How to Join an ARK: Survival Evolved Server

There are two ways in: the game's own server list, and Steam's favourites, which is the reliable one when the list is slow.

From the server list

  1. In ARK: Survival Evolved, press Join ARK.
  2. Set the Session Filter to Unofficial (and to the server's map if you like).
  3. Type part of the server's name in the search box. Tick Show Password Protected Servers if it has a password.
  4. Join. If the server runs mods, the game downloads them first.

From Steam favourites

  1. In Steam: View, Game Servers, Favorites, Add a server.
  2. Type the server's IP and its QUERY port (27015 unless your dashboard shows another), for example 1.2.3.4:27015.
  3. Find it under Favorites, then Connect. Or start ARK, Join ARK, and set the filter to Favorites.

Before you join

  • DLC maps (Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis 1 and 2) need the DLC on your account.
  • Epic Games Store players can only join servers that run with crossplay on, and those cannot use mods.
  • Your game version must match the server's: update ARK in Steam if it says the server is outdated. Servers on Flux update themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I find my ARK server in the list?

The Unofficial list can take a few minutes to show a new server, and it hides password-protected ones unless you tick the box. Steam favourites, with the IP and query port, find it straight away.

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