Dealing with connection issues can be very frustrating. If you are having a problem with the ARK server, there is no need to panic since there are several methods that can help you solve it and enjoy playing your favorite game. We will provide more about these solutions in the following article.
Most Common Causes
Keep in mind that there are different potential reasons for facing the connection problem. In some cases, that can be related to the malfunctions on the system, but there are also chances that you could fix the problem on your own quite easily.
Network Configuration Issues
If your server is not showing up, it could be due to issues with port forwarding, firewalls, or router settings. To troubleshoot, first, ensure that your router’s ports are correctly configured to allow ARK server traffic. The default ports for ARK are 7777 (game), 7778 (query), and 27015 (Steam). Verify these settings to rule out any port-related issues.
If you’re not familiar with port forwarding, it involves opening specific ports on your router to allow external traffic to reach your ARK server. Access your router settings and navigate to the port forwarding section. Here, you can add rules to forward the necessary ports to your server’s local IP address. Also, be sure to consult your router’s manual or online resources for detailed instructions, as the process may vary depending on your router model.
Server Visibility Settings
ARK servers have a visibility option that can be set to “Private” or “Friends Only.” If your server is set to “Private,” it won’t appear in the public server list, and only players with an invite can join. Ensure that your server’s visibility settings are configured as per your preferences. If you want your server to be public, select “Public” to make it visible to all players.
Another aspect to consider is the server’s password protection. If you’ve set a password for your server, make sure it’s correctly entered in your game client. A simple typo can prevent you from seeing your server in the list.
Troubleshooting
It is essential to check for different issues so that you can find out the right solution. In that matter, troubleshooting is the most important part.
Check Server Status
A simple model that you should always try is to check whether your server is active. Double-check that your server machine is powered on, and there are no hardware or software issues preventing it from running smoothly, like your GPU artifacting. It’s also advisable to restart the server if it has been running continuously for an extended period.
Additionally, visit the official ARK server status page or community forums to check for any ongoing server outages or maintenance that might affect server visibility. Sometimes, server issues are beyond your control and require patience until the developers resolve them.
Verify Server Name and Configuration
Server names and configuration settings can sometimes be the main reasons for server visibility problems. Ensure that your server’s name doesn’t contain any special characters or spaces. Also, stick to alphanumeric characters and avoid using symbols or emojis in the server name.
Check your server’s configuration files, specifically the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files, for any errors. Incorrect settings in these files can lead to server visibility problems. Compare your configuration with a trusted source or a backup if available.
Restart and Refresh
A simple but effective troubleshooting step is to restart your ARK server and refresh your server list. Occasionally, server data may not properly sync with the server list, causing temporary visibility issues.
Restarting the server and refreshing the list can often resolve this problem. To refresh the server list in your ARK client, navigate to the server browser, and click the “Refresh” button. This action forces the game to re-scan for available servers, which may reveal your previously hidden server.
Advanced Options
In case that simple methods that we mentioned are not helping, there are also some more complicated solutions that will resolve your problem.
Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block ARK server traffic, causing it to be invisible to players. To address this, add exceptions or rules in your firewall and antivirus settings to allow ARK to communicate freely. Search for guides specific to your firewall or antivirus software, as the process varies. Ensure that both incoming and outgoing connections for ARK are allowed.
Also, consider temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software as a troubleshooting step. If your server becomes visible after disabling these protections, you may need to fine-tune their settings for ARK compatibility.
ISP and NAT Settings
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Network Address Translation (NAT) settings can also affect your server’s visibility. If you have a strict NAT type, it might hinder your server’s connectivity. To address this, consider changing your NAT type to “Open” if possible. You can usually find NAT settings in your router’s configuration page.
Additionally, if you’re hosting the server from a home network, ensure that your ISP doesn’t block any necessary ports for running an ARK server. Contact your ISP’s support if you suspect port blocking is the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my server is down or experiencing issues?
To check your server’s status, ensure the server machine is running, and there are no hardware or software problems. Also, visit the official ARK server status page or community forums to verify if there are any ongoing server outages or maintenance.
What should I do if my server has a password, and I can’t see it in the list?
If your server has a password, ensure you enter it correctly in your game client. Typos can cause this issue. Double-check the password and try again.
Are there any server hosting services that can help avoid these issues?
Many server hosting services specialize in ARK servers. Using these services can simplify the process of setting up and maintaining a server, often reducing the chances of visibility issues.
Conclusion
As you can see, server connectivity issues can be frustrating, but they can be fixed. By understanding the common causes of servers not showing up and following our troubleshooting steps and fixes, you can quickly get back to exploring the wild landscapes, taming dinosaurs, and surviving the harsh environment with your friends.
