Playing ARK: Survival Evolved via a Local Area Network (LAN) is the best way to enjoy low-latency dinosaur taming with friends in the same house without relying on public servers. You can set this up through a simple Non-Dedicated Session or a more robust Dedicated LAN Server. Method 1: Hosting a Non-Dedicated LAN Session
This is best for 2-4 players. The host’s computer runs the game and the server simultaneously. Host the Game: Open ARK and select Host/Local from the main menu. Set your desired map and rules. Click Host Non-Dedicated Session. how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
ShootersGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=MyLAN?ServerPassword=pass?ServerAdminPassword=admin -NoBattlEye -log
If the host has installed "Exclusive" mods (mods not on the Steam Workshop or custom mods), all clients must have these mods manually installed in their game directory before connecting. Mod mismatch is the leading cause of connection drops in private LAN setups. Playing ARK: Survival Evolved via a Local Area
Set a session name and password, then check the Private Match box to keep it exclusive. Download and run the ARK server (SteamCMD or Steam Tools)