ARK: Survival Evolved is an immersive survival game developed by Studio Wildcard that challenges players to survive in a world filled with dinosaurs and other primeval creatures. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a tribe, knowing the status of ARK servers is crucial for uninterrupted gameplay. This article will guide you through various methods to check if ARK: Survival Evolved servers are up and running.
Key Takeaways
- Utilize official channels such as the ARK Twitter account, forums, and Studio Wildcard’s website for the most reliable server status updates.
- Third-party websites like Downdetector, Reddit, and ServicesDown offer community-driven insights into server issues and outages.
- In-game methods such as the server browser, in-game notifications, and server ping tests provide real-time information on server availability.
Using Official Channels to Check Server Status
When you’re trying to determine if the ARK: Survival Evolved servers are up, the best place to start is with the official channels. These sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from the developers, Studio Wildcard.
Third-Party Websites for Server Status
If you’re looking to check the status of ARK: Survival Evolved servers, third-party websites can be incredibly useful. These sites often rely on community feedback to provide real-time updates on server issues. Here are some of the most popular options:
Downdetector
Downdetector is a well-known platform for monitoring the status of various online services, including ARK: Survival Evolved. It provides a real-time problems and outages map, allowing you to see if other players are experiencing similar issues. The site also features a graph showing the number of problem reports over the last 24 hours, which can help you determine if the issue is widespread.
Reddit is another valuable resource for checking server status. The ARK: Survival Evolved subreddit often has posts from players discussing current server issues. You can search for recent threads or start your own to ask if others are experiencing the same problems. The community is usually quick to respond, making it a great place to get real-time updates.
ServicesDown
ServicesDown is similar to Downdetector but focuses on a broader range of services. It allows users to report issues and provides a summary of the most commonly reported problems. The site also offers a map and a graph to help you visualize the scope of the outage. It’s a reliable option for getting a quick overview of any ongoing server issues.
In-Game Methods to Verify Server Availability
Server Browser
From the main menu, choose “Join ARK” and select the server your friends are on. Alternatively, choose “Host/Local” if you want more control over the session. If the in-game browser is not showing your server, you can use the STEAM server listings as an alternative.
In-Game Notifications
Keep an eye on in-game notifications. These can provide real-time updates about server status, including maintenance schedules and unexpected downtimes. Notifications are crucial for staying informed without having to leave the game.
Server Ping Tests
Performing a server ping test can help you determine the server’s responsiveness. High latency can indicate server issues. To do this, you can use the in-game console or third-party tools to ping the server’s IP address and port. This method is particularly useful if you experience connection issues or lag during gameplay.
If you cannot connect to one of those servers in this method then from the server’s page in battlemetrics, make sure the server is showing as active and then copy the IP address and Port.
Troubleshooting Common Server Issues
Connection Timeout
Connection timeouts can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to jump into the game. Common reasons for connection timeouts include network issues, server overload, or even issues after a recent patch. To troubleshoot:
- Check your internet connection. Ensure it’s stable and has sufficient bandwidth.
- Restart your router and modem.
- Verify that the server is not undergoing maintenance or experiencing high traffic.
- Disable any firewall or antivirus software temporarily to see if they are blocking the connection.
- Try connecting to a different server to see if the issue persists.
Server Not Showing Up
If your ARK server is not showing up in the in-game browser list, don’t worry. This issue can often be resolved with a few steps:
- Ensure the server has fully started. Servers can take between 5 to 10 minutes to start. You can confirm that the server has started when the CPU usage drops to around 50% and the RAM usage is at approximately 2-3GB.
- Refresh the server list multiple times.
- Check if the server is set to the correct game mode and map.
- Make sure there are no filters set in the server browser that might be hiding your server.
- If all else fails, try connecting directly via the server’s IP address.
High Latency
High latency can make gameplay unbearable. To reduce lag and improve your connection:
- Close any unnecessary applications or downloads running in the background.
- Connect to a server that is geographically closer to you.
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.
- Lower in-game graphics settings to reduce the load on your system.
- Perform a server ping test to identify any potential issues with the server itself.
If all that isn’t working and you cannot connect to servers, then you’ve potentially got something (router, virus protector, internet provider) blocking your access to servers and you’ll then need to check on each of those to see.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring that Ark: Survival Evolved servers are up and running is essential for a seamless gaming experience. By utilizing official channels such as the game’s Twitter account and forums, as well as third-party websites like Downdetector and Reddit, players can stay informed about server statuses and potential downtimes. Additionally, keeping your game and server updated can prevent many common connectivity issues. By following the steps outlined in this guide, players can enjoy uninterrupted adventures in the world of Ark.
