ARK With Friends: Dedicated Server vs Co-op

To play ARK with friends, you can host a quick non-dedicated co-op session or use a dedicated server that runs independently of a player’s game. Co-op is simpler for a small group playing together; a dedicated server is better when friends need to join at different times or explore without staying near the host.

What You’ll Need

ARK installed on each player’s device, with compatible game editions and updates. Players on different platforms or editions may not be able to join the same session; check cross-play support for your specific version before choosing a setup.
A stable internet connection. The host needs adequate upload capacity for the number of players and any mods.
For non-dedicated co-op: one player’s game running, with that player acting as host.
For a dedicated server: a separate computer or hosting service to keep the server running. A self-hosted PC should meet the game’s current server requirements.
For self-hosting, access to router settings may be needed to forward the server’s required ports. Use the ports and settings documented for your ARK edition and server configuration.
For modded play, every player needs the same compatible mods and versions. Console and PC mod support differs by edition.

Step-by-Step

Choose the right kind of session. Use non-dedicated co-op if you want the fastest setup and expect to play while the host is online. Choose a dedicated server if the world should remain available when its owner is not playing, or if players want to travel freely without a host tether. A rented server avoids maintaining a computer at home; self-hosting offers more control but needs configuration and upkeep.
Confirm that everyone can play together. Ask friends which platform and ARK edition they use, then verify that those editions support joining one another. Ensure everyone has installed the same map or content and updated the game. Agree on whether the world will use mods; keep the mod list consistent.
Start a non-dedicated session for the simple option. From the game’s main menu, open the host/local or session-hosting screen for your edition and select the option to host a non-dedicated session. Choose a map, set session options, and create a password if the menu offers one. Menu labels can vary between ARK editions, so use the equivalent host or non-dedicated option if the wording differs.
Invite friends to co-op. Once the host is in the session, use the platform’s invite or friends-join feature, or share the session name and password if the game provides a browser listing. Friends should search the appropriate session list and confirm they are filtering for the correct map, mode, and platform. The host must stay in the game for others to continue playing.
Check the tether before exploring. Non-dedicated sessions commonly restrict how far guests can move from the host, sometimes with a visible tether or by pulling players back. If the setting is available, the host can adjust the tether distance, but the limit may not be removable or unlimited on every edition or platform. If unrestricted travel matters, use a dedicated server instead.
Set up a dedicated server. Pick a rented server provider or a separate computer. For self-hosting, install the dedicated server files supported by your edition, then configure the map, server name, player limit, passwords, and other settings using that edition’s server documentation. Do not assume instructions or server files for one ARK edition work with another.
Make the dedicated server reachable. Start the server and allow it through the host computer’s firewall. If it is behind a home router, configure port forwarding for the exact ports required by the server setup. Give friends the server name or connection details and any password. For a rented server, use its control panel and connection information; port forwarding on your home router is generally not part of that setup.
Have each friend join and test. Ask everyone to search the correct server browser filters or use the platform’s supported join method. Check that the server appears, the password works, and players can remain connected. Test with a small group before changing settings or adding mods. Keep the server process running and back up the world according to the hosting method.

Common Mistakes

Expecting co-op to act like a dedicated server: The host must stay online, and a tether may limit guest travel.
Mixing editions or platforms: A friend may not see the session even when both have a game called ARK. Confirm the exact edition and cross-play compatibility.
Using mismatched mods: Different mod lists or versions can prevent joining or cause problems loading the world.
Forwarding guessed ports: Port needs depend on edition and configuration. Follow the matching server documentation rather than copying an unrelated guide.
Forgetting that a self-hosted server needs to stay on: Closing its process or shutting down the computer makes the world unavailable.
Sharing a server password publicly: Give access details only to the intended group and use a password when the setup supports it.

Tips

Agree in advance on map, difficulty, player limits, passwords, mods, and whether the world should be private.
For a casual evening, start with non-dedicated co-op before investing time in server setup.
Choose a dedicated server if the group plays at different times or wants to split up without a host tether.
Keep a written record of server settings and mods. Back up save data before major changes or updates.
For self-hosting, test joining from outside the home network; a local connection alone does not prove friends can reach the server over the internet.

Troubleshooting

Friends cannot see the session: Check that the host is still online, everyone has updated, and the browser filters match the correct map, session type, platform, and edition. Try an invite or search the exact session name.
Connection times out: Restart the game and server, then check firewall permissions and the server’s connection settings. For self-hosting, verify the required router ports are forwarded to the correct computer and that its local address has not changed.
Password is rejected: Confirm the password and whether the server uses separate join and administrator passwords. Re-enter it carefully and ask the host to check the server configuration.
A player is kicked or cannot load in: Compare game versions, platform compatibility, map access, and mod lists. Remove or update incompatible mods only after backing up the world.
The server is laggy or unstable: Reduce the number of players or demanding settings, check the host computer’s resource use and internet connection, and test without mods. A hosted server may need its owner to review its resource allocation or logs.
Guests are pulled back toward the host: That is the co-op tether. Check whether the session offers a distance setting; if the available limit is still restrictive, move the world to a dedicated server if your edition supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dedicated server better than co-op?
It is better for a world that should stay online independently or for players who want to explore separately. Co-op is easier for a group playing at the same time.

Can I play co-op if the host leaves?
No. In a non-dedicated session, the host’s game runs the session. Friends generally cannot continue once the host exits.

Does co-op have a tether?
Non-dedicated play commonly limits how far guests can get from the host. The available distance controls vary by edition and platform.

Do I need a second computer for a dedicated server?
Not necessarily. You can use a rented server or a separate computer. Running the server and game on one PC may be possible in some setups, but it uses more system resources and availability depends on the edition.

Can friends on different platforms join?
Only when the specific ARK edition and platforms support cross-play with one another. Check compatibility before setting up the world.

Does the dedicated server need to stay on?
Yes. A self-hosted server must keep running for the world to be available. A rented server is maintained through its hosting service, subject to that service’s settings and availability.

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

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