How to Play ARK: Survival Evolved With Friends
ARK is much better with a tribe. You can host a quick non-dedicated session, run your own dedicated server or rent one that stays online when nobody in the group is playing.
Three ways to play ARK with friends
Non-dedicated session
Fastest for a small group. One player hosts the world from their own PC and the others join while that player is online.
Self-hosted dedicated server
Your PC or another machine runs ShooterGameServer separately. More control, but you need to handle ports, updates and server files yourself.
Rented ARK server
The simplest persistent option. The hosting company handles the public IP, network and server process while you control settings and mods.
Option 1: Start a non-dedicated session
This is normally the quickest way to get a few friends into your existing world without setting up a separate server.
Open ARK and choose Host / Local
Select the map and settings you want to use.
Choose Host Non-Dedicated Session
Give the session a name and add a password if you only want friends joining.
Have your friends join
They can search for the session using the Non-Dedicated filter or join through the relevant friends system.
Option 2: Join a dedicated ARK server
If you have a rented server or a separate dedicated machine, the process is more suitable for a long-running tribe.
Start the server and wait for it to finish loading
ARK worlds can take a few minutes to boot, especially when the save is large or the server runs mods.
Find the server in the Unofficial list
Open Join ARK, choose the Unofficial filter and search for the server name. The browser does not always return every server immediately, so a missing listing does not automatically mean the server is offline.
Add it through Steam if necessary
Steam players can add a dedicated server to the Steam server browser using the server IP and its query port. The default query port is normally 27015.
Ports used by an ARK: Survival Evolved server
If you rent a server, your provider normally handles this. If you self-host, your firewall and router need to allow the relevant traffic.
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UDP 7777 | Main game port |
| UDP 7778 | Additional game / peer port |
| UDP 27015 | Steam query and server-browser port |
| TCP 27020 | RCON, only required if you use remote administration |
Your server can use different ports. Always use the values configured for your own server rather than assuming the defaults.
Can Steam and Epic Games players play together?
ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated servers can support crossplay between the Steam and Epic Games versions. A self-hosted server normally needs the -crossplay launch option and a correctly configured public IP for Epic connections.
The important catch is mods. Traditional ARK: Survival Evolved mods use Steam Workshop, so a modded Steam server is generally not suitable for Steam and Epic crossplay. If your group wants Workshop mods, keeping everyone on the Steam version is the simpler route.
Should you rent a server instead?
For a persistent tribe, renting is usually easier than leaving one player’s PC running permanently. You also avoid most home-network issues such as port forwarding and CGNAT.
Our ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting comparison compares the hosts we currently recommend.
Common questions
Does the host need to be online in ARK?
For a non-dedicated session, yes. A dedicated or rented server runs independently, so players can join even when the server owner is not playing.
Why can’t my friend find my ARK server?
Check the server browser filter, session name and password first. For self-hosted dedicated servers, also check the query port and firewall. Steam players can try adding the server directly through the Steam server browser.
Can we use mods when playing together?
Yes on compatible Steam servers. Everyone connecting needs the required Workshop content. Steam and Epic crossplay is more restrictive because Epic players do not use Steam Workshop mods.
Is a dedicated server better than non-dedicated?
For a persistent world, usually yes. Dedicated servers stay online independently and avoid the limitations of one player hosting the world through their game client.
