ARK: Survival Evolved offers a thrilling multiplayer experience, but connecting to a server using an IP address can sometimes be a bit tricky. Whether you’re using Steam or Epic Games, this guide will walk you through the steps to locate your server’s IP address and connect seamlessly. We’ll also cover common issues and solutions to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to locate your ARK server’s IP address using the control panel and verify it correctly.
- Understand the steps to connect to an ARK server via Steam and Epic Games, including adding servers to favorites and using the console.
- Discover common issues such as server not responding or incorrect IP addresses, and find solutions to troubleshoot these problems.
Locating Your Server’s IP Address
Before you can connect to an ARK: Survival Evolved server, you need to locate the server’s IP address. This is essential for both Steam and Epic Games users. Here’s how you can find it.
Using the Control Panel
The first place to check for your server’s IP address is the control panel provided by your server host. Log in to your control panel and look for the IP Address:Port section. This information is usually displayed prominently on the main page of the control panel. If you can’t find it, consult the help documentation or contact support.
Finding the Query Port
In addition to the IP address, you’ll need the query port to connect to your server. The query port is often listed alongside the IP address in the control panel. If it’s not, you may need to check the server settings or configuration files. Some server hosts provide a utility to help you find this information.
Verifying the IP Address
Once you have the IP address and query port, it’s a good idea to verify that they are correct. You can do this by attempting to connect to the server using the IP:Port format. If you encounter issues, double-check the information in your control panel and ensure that your server is running. If problems persist, you may need to look into port forwarding on your router for ARK: Survival Evolved.
Connecting to an ARK Server via Steam
Connecting to an ARK server through Steam is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth connection to your dedicated gaming servers.
Adding the Server to Favorites
- Launch the Steam client and navigate to
View > Servers. - Click on the
Favoritestab at the top. - Press
Add a Serverin the bottom-right corner. - Enter your server’s IP address and click
Add this address to favorites.
Joining the Server
- Start ARK: Survival Evolved from your Steam Library.
- Click on
Join ARKat the main menu. - Change the session filter to
Favorites. - The added server should now appear in the list, allowing you to join.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
- Server Not Responding: Ensure the server is online and the IP address is correct.
- Incorrect IP Address: Double-check the IP address and port number.
- Firewall and Network Settings: Make sure your firewall or router is not blocking the connection.
If you encounter persistent issues, consider reaching out to your server provider for additional support.
Connecting to an ARK Server via Epic Games
Connecting to an ARK server via the Epic Games Store is a bit different compared to other platforms. The Epic Games Store version of ARK does not currently have a proper method of joining a server directly via IP/port. However, you can still connect using the in-game console. Here’s how you can do it:
Launching a Single-Player Game
First, you need to start a single-player game. This is a necessary step because the Epic Games version of ARK doesn’t support direct server connections from the main menu.
Using the Console to Connect
- Once you’re in the single-player game, press
Tabto open the console. - Obtain your server’s connection information in the format of
IP:PORT. - Type
open IP:PORTand pressEnter. If your server has a password, typeopen IP:PORT password.
Dealing with Connection Problems
If you encounter issues while trying to connect, here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- BattleEye must be disabled in the startup parameters for connections on Epic Games to work.
- Ensure that the server does not have any mods installed.
- Double-check the IP address and port to make sure they are correct.
Note: The Epic Games Store version of ARK has some limitations compared to other platforms. For a more seamless experience, consider using a different platform if possible.
Common Issues and Solutions
Server Not Responding
If your server isn’t appearing in the in-game list, it might not have been properly added through Steam. Ensure that the server is added to your favorites and that the session filter is set to “favorites”. Port forwarding issues or ISP restrictions can also prevent communication on the required port. Double-check your port forwarding settings and consider contacting your ISP if the problem persists.
Incorrect IP Address
An incorrect IP address is a common issue that can prevent you from connecting to your ARK server. Verify the IP address and the query port in your server settings. Make sure there are no typos and that you are using the correct format. If you are unsure, you can use the command line console to test the connection with a traceroute or ping command.
Firewall and Network Settings
Firewalls and network settings can block the necessary ports for ARK. Ensure that your firewall allows traffic on the ports used by your server. You might need to add exceptions for ARK in your firewall settings. Additionally, check your router’s settings to ensure that it isn’t blocking the required ports. If you are using a third-party security software, it might also be worth checking its settings or temporarily disabling it to see if it resolves the issue.
Tip: Always restart your router and server after making changes to network settings to ensure they take effect.
Conclusion
Connecting to an ARK: Survival Evolved server using an IP address is a straightforward process whether you are using Steam or the Epic Games Store. By following the outlined steps, you can easily join your desired server and start your adventure on the mysterious island of ARK. Remember to double-check the server IP and port, and ensure that any required passwords are correctly entered. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to exploring, taming creatures, and surviving in the dynamic world of ARK.
