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How to Stop Ark: Survival Evolved From Timing Out

If you’re constantly battling the frustrating “connection timeout” error in Ark: Survival Evolved, you’re not alone. This issue can stem from a multitude of causes, ranging from your own network setup to problems with the game server itself. The good news is that, with a systematic approach, you can often identify and resolve the issue, allowing you to get back to taming dinosaurs and building your empire. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stop Ark from timing out:

The core solution involves tackling a combination of potential culprits:

Network Stability: Ensure your internet connection is stable and reliable.
Server Health: Verify if the server is experiencing issues, overloaded, or undergoing maintenance.
Game Client Issues: Address any problems with your game installation or configuration.
Hardware Concerns: Rule out issues with your console or computer.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of steps to take, addressing all these areas:

Troubleshooting Steps to Prevent Ark Timeouts

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is paramount for online gaming. Start by:

Restarting your modem and router: This is often the simplest and most effective first step. Power cycle both devices, waiting about 30 seconds before plugging them back in.
Testing your internet speed: Use a speed test website to check your download and upload speeds. Insufficient speed or high latency can cause timeouts.
Using a wired connection: If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection. This will typically provide a more stable connection and reduce potential packet loss.
Checking for bandwidth hogs: Make sure no other devices on your network are downloading or streaming large files, which can consume bandwidth needed for the game.

2. Verify Server Status

Before diving deeper into your own setup, check if the problem is on the server’s end:

Consult the server owner or community: If you’re playing on a player-dedicated server, check with the administrator or their Discord for any reported issues or ongoing maintenance.
Check official server status: For official servers, monitor the Ark: Survival Evolved forums or social media for announcements about server issues.
Use a server monitoring tool: Certain tools track server uptime and performance, giving you a quick indication of any server-related problems.

3. Address Potential Game Client Issues

Your game installation may be causing the problem:

Verify integrity of game files: This can be done through the game platform you use (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.). This process checks for any corrupted or missing game files and redownloads them.
Update your game: Ensure you have the latest version of Ark: Survival Evolved installed.
Check your mods: Some mods can conflict with each other or with the game itself. Try disabling mods to see if the issue resolves. If so, re-enable mods one by one to identify the problematic mod, and check that the load order is correct as this is often a contributing factor.
Clear your game cache: Clearing the game’s cache can remove any corrupted temporary files, sometimes causing connection issues. Consult specific instructions for your platform.

4. Consider Console or Computer Settings

Your device’s configuration can also contribute to timeout errors:

Hard reset your console (Xbox/PlayStation): Power down your console completely, unplug it for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and restart.
Turn off “Instant-On” (Xbox): This feature can sometimes cause connection issues, especially with dedicated servers.
Update drivers (PC): Ensure your graphics card and network adapter drivers are up to date.
Check your firewall and antivirus software: These programs can sometimes block the game’s connection. Add exceptions for Ark to prevent this.
Use a different DNS: Using a public DNS such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) can sometimes improve connection stability.
Reset your network adapter: A simple reset can sometimes help if there are issues with your local network configuration.

5. Dive into Advanced Troubleshooting

If the issue persists, consider these advanced methods:

Disable Port Forwarding: In some cases, improperly configured port forwarding can cause connectivity issues. Try disabling port forwarding related to Ark.
Flush DNS and Renew IP Address: Sometimes old DNS information can cause issues. Flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address can help. Instructions for this are system-specific but are often available online.

6. Character Inventory Issues

Check your character’s inventory: In some cases, corrupted data within your character’s inventory can cause issues. Logging in with an alternative character and then swapping to your primary character can resolve this. Alternatively, if using admin commands you can wipe the inventory of the affected character.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you’ll significantly improve your chances of resolving the timeout issue and enjoying uninterrupted gameplay in Ark: Survival Evolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark Timeouts

1. What is a “connection timeout” error in Ark?

A “connection timeout” error in Ark means that your game client attempted to connect to the server but didn’t receive a response within a set timeframe. This can result in being disconnected from the game.

2. Why do I keep timing out of my server in Ark?

There are several reasons why you might keep timing out of your server, including network issues, server overload, game file corruption, mod conflicts, or even issues with your device’s configuration.

3. How do I fix connection timeout in Ark on Xbox?

Try hard resetting your console, disabling instant-on mode, and ensuring you have a stable network connection. If playing on a player-dedicated server, encourage the host to do the same.

4. What causes a “connection refused” error in Ark?

A “connection refused” error usually means the server is not ready to accept connections yet. This can happen during a server start-up/restart, or if you are trying to connect to the wrong server port.

5. Can mods cause connection timeouts in Ark?

Yes, incompatible or poorly configured mods can cause various issues, including timeouts. Try disabling all mods and then re-enabling them one by one to identify the problem. Also, ensure that the mods are loaded in the correct order as some depend on others to function correctly.

6. How can I check if the Ark server is down or overloaded?

Monitor the server owner’s communication channels, check the official Ark forums, and use server monitoring tools if available.

7. Why is my Ark server connection refused?

This is often due to an incomplete server start/restart. Wait another 5-7 minutes and try again.

8. How do I verify the integrity of game files for Ark?

On Steam, right-click the game, go to Properties > Local Files, and select “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” On other platforms, look for the relevant option in your game launcher.

9. How do I add Ark to the exceptions list of my firewall/antivirus?

Instructions will vary by specific software. Generally, you need to find the firewall settings and add an exception for the ArkSurvivalEvolved.exe or similar relevant executable within the game directory.

10. How do I change my DNS servers?

On Windows, go to Network and Sharing Center, select your adapter, click Properties, and find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). In the Properties window, change the DNS server settings to your chosen DNS servers. Similar processes exist on macOS and consoles.

11. What are some common network problems that cause lag in Ark?

Common issues include bad routing, unstable connections, and bandwidth congestion on your network.

12. Why is Ark making me wait so long to respawn?

Respawn times can be affected by world settings. There are options to increase PvP respawn intervals following repeated deaths. Check these settings on your server if you’re experiencing longer respawn times.

13. Can I change the server timeout settings in Ark?

While you can’t directly change the timeout settings within the Ark client, you can alter settings related to server operation. Check your server settings for parameters related to inactivity. Settings like Remote Query timeout, can be altered to increase the response time from the server.

14. Why does my generator keep shutting off in Ark?

This can be due to several reasons, including old or contaminated fuel, or issues with the generator’s internal mechanics. Always use clean fuel and consider repairing the generator.

15. What should I do if all other steps fail to fix the timeouts in Ark?

If you’ve exhausted all the above solutions, you might need to consult your ISP about network problems, or seek help from the Ark community or game support for further guidance. It might be necessary to escalate the issue to the server provider if playing on a dedicated server.

How do I stop Ark from timing out?