ARK Server Troubleshooting & Fixes
Step-by-step resolution guides for common ARK Survival Ascended and Survival Evolved server errors, network crashes, port issues, and mod loading failures.
How to Fix ARK Dedicated Server Not Starting (ASA & ASE)
Problem Description:The server process immediately closes after launching or hangs indefinitely during loading.
Run SteamCMD validation (`-autoupdate -validate`), update C++ Redistributables, and check the server log in `ShooterGame/Saved/Logs/ShooterGame.log`.
Fix ARK Server Not Showing in Unofficial Session List
Problem Description:The server starts successfully, but players cannot find it in the in-game session list.
Forward UDP ports 7777, 7778, and 27015 in your router and allow inbound UDP traffic in Windows Defender Firewall.
Fix ASA CurseForge Mods Not Loading or Crashing Server
Problem Description:Custom mods installed via CurseForge fail to load or cause infinite loading loops in ARK Survival Ascended.
Use ARK Server Manager automated mod updater to purge local mod cache and redownload CurseForge dependencies.
Fix ARK RCON Connection Failed or Timeout
Problem Description:ARK Server Manager RCON console cannot connect to the server or displays "Connection Refused".
Ensure `RCONEnabled=True`, `RCONPort=27020`, and `ServerAdminPassword` are correctly defined in `GameUserSettings.ini`.