How to Join Your ARK: Survival Ascended Dedicated Server

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting to your ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated server. You’ll learn how to set a unique and recognizable server name, making it easier to find in the server list. We’ll also provide troubleshooting tips in case your server doesn’t appear online.

This guide applies to all platforms, including PC (Steam/Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5 (PS5), and Xbox. Follow the steps below based on your platform.

How to Change Your ARK: Survival Ascended Server Name

1. Stop your server.
2. Click the Configuration Files button.
3. Open the GameUserSettings.ini file using the CONFIG EDITOR option.
4. Locate the Session Name field and enter a unique, memorable name for your server.
5. Click Save & Exit to apply changes.
6. Start your server and allow a few minutes for it to initialize.

Pro Tip: Monitor Server Startup

You can track the startup process by clicking the Web Console button. Your server is fully operational when you see this message:
"Server has completed startup and is now advertising for join."

How to Find and Connect to Your ARK: Survival Ascended Server

1. Launch ARK: Survival Ascended on your platform.
2. Navigate to the JOIN GAME menu.
3. Click the UNOFFICIAL tab at the top.
4. At the bottom, select the filter SHOW PLAYER SERVERS.
5. In the search bar, type your server name and click REFRESH.
6. Locate your server in the list and click JOIN to connect.
7. If you fail to find it remember to tick show passworded servers filter if you created one.

Troubleshooting: Server Not Showing Up?

If your ARK: Survival Ascended server does not appear in the list, try these solutions:

Check Your Mods
Some mods may be outdated or incompatible with certain maps or crossplay. If you're having trouble finding your server, try disabling all mods and test again.

Server Password Enabled
If your server has a password, ensure that you select SHOW PASSWORD PROTECTED SERVERS in the filter options.

Search Filters
Double-check that you have the correct filters selected, as explained in the previous section.

Server Fully Started
Use the Web Console to confirm whether your server has fully started. If it hasn’t started after a few minutes, check for mod conflicts that may be preventing it from launching.

? Warning: There is a known bug that can cause the server list to be locked in some cases not listing all the servers. To fix it, perform these steps on your game:

1. Open the in-game console with ~ key on PC or left menu/option button on CONSOLE.
2. Type the following command: Ark.UseServerList 0 and press ENTER
3. Close and restart the game.
4. Try searching for your server again.

Final Thoughts

By following this guide, you should now be able to find and connect to your ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated server. If you're still experiencing issues, feel free to contact our support system.