So, you're ready to tame some dinos and build an epic base in ARK: Survival Evolved with your buddies? Awesome! Playing with friends makes the game way more fun. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about inviting your friends to join your ARK adventure on PC. Let's get started!

Why Play ARK with Friends?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly chat about why playing ARK with friends is such a blast. First off, safety in numbers! The island (or whichever map you're on) is a dangerous place filled with hungry dinos and other players. Having friends watching your back can make all the difference. Secondly, teamwork makes the dream work. Building a massive base, taming a powerful Giganotosaurus, or taking down a boss is much easier and more enjoyable when you're working together. Finally, it's just more fun! Sharing the experience, strategizing together, and laughing at the inevitable hilarious mishaps are what make ARK such a memorable game. Playing ARK: Survival Evolved with friends enhances the overall gaming experience significantly. The dangers of the ARK become more manageable, and the victories feel much sweeter when shared. Whether you're constructing a sprawling base, exploring treacherous caves, or engaging in epic battles, having a team by your side can make all the difference. Friends can specialize in different roles, such as building, taming, or combat, creating a well-rounded tribe that can tackle any challenge. Additionally, the social aspect of playing with friends adds another layer of enjoyment to the game. Coordinating strategies, sharing resources, and simply hanging out in the ARK world together can lead to countless memorable moments. ARK's open-world environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, and experiencing these moments with friends makes them even more special. From discovering hidden treasures to surviving harrowing encounters, the bonds forged in the ARK can last a lifetime. So, gather your friends, dive into the world of ARK: Survival Evolved, and create your own epic stories together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inviting Friends

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you invite your friends to your ARK: Survival Evolved game on PC. I will break it down to the main sections so you understand better:

1. Hosting a Non-Dedicated Session

This is the easiest way to play with a few friends. Keep in mind that with a non-dedicated server, your friends will be tethered to you, meaning they can't wander too far away. It’s perfect for smaller groups who want to play together closely.

• Start the Game: Launch ARK: Survival Evolved from Steam.
• Host Non-Dedicated Session: On the main menu, select “Host/Local”.
• Configure Settings: Adjust the server settings to your liking. You can change the map, difficulty, and various gameplay rules. Make sure to set a password if you want to keep your game private.
• Start the Session: Click “Play Singleplayer/Host Non-Dedicated Session”.
• Invite Friends: Once you’re in the game, press the Esc key to bring up the game menu. Click the “Invite Friends” button. This will open your Steam overlay, where you can select the friends you want to invite. Just click on their names and hit the “Send Invite” button. Boom, you're set!

Hosting a non-dedicated session is a convenient way to enjoy ARK: Survival Evolved with a small group of friends. This method allows you to quickly set up a game without the need for a dedicated server, making it ideal for casual play or testing out new strategies. When hosting a non-dedicated session, you have full control over the game settings, allowing you to customize the experience to suit your preferences. You can adjust parameters such as the difficulty level, resource spawn rates, and player experience gains to create a balanced and enjoyable environment for everyone. Additionally, you can set a password to restrict access to your game, ensuring that only your invited friends can join. However, it's important to be aware of the limitations of non-dedicated sessions. As the host, your computer will be responsible for running the game and handling all the calculations, which can impact performance, especially with a large number of players. Furthermore, players in a non-dedicated session are tethered to the host, meaning they cannot venture too far away from you. This tether distance can be adjusted in the server settings, but it's essential to find a balance that allows for exploration while keeping everyone within a reasonable range. Despite these limitations, non-dedicated sessions offer a simple and accessible way to experience the joys of ARK: Survival Evolved with friends.

2. Renting a Dedicated Server

If you want more freedom and a larger player base, renting a dedicated server is the way to go. This allows for more players, no tethering, and the server runs even when you're not playing.

• Choose a Hosting Provider: There are many ARK server hosting providers out there, such as Nitrado, G-Portal, and Host Havoc. Do some research and choose one that fits your budget and needs.
• Set Up Your Server: Once you've chosen a provider, follow their instructions to set up your server. This usually involves selecting a server location, choosing a server package, and configuring various settings.
• Get the Server Details: After your server is set up, you'll receive the server IP address and port number. You’ll need this to connect to the server.
• Share the Details with Friends: Give your friends the server IP address and port number. They can then add the server to their Steam favorites or directly connect through the ARK server browser.

Renting a dedicated server provides numerous benefits for players looking to enhance their ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Unlike non-dedicated sessions, dedicated servers offer greater stability, performance, and customization options. With a dedicated server, you can accommodate a larger number of players without experiencing lag or performance issues. This allows you to create a vibrant and thriving community where players can collaborate, compete, and form lasting friendships. Additionally, dedicated servers eliminate the tethering restriction found in non-dedicated sessions, giving players the freedom to explore the ARK world without limitations. Whether you want to venture deep into the jungles, scale towering mountains, or explore the depths of the ocean, a dedicated server allows you to do so without being tethered to the host. Furthermore, dedicated servers offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the game to your specific preferences. You can adjust various settings, such as resource spawn rates, player experience gains, and dino stats, to create a unique and balanced gameplay experience. You can also install mods to add new creatures, items, and features to the game, further enhancing the level of customization. Renting a dedicated server may require a monthly fee, but the benefits it provides far outweigh the cost for serious ARK players. With a dedicated server, you can create a persistent and immersive world where players can build, explore, and adventure together.

3. Joining an Unofficial PC Server

Unofficial servers are player-run dedicated servers. They often have unique rules, mods, and communities. This can be a great way to find a new group of friends and a different ARK experience.

• Find a Server: Use the ARK server browser to search for unofficial servers. You can filter by player count, map, and mods.
• Read the Rules: Before joining a server, make sure to read the rules. Each server has its own set of guidelines, and you don't want to get banned for breaking them.
• Join the Server: Once you've found a server you like, join it! You may need to download some mods before you can play.
• Make New Friends: Introduce yourself in the chat and start playing. Many unofficial servers have active communities, so it's easy to find people to play with.

Joining an unofficial PC server offers a unique and diverse ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Unlike official servers, unofficial servers are run by players and often feature custom rules, mods, and communities. This allows for a greater level of customization and a more tailored gameplay experience. One of the main advantages of joining an unofficial server is the opportunity to find a community that aligns with your playstyle. Many unofficial servers cater to specific interests, such as PvE, PvP, roleplaying, or modded gameplay. By joining a server that shares your preferences, you can find like-minded players to team up with and form lasting friendships. Additionally, unofficial servers often have active administrators who are dedicated to maintaining a fair and enjoyable environment for all players. These administrators may host events, enforce rules, and provide support to players, creating a sense of community and belonging. Another benefit of unofficial servers is the ability to experience ARK: Survival Evolved with mods. Mods can add new creatures, items, features, and gameplay mechanics to the game, enhancing the level of customization and replayability. Unofficial servers often feature a curated selection of mods that are chosen by the community or the server administrators, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players. However, it's important to research and choose an unofficial server carefully. Before joining a server, be sure to read the rules and guidelines to ensure that you agree with the server's policies. You should also check the server's population and activity level to ensure that there are enough players to create a vibrant and engaging community. With careful consideration, joining an unofficial PC server can provide a rewarding and unique ARK: Survival Evolved experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Friends Can't See Your Game: Make sure your Steam profile is set to public or friends-only. If it’s set to private, your friends won't be able to see your game.
• Connection Issues: Check your internet connection and make sure your firewall isn't blocking ARK. Sometimes, restarting your router can help.
• Incompatible Mods: If you're using mods, make sure everyone has the same mods installed and that they're all up to date. Incompatible mods can cause crashes and connection issues.
• Server Full: If you're trying to join a dedicated server, it might be full. Try again later or find a different server.

Troubleshooting common issues in ARK: Survival Evolved can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach, you can often resolve most problems. One of the most common issues is connection problems, where players are unable to join a server or experience frequent disconnects. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as network congestion, firewall restrictions, or outdated game files. To troubleshoot connection issues, start by checking your internet connection and ensuring that you have a stable and reliable connection. You can also try restarting your router and modem to refresh your network settings. If you're still experiencing problems, check your firewall settings and make sure that ARK: Survival Evolved is allowed to communicate through your firewall. Another common issue is game crashes, which can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as hardware limitations, driver conflicts, or corrupted game files. To troubleshoot game crashes, start by ensuring that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for ARK: Survival Evolved. You can also try updating your graphics drivers to the latest version to resolve any compatibility issues. If you're still experiencing crashes, verify the integrity of your game files through the Steam client. This will scan your game files for errors and replace any corrupted files. Mod-related issues are also common in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially when playing on unofficial servers. Incompatible or outdated mods can cause a variety of problems, such as game crashes, missing textures, or broken gameplay mechanics. To troubleshoot mod-related issues, start by disabling all mods and testing the game to see if the problem is resolved. If the game runs without mods, you can then re-enable mods one by one to identify the culprit. Make sure to update your mods to the latest version and check for any compatibility issues between mods.

Tips for a Great Multiplayer Experience

To make sure everyone has a good time, here are some tips for playing ARK with friends:

• Communicate: Use voice chat to coordinate your actions and share information. It's much easier to strategize when you can talk to each other.
• Share Resources: Work together to gather resources and build your base. Sharing is caring!
• Assign Roles: Give everyone a specific role, such as builder, tamer, or fighter. This will make your tribe more efficient.
• Be Respectful: Treat your friends with respect and be considerate of their opinions. Remember, it's just a game!

To ensure a great multiplayer experience in ARK: Survival Evolved, communication, cooperation, and respect are essential. Effective communication allows players to coordinate their actions, share information, and strategize together. Whether you're planning a raid on a rival tribe, exploring a dangerous cave, or simply gathering resources, being able to communicate with your teammates can make all the difference. Voice chat is often the most effective way to communicate in ARK, as it allows for real-time conversations and quick decision-making. However, text chat can also be useful for sharing information or coordinating tasks when voice chat is not available. Cooperation is also crucial for success in ARK: Survival Evolved. Working together to gather resources, build structures, and tame creatures can significantly increase your tribe's efficiency and strength. Sharing resources, such as food, materials, and blueprints, can help everyone in the tribe progress and contribute to the overall success. Assigning roles to different players can also improve cooperation and efficiency. For example, one player might focus on building structures, while another player might focus on taming creatures, and another player might focus on defending the base. By specializing in different areas, players can become more proficient and contribute more effectively to the tribe. Respect is also essential for maintaining a positive and enjoyable multiplayer experience. Treat your teammates with respect and be considerate of their opinions. Avoid engaging in toxic behavior, such as griefing, cheating, or harassment. Remember that ARK: Survival Evolved is just a game, and the goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience with your friends. By communicating effectively, cooperating with your teammates, and treating each other with respect, you can create a thriving and enjoyable multiplayer community in ARK: Survival Evolved.

Conclusion

Inviting friends to your ARK: Survival Evolved game on PC is super easy, and it makes the game so much better. Whether you're hosting a non-dedicated session, renting a dedicated server, or joining an unofficial server, there are plenty of ways to play with your buddies. So gather your friends, jump into the ARK, and get ready for some epic adventures! Happy surviving, guys!