ARK: Survival Ascended comes with multiple server types, each suited to different playstyles. You can play solo in Single-Player mode, or host a Non-Dedicated server to play with up to eight friends. Of course, you can play ARK: Survival Ascended solo, but it's more fun when you team up with others. For larger groups, Official and Unofficial/Dedicated servers stay active 24/7 and can support more players, but come with different rule sets. As such, your best bet for playing with friends is to set up a Non-Dedicated server.

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How To Set Up A Non-Dedicated Server in ARK: Survival Ascended

Setting up a non-dedicated server is perfect if you want to play with a small group of friends (up to eight players) without the commitment of renting a dedicated server.

To set up a non-dedicated server in ARK: Survival Ascended, go to the Create or Resume Game menu. From there, you can launch either a single-player game or a non-dedicated server. Click on Non-Dedicated and enter your server info. You can also create a password for your private server to prevent random strangers from joining in.

While it's easy to jump right in, it's a good idea to review the settings first, especially if you're playing with friends. The default settings work well for solo play, but for multiplayer, you'll want to explore the 'Rules' and 'World' tabs in the Game Rules menu. These let you adjust options like PvP and PvE and set up notifications. Turning on PvE mode makes the server more peaceful, while turning it off lets players fight each other.

Once your game loads and you've spawned into the world, your non-dedicated server will be live. You can invite friends and start playing.

How To Join A Non-Dedicated Server in ARK: Survival Ascended

If you're looking to join a friend's non-dedicated server in ARK: Survival Ascended, here’s what you need to do.

  • First, get the server information from your friend, including the exact session name and password if one was set. Then, launch the game and go to the main menu, then select “Join Game” to view the list of available servers.
  • To find your friend’s server easily, change the Session Filter to “Non-Dedicated Sessions.” Then, use the Search bar at the top right to type in the exact session name your friend gave you.
  • Once the server appears in the list, click on it to join. If there’s a password, enter it when prompted, and you’ll be connected to their non-dedicated world.

Make sure both you and the host have the exact same version of ARK: Survival Ascended and any mods installed.

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Ark: Survival Ascended Tag Page Cover Art

Ark: Survival Ascended
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Survival
Open-World
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Released
October 26, 2023
ESRB
T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Developer(s)
Studio Wildcard
Publisher(s)
Studio Wildcard
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Inside a Player Constructed Building in Ark: Survival Ascended
5 Images
Inside a Player Constructed Building in Ark: Survival Ascended
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The Ark: Survival Ascended character is attempting to mutate their raptors to get a specific color.
The Ark: Survival Ascended character found a low level T-rex to help with the mutations of the undesirable stats.
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Genre(s)
Survival, Open-World