Looking to explore the world of ARK: Survival Ascended with friends? Here’s our guide on how to invite them to join you on PC or Xbox.
How to Invite Friends to Play ARK: Survival Ascended (PC and Xbox)
Before you can invite your friends to join you in the prehistoric world of ARK, you need to set up a server. There are different server types to choose from, each catering to different playstyles. Here’s a breakdown of the server types:
Official Server
Official servers are managed by Studio Wildcard and are often bustling with other players, offering both PvP and PvE gameplay options. These servers can host up to 70 players, and in PvP servers, all animals and bases are at risk of being attacked. To join an official server, follow these steps:
- Start the game and click on Join Game.
- Select any official server with an available slot.
Non-Dedicated Server
A non-dedicated server is a private server that allows you to play with up to eight of your friends. It’s free and offers the option to password-protect your server. However, it comes with the limitation that the server can only be accessed when the admin is online. Players joining the server must stay relatively close to the admin player while exploring the game world. Here’s how to set up a non-dedicated server:
- Choose Resume or Create Game in the ARK menu.
- Select a map for your game.
- Choose Non-Dedicated game type.
- Create a name and passwordfor your server.
Note: There’s a known bug that can prevent players from finding and joining a non-dedicated server. If you encounter this issue, the admin of the server should make the server public. To deter random players from joining, include the word ‘private’ in the server name. You can also kick any unauthorized players who may accidentally join.
Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is designed for larger multiplayer groups, accommodating up to 200 players. These servers are operated by Nitrado and come with a cost ranging from $8.09 to $87.19, depending on the subscription duration and the number of players. Unlike non-dedicated servers, dedicated servers remain available even when the admin is offline. This option offers extensive customization and the ability to add mods, making it an excellent choice for large groups of regular players.
To create a dedicated server:
- Click on Join Game and then select the “Want your own ARK server” option.
- Choose the subscription that suits your needs and proceed to pay for your new server.
That’s all you need to know about setting up servers and inviting your friends to ARK: Survival Ascended. Embark on your prehistoric journey, tame dinosaurs, and survive together in this exciting world!
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