Steam should handle updates automatically, but you can manually verify the installation in the Ark installation directory.

5. How do I find the IP address and port number of my friend’s Ark server?

• Ask Your Friend: The easiest way is to ask your friend, who is hosting or administrating the server. They will have this information.
• Server Control Panel: If your friend is using a server hosting provider, the IP address and port number will be displayed in the server control panel.

6. What if my friend is hosting the server on their own computer?

• Port Forwarding: Your friend will need to configure port forwarding on their router to allow external connections to their computer. This involves accessing the router’s settings and forwarding the necessary ports (typically 7777 for the game and 27015 for Steam queries) to their computer’s internal IP address. This is the most complicated part of hosting a server.
• Firewall Configuration: Your friend will also need to ensure their firewall isn’t blocking incoming connections to Ark.
• Dynamic IP: If your friend has a dynamic IP address, it can change periodically. They will need to keep you updated with the new IP address whenever it changes. Services like DynDNS can help with this.

7. What are mods, and how do they affect joining a server?

• Game Modifications: Mods are modifications that add new features, creatures, items, or change gameplay mechanics.
• Mod Compatibility: You must have the same mods installed as the server to join. The server will usually provide a list of required mods.
• Steam Workshop: Mods are typically installed through the Steam Workshop. Subscribe to the required mods, and Steam will automatically download and install them.
• Mod Load Order: Some mods require a specific load order to function correctly. The server admin should provide the correct load order.

8. I keep crashing when I try to join the server. What can I do?

• Verify Game Files: Verify the integrity of your game files through Steam. This will check for and repair any corrupted files. Right-click on Ark in your Steam library, select “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and click “Verify integrity of game files.”
• Graphics Drivers: Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
• Lower Graphics Settings: Try lowering your in-game graphics settings to reduce the strain on your computer.
• Memory Issues: Ensure you have enough RAM. Ark can be memory-intensive. Close unnecessary programs to free up memory.

9. What’s the difference between “Official Servers” and “Unofficial Servers”?

• Official Servers: These are servers run by the game developers (Studio Wildcard). They typically have stricter rules and no modifications.
• Unofficial Servers: These are servers hosted by players or communities. They often have custom rules, mods, and settings. Most player-hosted servers fall into this category.

10. Why does the server keep disconnecting me?

• Unstable Connection: An unstable internet connection can cause disconnects.
• Server Issues: The server itself might be experiencing problems.
• Mod Conflicts: Mod conflicts can sometimes cause disconnects. Try removing recently added mods.
• Game Bugs: Ark can be prone to bugs that cause disconnects.

11. My game is lagging badly on the server. How can I improve performance?

• Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce your in-game graphics settings.
• Close Background Programs: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background.
• Upgrade Hardware: Consider upgrading your computer’s hardware (CPU, GPU, RAM) if your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.
• Server Location: Choose a server closer to your physical location.

12. Can I transfer my character between different Ark servers?

• Server Settings: Whether or not you can transfer characters depends on the server settings. Some servers allow transfers, while others do not.
• Cross-Ark Transfers: If transfers are enabled, you can usually transfer your character, items, and creatures between servers within the same cluster (a group of interconnected servers).

13. What do I do if I’m banned from the server?

• Contact the Admin: The best course of action is to contact the server administrator and ask why you were banned. If you believe the ban was unjust, you can try to appeal it.

14. How do I know what mods a server is using before I join?

• Server Information: Many servers list their mods in their server name or description.
• Server Communities: Check the server’s website or Discord server, if they have one. They usually list the mods being used.
• In-Game Display: Some servers display a list of required mods when you attempt to join.

15. Will I lose my progress if the server resets or wipes?

• Server Resets: Server resets (or wipes) are when the server is completely reset to its original state, deleting all characters, structures, and tames.
• Regular Wipes: Some servers have regular wipe schedules, while others rarely or never wipe.
• Ask the Admin: Check with the server administrator to determine if and when wipes occur.

By following these steps and consulting these FAQs, you should be well-equipped to join your friend’s Ark server and embark on your dinosaur-taming adventures! Good luck, survivor!