Connect to an ARK Server: Epic Games Version

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to join an ARK: Survival Evolved server when you own the game through the Epic Games Store. You’ll learn the correct way to launch the game, find servers through the in-game browser, and connect directly using an IP address. Before starting, make sure you have the Epic Games version installed, a stable internet connection, and the server’s IP address and port if you plan to connect directly.

What You’ll Need

ARK: Survival Evolved installed via the Epic Games Store (the base game or any edition that includes multiplayer).
The server’s IP address and port number (for direct connection).
An Epic Games account that is logged in on the Epic Games Launcher.
A stable internet connection.

Step-by-Step

Open the Epic Games Launcher. Make sure you are logged in to your Epic Games account.
Go to your Library. Click on “Library” in the left sidebar. Find ARK: Survival Evolved in your list of games.
Launch ARK. Click the game tile, then click the “Launch” button. The game will start and may take a few minutes to load.
Wait for the main menu. Once the game loads, you’ll see the main menu. Be patient if it takes a while, especially on older hardware.
Click “Join ARK”. This is the main menu option for joining existing servers. Do not click “Host/Local” unless you want to host your own game.
Choose your server type. At the top of the server browser, you’ll see tabs like “Official Servers,” “Unofficial Servers,” and “Player Dedicated.” Select the tab that matches the server you want to join. Most community servers are under “Unofficial Servers.”
Filter the list (optional). Use the filter options on the right side to narrow down servers by map, mode (PvP/PvE), or name. You can also search for a specific server name using the search bar.
Select a server and click “Join”. Click on a server to highlight it, then click the “Join” button at the bottom. The game will start loading the map and connect you.
For direct connection (if you have the IP): In the server browser, look for a button that says “Join” or “Connect” – sometimes it’s a small icon or an option in a drop-down menu. Click it, then enter the server’s IP address and port in the format IP:Port (e.g., 192.168.1.100:7777). Click “Join” to connect.
If the server requires a password, you’ll be prompted to enter it. Type the password and click “Accept” or “Join”.
Wait for the loading screen. Once connected, the game will load the map. This can take several minutes. After that, you’ll spawn in and can start playing.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong server browser tab. Many players click “Official Servers” thinking that’s where all servers are. If you’re trying to join a community or private server, you need to be on the “Unofficial Servers” or “Player Dedicated” tab.
Forgetting to include the port. When using direct connection, some players enter just the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) without the port. The port is required – it’s usually :7777 for ARK, but the server owner may use a different one.
Entering the wrong password. Passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure you type it exactly as given.
Not updating the game. If your game version is different from the server’s, you won’t be able to connect. Check for updates in the Epic Games Launcher before trying to join.
Clicking “Host/Local” instead of “Join ARK”. This is a common mix-up on the main menu. Always choose “Join ARK” to access the server browser.

Tips

Use the “Session Filter” to find specific maps. If you know the map (e.g., The Island, Scorched Earth, Ragnarok), you can select it from the drop-down to filter the list.
Sort by player count. Click the “Players” column header to sort servers by population. This helps you find active servers.
Add servers to favorites. When you find a server you like, click the star icon next to it to add it to your favorites. This makes it easier to find later.
Check the server’s ping. The ping column shows your latency. Lower ping (e.g., under 50) means a smoother experience. Avoid servers with ping over 150 if possible.
Verify the server’s mods. If a server uses mods, you may need to download them. The game will usually prompt you to download mods automatically before connecting. Make sure you have enough disk space.

Troubleshooting

I can’t find the server in the browser. First, double-check the server type tab. If the server is unofficial, make sure you’re on “Unofficial Servers.” If you still can’t find it, try using the direct connection option with the IP and port. If that fails, the server may be offline or full. Contact the server owner to confirm.

The game crashes when I try to join. This is often caused by outdated graphics drivers or corrupted game files. Update your GPU drivers, then verify the integrity of the game files through the Epic Games Launcher (click the three dots on the game tile, select “Verify”). If the problem persists, try lowering your graphics settings in the game options.

I get a “Connection timed out” error. This usually means the server is unreachable. Check your internet connection, make sure the server is online, and that you have the correct IP and port. If you’re using a VPN, try disconnecting it, as some VPNs block game traffic.

I get a “Version mismatch” error. Your game version doesn’t match the server’s. Update your game to the latest version via the Epic Games Launcher. If the server is running a mod that changes the version, you may need to install that mod first.

The game won’t launch at all. Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Try running the Epic Games Launcher as administrator (right-click the shortcut, select “Run as administrator”). Also, temporarily disable any antivirus software that might be blocking the game.

I’m stuck on the loading screen. This can happen if the server is full or if your connection is slow. Wait a few minutes. If it doesn’t load, exit the game and try again. Also, make sure you have enough free RAM – ARK is memory-hungry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play with friends who have the Steam version? No, the Epic Games and Steam versions of ARK are not cross-platform by default. You can only play with others who have the same version (Epic Games with Epic Games, Steam with Steam). Some unofficial servers may allow crossplay if they are configured for it, but that’s rare and requires specific server settings.

Do I need to buy any DLC to join a server? No, you can join any server that runs the base game maps. However, if a server runs a DLC map (like Aberration or Extinction), you will need to own that DLC to join. The game will prompt you to purchase it if you try to join such a server.

How do I find the IP address of a server I’m already playing on? You can’t see the IP directly in the game. You can ask the server owner or admin for it. Alternatively, if you’re using a server list website (like BattleMetrics), you can look up the server by name and find the IP there.

Why do some servers have a password? Server owners set passwords to restrict access to friends or community members. You need to get the password from the owner or their community page.

Can I transfer my character between servers? Yes, but only if the servers are in the same “cluster” (a group of servers that share data). You can upload your character at an Obelisk or supply drop and download it on another server in the same cluster. This is not possible across different clusters.

What does “Ping” mean in the server browser? Ping is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower ping means a more responsive connection. A ping under 50 is excellent, 50-100 is good, and above 150 may cause noticeable lag.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.