Under , look for the IP Address dropdown. Set this to Let Server Decide or select your computer’s local IPv4 network address (usually looks like 192.168.x.x ).
Explain how to joining from outside your LAN
Ensure ShooterGame.exe and ARK Server Manager have both and Public boxes checked. IP Address Mismatch
Select , name it, and set a private password. Joining (LAN) : The guest should click Join ARK . Change the Session Filter (bottom left) to LAN . how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
provides a more stable experience without "tethering" issues where players are forced to stay near the host Method 1: The "Easy" Way (Non-Dedicated Session) This is best for 2–4 players who plan to stick together. Host Setup Launch ARK and click Host/Local from the main menu Adjust your game settings and select Host Non-Dedicated Multiplayer Session Set a session name and an optional password. Joining Players From the main menu, click Change the "Session Filter" (bottom left) to Non-Dedicated Sessions Find the host's session name and click : Guest players are restricted by a tether distance
If the server does not show up in the in-game LAN filter, use the Steam client override: Open Steam on a client PC and click > Game Servers .
For the best possible experience with no limitations, setting up a using the Ark Server Manager (ASM) is the gold standard. This method eliminates the tether, offers superior stability and performance, and allows your world to live on even when you log off. By following this guide and using the troubleshooting tips, you can easily bypass the limitations of public servers and create a private, lag-free ARK world where you and your tribe can build, tame, and conquer at your own pace without any interruptions. Under , look for the IP Address dropdown
: While tethering is a core limitation of non-dedicated sessions, advanced users can attempt to mitigate it. After hosting a session, navigate to the GameUserSettings.ini file in your saved config folder. Under the [ServerSettings] section, you can manually add or modify the value of ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier . Setting this to an extremely high number can increase the tether range. However, it's important to note that this does not eliminate the tether entirely. A true, no-tether experience still requires a dedicated server.
Connect all computers to the same Wi-Fi network or Ethernet switch. Have the joining players launch ARK and click .
Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (4 cores minimum dedicated to the server). IP Address Mismatch Select , name it, and
If you are hosting the dedicated server and playing on the same PC, the server will run in the background while you play on your client. You can connect to your own server by using the localhost IP address 127.0.0.1:27015 in the favorites list.
If using the standard menu, click .