ARK Survival Evolved: Troubleshooting guide for common connectivity problems

ARK: Survival Evolved is a thrilling game that immerses players in a world filled with prehistoric creatures and natural challenges. However, connectivity issues can often disrupt the gaming experience, making it difficult for players to join servers or maintain stable connections. This troubleshooting guide aims to address common connectivity problems and provide solutions to ensure a smoother gaming experience.

Key Takeaways

• Always start by checking the server status and verifying your internet connection to rule out basic issues.
• Configuring your network settings, such as disabling port forwarding and using a different DNS, can often resolve connectivity problems.
• Regularly verifying and repairing game files, and ensuring that ARK: Survival Evolved is updated, can prevent many common issues.

Checking Server Status and Internet Connection

When you encounter connectivity issues in ARK: Survival Evolved, the first step is to check the server status and ensure your internet connection is stable. This can save you a lot of troubleshooting time if the problem is not on your end.

Configuring Network Settings

Disable Port Forwarding

Sometimes, port forwarding can cause more harm than good. If you’ve set up port forwarding for ARK: Survival Evolved, try disabling it. This can often resolve connectivity issues, especially if your router is being difficult and not letting you connect to the servers. To disable port forwarding, access your router’s settings and look for the port forwarding section. Remove any entries related to ARK.

Use a Different DNS

Changing your DNS settings can sometimes improve your connection to ARK servers. Follow these steps to use Google’s DNS:

1. Right-click the active network and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Networking tab, and then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
3. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option, and then set the Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and the Alternative DNS server to 8.8.4.4.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Reset Network Adapter

If you’re still having trouble, resetting your network adapter might help. This can clear out any lingering issues that might be affecting your connection. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows Start button and type "device manager".
2. Expand the "Network adapters" category.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select "Uninstall device".
4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the network adapter.

Note: Resetting your network adapter can resolve many connectivity issues, but make sure to have your network credentials handy, as you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you can often resolve common connectivity issues and get back to enjoying ARK: Survival Evolved without interruptions.

Verifying and Repairing Game Files

Verify Integrity of Game Files

Sometimes, game installation files can get corrupted or incomplete, leading to issues like ARK crashing or not responding. To fix this, you need to verify the integrity of game files. Here’s how:

1. Restart your computer and launch Steam.
2. Navigate to your Library and right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved.
3. Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
4. Go to the Installed Files tab and click the Verify integrity of game files button.
5. Wait for Steam to verify the game’s files. This process may take several minutes.

Note: It’s normal for one or more files to fail verification. These are usually local configuration files that shouldn’t be replaced.

Reinstall the Game

If verifying the game files doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to reinstall ARK: Survival Evolved. Follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved and select Uninstall.
3. Confirm the uninstallation and wait for the process to complete.
4. Once uninstalled, click the Install button to reinstall the game.

Update ARK: Survival Evolved

Keeping your game updated is crucial for smooth gameplay. Developers frequently release patches to fix bugs and improve performance. To ensure your game is up-to-date:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved and select Properties.
3. Go to the Updates tab and make sure Always keep this game up to date is selected.
4. If an update is available, it will automatically download and install.

By following these steps, you can resolve many common issues related to corrupted or missing game files, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Ensuring that your firewall and antivirus settings are correctly configured is essential for a smooth ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Misconfigured settings can block the game from accessing the internet, leading to connectivity issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ARK: Survival Evolved offers a rich and immersive experience, but connectivity issues can sometimes hinder gameplay. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, players can resolve common connectivity problems and enjoy a smoother gaming experience. Whether it’s verifying game files, adjusting network settings, or seeking help from the community, there are multiple ways to address these issues. For further assistance, players can refer to the official resources and community forums linked in this article. Happy surviving on the ARK!