Fixing the “Join Failed” Error in Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved is an immensely popular dinosaur survival game available on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. With over 2 million concurrent players on Steam alone, it’s clear that Ark has struck a chord with gamers.
However, as with any online game, Ark players frequently encounter frustrating connection issues that prevent them from playing on their favorite servers. One of the most common errors is the dreaded "Join Failed" message that pops up when trying to connect.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some troubleshooting steps and potential solutions gathered from experienced Ark players to resolve the "Join Failed" error, so you can get back to taming dinos and crafting bases on your server of choice.
Verify the Server is Online
Before troubleshooting anything on your end, confirm the Ark server you’re attempting to join is actually online and accepting connections. We recommend joining the server’s official Discord or checking the admin’s Twitter feed for server status updates.
If the server is offline for maintenance or experiencing downtime, you’ll have to wait until it’s back up to connect. Patience is key for any dedicated Ark player.
Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable internet connection is one of the most common culprits behind connection issues in online games. Problems like packet loss and high ping can prevent you from joining servers successfully.
Try rebooting your router and modem, then test your connection speed at Speedtest.net. If you’re on Wi-Fi, consider plugging your PC directly into the router with an Ethernet cable for a stronger, more reliable signal.
Optimizing your network setup makes a huge difference in resolving multiplayer game errors. Upgrading your internet plan to reduce latency and increase bandwidth may also help if your connection is consistently poor.
Verify Firewall and Antivirus Software
Overzealous firewalls and antivirus programs are known to block game connections unintentionally. Adding Ark as an exception to these security tools is crucial.
Open Windows Firewall settings and verify ArkSurvivalEvolved.exe is allowed through both public and private networks. Check your antivirus as well for game connection blocking and whitelist the .exe file.
Change DNS Server Settings
Your internet service provider’s default DNS servers are sometimes to blame for connection issues. Switching to reliable third-party DNS providers like Google or OpenDNS could resolve the problem.
To change settings, go to Network & Internet in Windows settings, then click on your Wi-Fi network and select Edit. Under DNS settings, switch to Automatic and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google or 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 for OpenDNS.
Validate Local Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files can easily cause connection problems like the "Join Failed" error. Performing a file validation should identify and replace any damaged files.
On Steam, right click Ark in your Library and go to Properties > Local Files tab > Verify Integrity of Game Files. This scans and restores any missing or corrupted files.
For Windows 10 versions, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Ark > Advanced Options > Repair to fix game file errors.
Update Network Drivers
Outdated network drivers can wreak havoc on game connectivity. Updating to the latest drivers from your device manufacturer ensures peak performance.
On Windows, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right click your network device and select Update driver. Search automatically and install any available updates. Reboot afterwards.
Contact Server Admins
If you’ve tried every troubleshooting step imaginable and the "Join Failed" error persists, your last resort is reaching out to the server admins for assistance. Provide any relevant error codes and logs.
The admins may suggest additional solutions like updating mods, verifying server whitelist status, freeing up player slots or rebooting their server. Their expertise will prove invaluable in resolving stubborn connection issues.
Don’t Give Up!
While Ark’s multiplayer errors can be profoundly frustrating, solutions exist for every problem with some diligent troubleshooting. Combining advice from forums with the tips above will have you back to building, taming and conquering in no time. The key is persistence and not letting setbacks stand in the way of your survival goals.
