By
Lidia Rozo
2023-07-12 06:23:05

Read this article in: Espanol | Francais | Deutsch | Portugues | Italiano



Learn How to Fix ARK Join Failed. Detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you get back into the game faster.

Joining an ARK game with friends or other players can be an exciting experience, but sometimes you may encounter the frustrating "Join Failed" error. This error prevents you from connecting to the game and enjoying the ARK world with others. In this blog post, we will explore some common issues that can cause the "Join Failed" error in ARK and provide step-by-step solutions to help you fix it.

 Service is down


One possible reason why you are experiencing the "Join Failed" error is because the ARK service itself is down. This can happen due to server maintenance or technical issues on the game developer's end. To troubleshoot and fix this issue, you can visit the official ARK website or social media channels to check if there are any announcements regarding the service status. If the service is indeed down, all you can do is be patient and wait for it to come back online.

Problem with the connection


Another common cause of the "Join Failed" error is a problem with your internet connection. Signs of a connection problem for ARK may include slow loading times, frequent disconnections, or high latency. To diagnose and resolve connection issues, you can try the following steps:

  • 1. Restart your router and modem.
  • 2. Connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
  • 3. Disable any VPN or proxy services that might interfere with your connection.
  • 4. Check if other online games or applications are experiencing similar connection issues. If they are, the problem may lie with your internet service provider.

 Firewall problem



Read Also:

Sometimes, the firewall on your computer or network can interfere with ARK's connectivity, leading to the "Join Failed" error. To fix this issue, you need to whitelist ARK in your firewall settings. The process may vary depending on the firewall software you are using, but generally, you can follow these steps:

  • 1. Open your firewall settings.
  • 2. Look for an option to add an exception or allow a program.
  • 3. Add the ARK game executable file (usually located in the game installation folder) to the list of allowed programs.
  • 4. Save the changes and restart your computer.

 Game file corruption


Game file corruption can also cause the "Join Failed" error in ARK. This can happen due to various reasons, such as improper game installation or a sudden system crash. To resolve this issue, you can try repairing the game files using the game launcher or platform you are using. Here's how you can do it:

  • 1. Launch the game launcher or platform (e.g., Steam).
  • 2. Navigate to the ARK game in your library.
  • 3. Right-click on the game and select "Properties" or "Manage."
  • 4. Look for an option to verify the integrity of game files.
  • 5. Follow the prompts to repair any corrupted files.

Change DNS


DNS (Domain Name System) settings play a crucial role in online gaming, including ARK. Sometimes, changing your DNS settings can help resolve connection problems and the "Join Failed" error. Here's a step-by-step guide to changing your DNS settings:

  • 1. Open the Network and Sharing Center on your computer.
  • 2. Click on "Change adapter settings" in the left-hand menu.
  • 3. Right-click on your active network connection and select "Properties."
  • 4. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."
  • 5. Choose the option to use the following DNS server addresses.
  • 6. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
  • 7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

 Update the network driver


Outdated or incompatible network drivers can often cause compatibility issues and result in the "Join Failed" error. Updating your network driver to the latest version can help resolve these issues. Here's how you can update your network driver:

  • 1. Open the Device Manager on your computer.
  • 2. Expand the "Network adapters" category.
  • 3. Right-click on your network adapter and select "Update driver."
  • 4. Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically.
  • 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

 Re-install the game


There may come a point where re-installing the game becomes necessary to resolve persistent issues. This could be due to corrupted game files or conflicts with other software on your computer. Whatever the reason may be, re-installing ARK: Survival Evolved can often provide a fresh start and fix the Join Failed error. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly uninstall and re-install the game:

1. Uninstall ARK: Survival Evolved:
  •     Go to your computer's Control Panel.
  •     Select "Uninstall a program" or "Add or Remove Programs" depending on your operating system.
  •     Locate ARK: Survival Evolved in the list of installed programs.
  •     Right-click on it and select "Uninstall."
  •     Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

2. Delete remaining game files:
  •     After uninstalling the game, it's important to ensure that there are no leftover files that could interfere with the re-installation process.
  •     Navigate to the installation folder of ARK: Survival Evolved. By default, it is located in the Steam folder under "steamapps/common/ARK."
  •     Delete any remaining files or folders associated with ARK.

3. Re-install ARK: Survival Evolved:
  •     Launch the Steam client on your computer.
  •     Search for "ARK: Survival Evolved" in the Steam store.
  •     Click on the game and select "Install."
  •     Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
  •     Once the installation is complete, launch the game and check if the Join Failed error persists.

Re-installing ARK: Survival Evolved can be a time-consuming process, but it is often worth it to resolve persistent issues such as the Join Failed error. Remember to make a backup of your game saves and settings if needed before uninstalling the game to avoid losing progress.

In conclusion, encountering the "Join Failed" error in ARK can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get back into the game and enjoy the immersive world of ARK with your friends. By checking the service status, diagnosing connection issues, whitelisting ARK in your firewall, repairing game files, changing DNS settings, and updating network drivers, you can overcome the "Join Failed" error and experience a smooth gameplay experience. Happy gaming!


Platform(s):
PC, ps4, Xbox One
Developer(s):
Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, Virtual Basement
Publisher(s):
Studio Wildcard

Other Tags
video game, gameplay, price, 60fps, steam


Other Articles Related