ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival action-adventure game that relies heavily on multiplayer interaction. While the "Exclusive" or "Official" online experience is handled automatically by the game's matchmaking infrastructure, a LAN setup allows players to engage in low-latency gameplay in a controlled environment. This is particularly useful for LAN parties, offline play, or environments with restricted internet access.
There are two primary methods for hosting a LAN game:
This paper will cover the Non-Dedicated method (most common for casual play) and the Dedicated Server method (required for "exclusive" administrative control).
Here’s a concise, step-by-step guide on how to play ARK: Survival Evolved in LAN (Local Area Network) mode using the “Exclusive” (often referring to the non-dedicated or Steam LAN session) method.
Here's how to play ARK: Survival Evolved on LAN (local network) exclusively so only devices on your local network can join.
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.
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. how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
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
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) ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival action-adventure game
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 via a Local Area Network (LAN) is a highly recommended way to experience the game with friends or family without the latency of public servers or the cost of third-party hosting. While often more reliable than joining random servers, LAN play requires understanding the "exclusive" differences between non-dedicated and dedicated hosting methods. Quick Review: LAN Gameplay Options
There are two primary ways to set up a LAN session, each with distinct benefits and hardware requirements. This paper will cover the Non-Dedicated method (most
To ensure this never tries to call home:
This removes the tether, allowing players to go anywhere on the map independently. This requires the host to run a separate "Server" application.
The "Host" is the player whose computer will run the world.
The game will now load. Once the host is in the world and has woken up on the beach, they are ready to accept connections.
Inside that folder, right-click -> New -> Text Document. Rename it to LaunchLAN.bat. (Make sure file extensions are visible).
Right-click LaunchLAN.bat and select Edit. Paste the following code (adjust the values):
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?MaxPlayers=10?AllowCrateSpawnsOnTopOfStructures=True?MapPlayerLocation=True?RCONEnabled=True?ServerAdminPassword=YourPass?GamePlayerPath="C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK Survival Evolved Dedicated Server\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64" -NoBattlEye -insecure -useallavailablecores
Why these flags matter for Exclusive LAN: