ARK: Survival Evolved Server Troubleshooting
Server missing from the browser, friends unable to connect, mods failing or settings refusing to save? Start with the symptom below and work through the likely causes.
Common ARK server problems
Server does not appear in the browser
First confirm the server process is actually running and has completed startup. If it is self-hosted, check that UDP 27015 or your configured query port is open. The ARK and Steam server browsers do not always display every server immediately, so Steam users can also add the server manually using its IP and query port.
Players cannot connect
On a self-hosted server, verify the game ports and firewall first. The usual defaults are UDP 7777, UDP 7778 and UDP 27015 for queries. Also check that your router forwards them to the correct local machine.
Port forwarding looks right but nothing works
You may be behind CGNAT. Compare the WAN address shown by your router with your public internet IP. If they are different, inbound port forwarding may not reach your home connection. Ask your ISP about a public IPv4 address or use a rented server instead.
The server crashes during startup
If the problem started after adding or updating mods, remove the newest mods first and test again. Also check recent Game.ini and GameUserSettings.ini edits for malformed values. A heavily modded or large world can also require more RAM than a fresh vanilla server.
Mods are missing or outdated
Confirm the Workshop IDs are correct and restart the server after updating. Players and server files need compatible versions of the same mods. If one specific mod causes the server to fail, remove it temporarily and verify the server boots without it.
Settings keep reverting
Stop the server before changing its configuration files. Editing while the server is running can result in values being overwritten when the process shuts down. Also make sure you are editing the active GameUserSettings.ini or Game.ini rather than an unused copy.
Steam players can join but Epic players cannot
A dedicated ASE server intended for Steam and Epic players needs crossplay configured. Steam Workshop mods are another major limitation because Epic clients do not use the Steam Workshop mod system. If the server is modded, test it without mods before chasing network problems.
Players disconnect or experience severe lag
Check CPU usage, available RAM and whether a particular mod or large base area triggers the issue. Network problems can cause disconnects, but ARK server simulation can also slow down when the CPU is overloaded even if plenty of RAM remains available.
Quick symptom reference
| Problem | Check first |
|---|---|
| Server missing from browser | Query port, browser filter, server fully started |
| Cannot connect | 7777, 7778, query port, firewall |
| Port forwarding fails | CGNAT and router WAN IP |
| Crash on startup | Recent mods, config edits, memory usage |
| Mods not working | Workshop IDs and server/client versions |
| Settings revert | Stop server before editing configuration |
| Epic player cannot join | Crossplay configuration and Workshop mods |
| Lag or disconnects | CPU load, RAM, mods and network |
The order I would troubleshoot an ARK server
- Restart the server.
- Confirm the server and clients are fully updated.
- Temporarily remove recently added mods.
- Check recent Game.ini and GameUserSettings.ini edits.
- Confirm the server ports and firewall rules.
- Test whether Steam can see the server through its server browser.
- Check CPU and RAM usage while the server is running.
- If self-hosting still fails, investigate CGNAT.
Self-hosting ports
| Default | Use |
|---|---|
| UDP 7777 | Main ARK game port |
| UDP 7778 | Secondary / peer port |
| UDP 27015 | Steam query port |
| TCP 27020 | Optional RCON administration |
If you use custom ports, use the values from your launch parameters or hosting panel instead.
When renting a server is easier
If your problem is purely home networking, especially CGNAT or unreliable port forwarding, renting removes most of that layer completely. You still control the world, settings and mods, but the host handles the public-facing network.
See our best ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting comparison if you want to move the world to a managed server.
ARK server troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my ARK server running but not showing up?
The server browser may not have found it yet, or the query port may be blocked or configured incorrectly. Steam players can test the server through the Steam server browser using the IP and query port.
Which ports does ARK: Survival Evolved use?
The common defaults are UDP 7777 for the game, UDP 7778 as the adjacent game or peer port, UDP 27015 for Steam queries and TCP 27020 for optional RCON.
Why do my ARK server settings keep resetting?
Stop the server before editing configuration files. A running server can overwrite configuration values during shutdown.
Why does my ARK server crash after adding mods?
A broken, outdated or incompatible mod is a common cause. Remove newly added mods one at a time and confirm the server can boot before adding them back.
Why can’t Epic Games players join my Steam ARK server?
The dedicated server must be configured for Steam and Epic crossplay. Steam Workshop mods also prevent a normal modded Steam setup from working cleanly for Epic players.
