No tether distance; players can roam freely. The server can stay online even if the main player logs off. Cons: Requires more RAM; configuration takes longer. 3. Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Non-Dedicated LAN
For the best experience, run a dedicated server on a secondary PC. This removes the "tether" entirely, allowing everyone to explore different parts of the map independently.
Ensure all computers are connected to the via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi. Have the guest players launch ARK and click Join ARK .
ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively via LAN, you can use a for a quick setup or a Dedicated Server for a more permanent, stable world. 🕹️ Option 1: The Quickest Method (Non-Dedicated)
Use this if you have a spare PC or want a world that stays online even when the host isn't playing. how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
If your friends cannot see your LAN server, try these steps:
Change the at the bottom left to LAN or Non-Dedicated Sessions . Select the host's session and click Join . Option 2: Dedicated LAN Server (Best Performance)
Inside that folder, right-click -> New -> Text Document. Rename it to LaunchLAN.bat . (Make sure file extensions are visible).
To help tailor these instructions, what (Steam, Epic Games, or Console) are you and your friends using? If you run into any connection errors, let me know the exact error message so we can fix it. Share public link No tether distance; players can roam freely
Ensure ShooterGame.exe and ARK Server Manager have both and Public boxes checked. IP Address Mismatch
Paste this section to optimize LAN:
: Turn off the Windows Public Firewall temporarily on both machines to test if a port is blocked.
If the server still refuses to appear in the in-game server filter tab, players can bypass the menus entirely by using the developer console to connect directly via the host's IP address. Find the Host's Local IP Address: Ensure all computers are connected to the via
Open your Windows Defender Firewall settings and allow traffic through the following ports for both UDP and TCP protocols: (Game Port) 7778 (Raw UDP Socket Port) 27015 (Steam Query Port) 4. Create the Launch Script
Which you are using (Steam, Epic Games, or Xbox/PlayStation)? Do you prefer to play with mods (like S+ or Primal Fear)? Are you running into a specific error code ?
How to Play LAN ARK: Survival Evolved (Exclusive Guide) ARK: Survival Evolved is best enjoyed with friends, but public servers often suffer from high latency, griefing, or sudden wipes. Setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) server allows you to play with friends in the same room or house with zero internet lag, total control over server rules, and complete privacy.
Inside C:\ArkServer\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64 , create a new text file named StartArk.bat . Right-click to edit it and paste the following command line:
In the top menu bar, click > Game Servers (or Servers ).
Locate the checkbox in the middle panel and ensure it is checked. Click Host Non-Dedicated Session .
We ship to United States (US)