Playing ARK: Survival Evolved on a Local Area Network (LAN) allows you to host a private game for people on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet connection without needing a public internet server. You can choose between a quick Non-Dedicated Session for casual play or a Dedicated Server for a more permanent, stable world. Method 1: Non-Dedicated LAN Session (easiest)
This method lets you play and host on the same machine. It's ideal for a few friends on the same network. Host the Game: On the main menu, select Host/Local.
Crucial Step: Set the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance to a high number (like 99.0) so your friends aren't constantly teleported back to you when they wander too far.
Click Host Non-Dedicated Session, enter a session name and password, and launch the map. Join the Game: Other players should select Join ARK from the main menu.
Change the Session Filter (bottom left) to LAN or Non-Dedicated Sessions. Search for the host's session name and join. Method 2: Private Dedicated LAN Server (Advanced)
Use this if you have an extra PC to act as a permanent host. This removes the "tether" and provides better performance.
To play ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively via LAN (Local Area Network), you have two primary methods: hosting a Non-Dedicated Session for a quick setup or running a Dedicated Server for a more stable, "always-on" experience. Method 1: Non-Dedicated Session (Quick & Easy)
This is the simplest way to play with someone in the same house. The host's computer runs both the game and the server simultaneously. Host Setup: Launch ARK and select Host/Local from the main menu. Configure your map and game rules.
Set the Non-Dedicated Tether Distance to a high value (e.g., 99.0) to prevent guests from being "pulled" toward the host.
Select Host Non-Dedicated Session, name it, and set a private password. Joining (LAN): The guest should click Join ARK. Change the Session Filter (bottom left) to LAN.
If it doesn't appear, the host may need to invite the guest directly via the Steam Friends List (Shift+Tab). Method 2: Dedicated LAN Server (Advanced/Stable)
Using a dedicated server prevents "tethering" issues and allows the server to run even if the host isn't playing.
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.,
). 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) how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
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
Here's how to play ARK: Survival Evolved on LAN (local network) exclusively so only devices on your local network can join.
Tab) and type:
open <LAN_IP>:7777
ShootersGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=MyLAN?ServerPassword=pass?ServerAdminPassword=admin -NoBattlEye -log
If you want, tell me whether you're on PC (Steam) or console and whether you want non-dedicated or dedicated — I'll give exact command lines and firewall rules.
Playing ARK: Survival Evolved on a Local Area Network (LAN) allows you and your friends to experience the game with minimal latency and without relying on external server stability. Whether you are using a non-dedicated session for a quick game or setting up a dedicated server for a more permanent world, here is how to master the setup. Option 1: The Non-Dedicated Session (Easiest)
This method allows you to host a game directly from your own PC while playing at the same time. It is ideal for small groups of 2–4 players.
Launch ARK and select the Host/Local option from the main menu. Configure your settings.
On the left, set the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance to a high value like 99.0. This prevents your friends from being "pulled" toward you if they wander too far. Set a Session Name and Password to keep the game private. Start the session by clicking Host Non-Dedicated Session. Join the session.
Friends on Steam: They can use Shift+Tab to see your name in their friends list and select Join Game.
Direct Join: Alternatively, they can go to Join ARK, change the filter in the bottom left to LAN, and look for your session name. Option 2: Dedicated Server (Best Performance)
For a smoother experience, you can run a "Dedicated Server." This can be done on your gaming PC (if it has enough RAM, typically 16GB+) or a separate spare PC.
Note: ARK does not have a specific "LAN Mode" button in the main menu. To play locally with friends on the same network, you must use the "Non-Dedicated Server" feature.
If the server does not appear in the LAN list, perform the following diagnostics:
Ensure Network Discovery is turned on for all PCs.
This is the fastest method, but it comes with a leash. The "Tether" keeps all players within a certain distance of the host (usually 200-300 meters).
The Setup:
The Joining:
Note: If the tether distance ruins the fun (e.g., one player wants to explore the cave while another tames a Trike), skip to Method 2.
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), you can host a "Non-Dedicated Session" or set up a "Dedicated LAN Server" for a more stable, persistent experience. Option 1: Hosting a Non-Dedicated Session (Quickest)
This method is best for small groups who plan to play together at the same time. Note that players are tethered to the host, meaning they cannot wander too far away. Launch the game and select Host / Local from the main menu.
Configure your world settings, map, and mods on the left and center panels. Host Non-Dedicated Session
Set a session name and a private password to ensure the session remains exclusive to your LAN group.
Other players on the same network can find the session by going to , changing the Session Filter , and searching for your session name. Option 2: Setting Up a Dedicated LAN Server (Advanced)
A dedicated server allows for a persistent world without player tethering but requires a more powerful PC to run the server software alongside the game.
How To Play Ark: Survival Evolved With Your Friends On PC (Steam)
How to Play ARK: Survival Evolved Exclusively on LAN ARK: Survival Evolved
exclusively over a Local Area Network (LAN), the most reliable method is to host a Dedicated Server Ark Server Manager (ASM) Playing ARK: Survival Evolved on a Local Area
. This bypasses the "host tether" limitation found in non-dedicated sessions, which forces players to stay within a specific distance of the host. LAN Setup Methods
There are two primary ways to set up your private local world: Dedicated Server (Best Performance):
Use a separate PC or run the server in the background of your gaming PC if it has at least 16GB of RAM Download the Ark Server Manager tool to easily configure settings.
Ensure the "MultiHome" feature is enabled in your server settings to allow map transfers via Obelisks. Non-Dedicated Session (Easiest): Launch the game and select Host/Local Host Non-Dedicated Session Set the "Tether Distance" slider to
to allow friends to wander further from the host, though this requires more CPU power. Essential Network Configuration For a smooth LAN experience, follow these technical steps:
To play ARK: Survival Evolved over a Local Area Network (LAN), you can use a Non-Dedicated Session for a quick setup or a Dedicated Server for a more stable experience without player "tethering". Option 1: Non-Dedicated Session (Easiest)
This is the fastest way to play with friends on the same network. The host's computer runs both the game and the server. Launch the Game: Open ARK: Survival Evolved on the host PC.
Host/Local: Select the Host/Local option from the main menu. Adjust Settings:
Find the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance setting. On PC, set this to a very high number (e.g., 99.0 or 99999) to allow players to move freely away from the host.
Note: This setting is not adjustable on consoles like PlayStation or Xbox.
Start Session: Click Host Non-Dedicated Session, set a name and password if desired, and click Accept. Join the Session: On the second PC, go to Join ARK.
Change the Session Filter 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)
A dedicated server removes the "tethering" restriction and allows the server to run independently of the player's game client. How to play on LAN with my son :: ARK - Steam Community
There are three ways to play ARK with friends. Only two work for "exclusive LAN."
We will focus on Methods 2 and 3 because they disable the tether and allow true LAN play.