Setting up an ARK non-dedicated server allows you to play ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended privately with a small group of friends without the need for a dedicated hosting solution. This guide walks you through every step of configuring your ARK non-dedicated server in 2025, from installation to advanced settings, ensuring optimal performance and a smooth cooperative experience.
Understanding ARK Non-Dedicated Servers and Their Limitations
An ARK non-dedicated server runs directly from your gaming PC while you play, allowing up to 8 players (default limit) to join your session. Unlike dedicated servers that run independently on separate hardware, non-dedicated servers share your system resources with your game client, which means performance depends heavily on your PC specifications.
The main limitation of a non-dedicated server is the tether distance—a radius restriction that keeps other players within approximately 200-250 meters of the host player by default. Players cannot explore beyond this boundary, which can be frustrating for larger maps. However, non-dedicated servers are perfect for small groups who want to play together casually without investing in hosting infrastructure.
For optimal performance, your system should meet or exceed these specifications: an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor with 16 cores and 32 threads running at up to 5.7 GHz, 32-64 GB of DDR5 ECC RAM, and NVMe SSD storage. These components ensure smooth gameplay for both the host and connected players, minimizing lag and loading times.
When to Choose Non-Dedicated vs. Dedicated Hosting
Non-dedicated servers work well for 2-4 players who play simultaneously and don’t mind staying near the host. If your group needs 24/7 availability, no tether restrictions, mod support via CurseForge or Steam Workshop, or wants to host 10+ players, a dedicated ARK server is the better choice. Nexus Games offers ARK hosting starting at $18.67/month with pre-installable mods, AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processors, DDR5 ECC RAM, and full panel control.
Step-by-Step Configuration of Your ARK Non-Dedicated Server
Initial Setup and Launching Your Server
To configure your ARK non-dedicated server, start by launching ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended from your Steam library. From the main menu, select Host/Local, then choose Host Non-Dedicated Multiplayer Session. You’ll be presented with several configuration options before launching.
Select your desired map—The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis, Crystal Isles, Lost Island, Fjordur, or any modded map you have installed. For ARK: Survival Ascended, The Island (UE5 remaster) is the primary map available as of early 2025, with additional maps being released throughout the year.
Before clicking Accept, configure these essential settings:
- Session Name: Choose a memorable name that your friends can identify
- Admin Password: Set a strong password for administrative commands
- Server Password: Optional password to restrict access to invited players only
- Max Players: Set between 1-8 (default limit for non-dedicated servers)
- Show Tribute Downloads: Enable if you want cross-server item transfers
Advanced Server Settings and Game Rules
Click on the Advanced Settings button to access deeper configuration options that significantly impact gameplay. These settings control difficulty, resource rates, taming speeds, and numerous quality-of-life features.
Key settings to configure for an optimal experience:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Effect |
| Difficulty | 1.0 (Maximum) | Determines max wild dino level (150 at 1.0) |
| XP Multiplier | 2.0 – 5.0 | Speeds up leveling for small groups |
| Taming Speed | 3.0 – 5.0 | Reduces taming time significantly |
| Harvest Amount | 2.0 – 3.0 | Increases resources per gathering action |
| Player Resistance | 0.5 – 0.7 | Reduces damage taken by players |
| Dino Resistance | 0.7 | Makes tamed dinos slightly more durable |
Additional important toggles include Enable Cave Flyers (allow flying mounts in caves), Disable Structure Decay (prevent building deterioration), Allow Unlimited Respecs (free stat reallocation), and Show Creative Mode for testing purposes.
Modifying the Tether Distance
The tether distance is the most common complaint about ARK non-dedicated servers. While you cannot completely remove it without switching to a dedicated server, you can significantly increase it through INI file editing.
Navigate to your ARK configuration directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\Open GameUserSettings.ini with a text editor (Notepad++ recommended) and add this line under the [ServerSettings] section:
TetherDistanceMultiplier=10.0This multiplies the default tether distance by 10, allowing players to roam approximately 2-2.5 kilometers from the host. Values higher than 10.0 may cause performance issues depending on your hardware. With an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 64 GB DDR5 RAM, you can safely use values up to 15.0 without significant frame drops.
For ARK: Survival Ascended, the configuration file location may differ slightly. Check the game’s installation directory under Saved\Config for the appropriate INI files.
Port Forwarding for External Connections
To allow friends outside your local network to join your ARK non-dedicated server, you must configure port forwarding on your router. ARK uses UDP port 7777 for game traffic and port 27015 for Steam query.
Access your router’s administration panel (typically at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and create port forwarding rules:
- Forward UDP port 7777 to your PC’s local IP address
- Forward UDP port 27015 to the same IP address
- Ensure Windows Firewall allows ARK through (both private and public networks)
Players can then connect using your public IP address (find it at whatismyipaddress.com) by opening the in-game console (Tab key) and typing:
open YOUR_PUBLIC_IP:7777Note that most residential internet connections have dynamic IP addresses that change periodically. Consider using a Dynamic DNS service like No-IP or DuckDNS for a consistent connection address.
Optimizing Performance and Troubleshooting Common Issues
System Resource Management
Running an ARK non-dedicated server alongside your game client is resource-intensive. ARK: Survival Ascended on Unreal Engine 5 is particularly demanding, often requiring 16-24 GB of RAM just for the game client. When hosting, add another 8-12 GB for the server component.
To optimize performance on high-end hardware like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D:
- Close all unnecessary background applications before hosting
- Set ARK’s process priority to High in Task Manager
- Ensure your game is installed on an NVMe SSD for faster asset streaming
- Use the launch parameter
-USEALLAVAILABLECORESin Steam to utilize all CPU threads - Enable Resizable BAR in BIOS if you have a modern GPU
- Consider lowering shadow quality and view distance if experiencing stuttering
Monitor your system temperatures and RAM usage during gameplay. If you consistently max out your RAM, consider upgrading to 64 GB or switching to a dedicated ARK server solution where the server runs independently on professional infrastructure with DDR5 ECC memory and enterprise-grade cooling.
Common Connection Problems and Solutions
Players may encounter several issues when trying to join your ARK non-dedicated server:
Issue: “Connection Timeout” error
Solution: Verify port forwarding is correctly configured, check that Windows Firewall isn’t blocking ARK, and confirm you’re providing your public IP (not local IP like 192.168.x.x). Have the connecting player verify they’re using the correct port number.
Issue: Players can join but experience severe lag
Solution: Check your upload bandwidth—hosting requires at least 5-10 Mbps upload per connected player. Reduce server settings like view distance and AI range. Consider hosting during off-peak hours when network congestion is lower.
Issue: Tether distance still too restrictive despite INI changes
Solution: Ensure you edited the correct INI file and saved changes. Restart ARK completely (close and relaunch). Verify the [ServerSettings] section exists and your entry is properly formatted. Some players report better results with values like 3.0 or 5.0 rather than extreme values.
Issue: Server doesn’t appear in session list
Solution: Non-dedicated servers don’t always appear in the server browser reliably. Use direct IP connection via console command instead. Ensure your session is set to Unofficial rather than Official.
Backup and World Persistence
Non-dedicated server worlds save locally on the host’s PC. To prevent data loss, regularly back up your save files located at:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\SavedArksLocal\Copy the entire folder to an external drive or cloud storage weekly. If your group decides to transition to a dedicated server, most hosting providers (including Nexus Games) can migrate your local save to their infrastructure, preserving all progress, structures, and tamed creatures.
For long-term projects or groups planning to expand beyond 8 players, migrating to dedicated hosting ensures 24/7 availability, professional backups, automatic restarts, mod support, and the ability to run multiple clustered servers for the full ARK experience across different maps.
Conclusion
Configuring an ARK non-dedicated server provides an accessible entry point for small groups wanting to experience ARK’s survival challenges together. While tether limitations and resource demands exist, proper configuration—including advanced settings, INI modifications, and port forwarding—creates an enjoyable cooperative environment. For groups seeking unrestricted exploration, 24/7 uptime, and professional infrastructure, dedicated hosting solutions offer superior performance and flexibility for long-term gameplay.
FAQ
Can I completely remove the tether distance on a non-dedicated ARK server?
No, the tether distance is a fundamental limitation of non-dedicated servers built into ARK’s architecture. You can increase it significantly (up to 10-15x the default) through INI file modifications, but complete removal requires switching to a dedicated server. Dedicated hosting eliminates the tether entirely, allowing players unrestricted exploration across the entire map regardless of distance from other players.
How many players can realistically join my non-dedicated server without lag?
While ARK allows up to 8 players on non-dedicated servers, practical performance depends on your hardware and internet connection. With a high-end setup (AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, NVMe SSD) and 50+ Mbps upload speed, 4-6 players is realistic. More than 6 players typically causes noticeable performance degradation unless you significantly reduce graphics settings and server parameters like view distance and AI count.
Will my ARK non-dedicated server stay online when I close the game?
No, non-dedicated servers only run while the host player has ARK open and is actively in-game. When you close ARK or shut down your PC, the server becomes unavailable to all players and progress halts. If you need persistent 24/7 availability so players can join anytime independently, you must either leave your PC running continuously with ARK open (not recommended due to wear and electricity costs) or migrate to a dedicated server solution that runs independently on hosting infrastructure.
