How to Connect to Your ARK: Survival Ascended Server

ARK: Survival Ascended handles server joining a little differently than ARK: Survival Evolved. Instead of typing an IP address into the main menu, players usually search for the server by name inside the game browser. That means the server name matters more than usual. If it is missing, misspelled, or not applied yet, your friends may end up staring at the server list like it personally wronged them.

Before inviting anyone, confirm the name in your HolyHosting server panel and restart the server so the change is live. Once that is done, joining is straightforward.

Check or Change the Server Name

The server name is what players use to find your ARK: Survival Ascended world from the in-game Unofficial list. Pick something recognizable, especially if you are playing with friends, since generic names can be buried among other communities.

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel.
2. Select Customizations from the left-side menu.

1. Find the Server Name option and enter the name you want players to search for.

1. Return to the main panel and restart the server to apply the change.

Keep the exact spelling handy. ARK's server browser is not especially forgiving, so a small typo can make the server look like it vanished.

Join the Server In-Game

After the server name is set and the server has restarted, open ARK: Survival Ascended and search for it from the multiplayer menu.

1. Launch ARK: Survival Ascended.
2. Choose Join Game from the main menu.
3. Select the Unofficial server category.
4. Type your server name into the search bar.

1. Wait for the list to refresh, then select your server.
2. Click Join in the bottom-right corner to connect.

If the server uses mods, ARK may show an extra prompt before joining. Accept the prompt and allow the required files to download. Modded servers can take a few minutes to load the first time, so give it a moment before assuming something broke.

What to Do After Joining

Once connected, you can start gathering resources, crafting tools, building shelters, taming creatures, and improving your character stats. ARK: Survival Ascended is much easier to enjoy with a group, especially when the local wildlife decides your thatch hut is more of a snack than a home.

As the server owner or administrator, you can also decide how strict the experience should be. Some players prefer a normal survival run, while others enable admin commands, creative mode, or adjusted rates for faster progression. The server settings are yours to tune.

Common Connection Problems

The Server Does Not Appear

The Unofficial server list may take time to update. Refresh the list a few times and confirm the server is online in your panel. Also double-check that the server name in-game matches the name shown in the panel exactly.

If you recently renamed the server and the old name still appears, stop the server from the main panel, confirm the name again, then start it back up.

Mods Are Required

Modded servers require the same mods on the client side. In most cases, ARK handles this automatically after you click Join and confirm the connection. Wait for the download and installation process to finish before trying again.

The Server Browser Still Fails

Some players run into a known server list issue. This workaround may help:

1. Start ARK: Survival Ascended.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced.
3. Enable Console Access.
4. Exit the settings menu.
5. Open the console. On PC, press `~`. On Xbox or PS5, use the menu/options button.
6. Run this command: `Ark.UseServerList 0`
7. Check the server list again.

If that does not work, connect directly through the console with this format:

`open IP:PORT`

Example:

`open 123.456.789:12345`

Direct connection works best when no server password is enabled. If a password is set, remove it temporarily before testing this method.