The ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server tool can be downloaded for free via the Steam Library under the "Tools" section.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Conclusion
Playing LAN Ark Survival Evolved exclusive is a great way to enjoy the game with friends in a private and stable environment. By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily set up a LAN server and connect with friends. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and ensure that all players have the same game version. With this comprehensive guide, you're ready to embark on an exciting Ark: Survival Evolved adventure with your friends in LAN mode.
Additional Resources
Happy gaming!
ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively via a Local Area Network (LAN) is a great way to enjoy low-latency gameplay with friends without relying on external servers . You can set this up either as a Non-Dedicated Session for quick play or a Dedicated Server for a more permanent, high-performance world. Quick Comparison: LAN Options Non-Dedicated Session Dedicated Server 2–4 players in the same room. Large groups or permanent worlds. Fast setup; uses your existing save. No "tether" distance; better performance. Players must stay near the host (tether). Requires a separate PC for best results. Method 1: The Fast Route (Non-Dedicated Session)
This is the easiest way to start playing immediately. One person "hosts" the world, and others join directly. Host the Game: From the main menu, select Host/Local
Adjust your settings (difficulty, taming speed, etc.) on the left. Crucial Step: Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance slider and set it to a very high number (e.g., how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
). This prevents players from being "yanked" back to the host if they wander too far. Host Non-Dedicated Session
. Set a session name and password if you want to keep it private. Join the Session: The other players should select At the bottom-left, change the Session Filter Select the host's server and click Method 2: The Pro Route (Dedicated LAN Server)
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.
Starting an ARK Survival Evolved Server with Your Friends - ScalaCube
To play ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively over a Local Area Network (LAN), you can either host a non-dedicated session directly from the main menu or set up a dedicated LAN server for better performance. Quick LAN Setup Methods Non-Dedicated Session (Easiest): Select Host/Local from the main menu.
Configure your game settings and click Host Non-Dedicated Session.
Set a session name and password, then check the Private Match box to keep it exclusive.
Important: Increase the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance to a high value (like 99.0 or 999.0) so your friends aren't forced to stay right next to you. Dedicated LAN Server (Best Performance): Go to the Host/Local menu. Select your map and click Run Dedicated Server. The ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server tool can
A command window will open to run the server. You may need to use the Steam Community guide to configure it for LAN-only use.
To join, other players should change their Session Filter to LAN in the server browser. Troubleshooting Connection Issues If your local friends can't see the server: How to Join an ARK: Survival Evolved Server
Troubleshooting: If it doesn't appear, press the Tab key on the client PC and type open 192.168.1.X:7777 (Replace X with the host PC's local IP).
To make your exclusive LAN world feel professional, navigate to ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\Game.ini on the host PC.
Paste this section to optimize LAN:
[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameUserSettings] bLastServerUsedIsDedicated=True[/Script/Engine.GameSession] MaxPlayers=10
[ServerSettings] DayCycleSpeedScale=0.5 NightTimeSpeedScale=2.0 XPMultiplier=2.0 TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0 HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0 PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier=0.5 PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=0.5 DinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=0.5 BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=6.0 EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=6.0 DisableStructureDecayPvE=true bPvEDisableFriendlyFire=true bAllowFlyerCarryPvE=true
Why these settings? LAN is about having fun with friends, not grinding for 14 hours to tame a Giga. These multipliers respect your time while keeping the challenge alive.
The "Host" is the player whose computer will run the world.
The game will now load. Once the host is in the world and has woken up on the beach, they are ready to accept connections.
Yes, absolutely. While the initial 15-minute setup is more complex than clicking "Host Non-Dedicated," the reward is a persistent, tether-free, zero-lag dinosaur paradise that survives the apocalypse of your internet bill going unpaid.
By using -NoBattlEye -insecure and static IPs, you have stripped ARK down to its raw, offline-capable core. You are no longer a visitor on a rented server. You are the god of your own LAN-based Jurassic world. Now go tame a Dodo and build a raft – the internet can wait.
Final Command for your Admin Toolbar:
Cheat GiveItem "Blueprint'/Game/PrimalEarth/CoreBlueprints/Weapons/PrimalItem_WeaponMetalPick.PrimalItem_WeaponMetalPick'" 1 0 0 (Spawn a Mastercraft Pickaxe, because you've earned it).
This is the most common setup for a college dorm or a living room.
