How to Play ARK Survival Evolved with Friends

Let’s not deny that ARK: Survival Evolved is best experienced when you play it with your friends. If you’ve ever played it, you already know the incredible fun it brings. Chances are you want to know more about how to play ARK Survival Evolved with friends.

And if you’re new to ARK, the chances are – You’re looking forward to a simple guide to get you started.

So, whether you’re an experienced or beginner ARK player, this blog has got your answer.

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What is ARK: Survival Evolved? An Overview

ARK: Survival Evolved is an open-world survival game. You can play ARK on computers, Xbox, consoles and mobile phones. ARK’s game environment revolves around an island with prehistoric animals and dinosaurs.

To survive, you need to gather resources, craft tools, build structures and find food and water to stay healthy. You can also tame and ride dinosaurs.

There are two modes of playing ARK: Survival Evolved:

• One where you fight Nature, known as PvE mode, and
• Second, where you fight other players, it is known as PvP mode.

Now the question is:

• How to host ARK and play with your friends?
• And How to decide the right platform for you to play ARK: Survival evolved?

Let’s learn about it in the simplest way possible.

Three Different Ways of Hosting ARK: Survival Evolved

There are three different platforms to play, host & invite your friends to play ARK: Survival Evolved –

1. Through a local or non-dedicated ARK server
2. Through a private or dedicated ARK server
3.  Through an official and unofficial ARK server

Though you can choose one platform, here we will be looking at the process of playing in each ARK server in a detailed step-by-step manner. So, let’s begin with,

1. Local or Non-Dedicated ARK Server

In a non-dedicated ARK server, your computer or console serves as the host to play ARK: Survival Evolved. But let me warn you that you have to face certain limitations.

For instance, in a non-dedicated ARK server, your friends cannot move freely in the game. There’s a distance limit for how far they can move away from your character. This phenomenon is known as tethering. If your friends go too far, they’ll return to your location.

Another limitation of a non-dedicated ARK server is that you or your friends can join the game only when the host is online.

Then, what are the benefits, you wonder?

A non-dedicated ARK server is available free of cost. You don’t need to spend any money to play the game. It is the best option if you’re just starting and have a small group.

How to Join and Invite Friends on a Non-Dedicated ARK Server?

Let’s see the step-by-step process to join and invite your friends to a non-dedicated ARK server.

Joining a non-dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved server:

1. Launch ARK: Survival Evolved on your gaming platform [PC, console].
2. From the main menu, select the “Join ARK” option.
3. Use filters to narrow down server options based on your preferences, such as PvP or PvE, map type, and more.
4. Browse the available servers.
5. Choose one that suits your gameplay style.
6. Note the server’s name and number or server ID.

Inviting Friends in a non-dedicated ARK server:

1. Share the server name, number, or server ID with your friends.
2. Instruct your friends to follow the same steps to launch ARK: Survival Evolved on their gaming platform.
3. From the main menu, they should also select the “Join ARK” option from the same server as yours.

Once they’ve successfully connected to the server, you and your friends can enjoy playing ARK together on the same public server.

Remember that ARK supports cross-platform play, so you and your friends on different platforms [PC, Xbox, and PlayStation] can join the same public server and play together.

2. Private ARK Server or Dedicated ARK Server

In a dedicated ARK server, you buy or rent a separate ARK server from a hosting provider– to host your ARK: Survival Evolved game.

This ARK Server runs independently from your computer/console, allowing for more players and greater freedom in gameplay. It provides full control over settings, mods, and player slots, offering a more customizable and stable ARK gaming experience.

Your friends can join a dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved server regardless of their location within the game world, and there’s no tethering limitation. But you have to pay for this server, which I believe is an investment if you’re an avid gamer.

So, we can say that– dedicated ARK servers are typically more stable and suitable for larger groups and expert players.

How to Join and Invite Friends on a Dedicated ARK Server?

Check out the step-by-step process to join and invite the dedicated ARK server.

Joining a dedicated/private ARK: Survival Evolved server:

Ensure that your friends provide you with the IP address and port number of the dedicated ARK server they’re hosting.

1. Launch ARK: Survival Evolved on your gaming platform [PC or console].
2. From the main menu, select “Join ARK.”
3. Choose “Session Filter” to refine your search.
4. Set Session to “Unofficial PC Session” if it’s an unofficial server.
5. Enter the IP address of the dedicated server in the “Server Name” field.
6. Enter the server’s port number in the “Server Port” field.
7. Click “Search” to find the server.
8. Once you locate the dedicated server, select it from the list.

Inviting Friends in a dedicated/private ARK server

1. Instruct your friends to follow the same steps to join the dedicated server.
2. They should also use the server’s IP address and port number you provided.

Now, you and your friends should be able to connect to the dedicated ARK server and enjoy the game together.

3. Official and Unofficial ARK Server

1. Official ARK: Survival Evolved Server

The game developer, Studio Wildcard, hosts and manages official servers in ARK: Survival Evolved. These servers are open to all players and can be easily accessed through the in-game server browser.

Official ARK hosting servers provide a standard experience and are available across all platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

It’s important to note that you cannot directly invite friends to join on official servers. But you can join and enjoy your ARK game.

The official ARK servers are governed by specific rules and limitations set by the developers. They are designed for a more competitive and open multiplayer experience, where you’ll interact with a larger player base, but the option to invite friends directly is unavailable.

2. Unofficial ARK Server

You can host unofficial ARK servers and also invite your friends to join. These ARK servers are not affiliated with the developers.

The unofficial ARK servers offer more freedom and control. You’re also not limited by a tether and can explore the game world more freely. Rules and settings on these servers can vary depending on the server’s owner or administrators.

How to Join and invite friends on an Unofficial ARK Server

Here’s a step-by-step guide to play ARK Survival Evolved with friends.

Joining an unofficial ARK: Survival Evolved Server

1. Start the ARK: Survival Evolved game on your platform [PC, Xbox, or PlayStation].
2. From the main menu, select “Join ARK.” This will take you to the server browser.
3. Use the filter settings to narrow down your search. You can filter by map, mode, and more to find your desired server.
4. Browse through the list of available unofficial servers. Individuals or communities typically host these.
5. Click on a server from the list that you’d like to join. Check server details to ensure it suits your preferences.
6. Select “Join” to enter the game world.

Inviting Friends on an unofficial ARK server

1. Ensure your friends have ARK: Survival Evolved installed.
2. Press the “Tab” key [PC] or use the corresponding button for your platform [“Back” button on Xbox].
3. In the menu, find and select “Tribe Manager.” This is where you can invite friends to your tribe.
4. In the Tribe Manager, locate your friends.
5. Send them an invitation to join your tribe.
6. Your friends will receive the invitation and can accept it.

Once they do, they will automatically join your tribe and the server you’re playing on.

Following these steps, you and your friends can easily join an Unofficial ARK server and enjoy the game together.

What are the system requirements for playing in different ARK: Survival Evolved servers?

Minimum System Requirements for local, dedicated, and non-dedicated ARK server:

These are the minimum system requirements for playing ARK on your computer or a dedicated or non-dedicated server. This requirement supports around 8-10 players.

The hardware requirements for the server may vary depending on the number of players and mods you plan to use on your dedicated and non-dedicated server.

Generally, hosting a dedicated server requires more powerful hardware.

Official and Non-official Server ARK System Requirement

The game developer, Studio Wildcard, hosts the official servers and typically has robust hardware to handle many players. So you don’t need to worry about it.

Even the unofficial servers can vary widely in terms of hardware and may have different requirements set by the server administrators.

Also, remember that the system and server requirements may change with game updates.

Conclusion: How to Play ARK Survival Evolved with Friends

With all the knowledge given here, you’re ready to join ARK: Survival Evolved.

With the correct setup that suits your preferences and budget, explore ARK’s breathtaking world and command a team of dinosaurs and mammoths. Uncover mysteries, tame creatures, and craft an epic saga with your friends.