Fix Ark: Survival Evolved 'Connection Timeout' & 'Join Failed'

Updated: 11/29/2025

You try to join your friend's dedicated server. The loading screen sits at PrimalGameData_BP for 5 minutes, and then kicks you back to the menu: 'Connection Timeout' or 'Unable to query server info for invite'. Ark is notorious for its poor network optimization. This usually happens because the game takes too long to load the mods, causing the server to think you disconnected.

Method 1: Subscribe to Mods First

If the server has 20+ mods, the game tries to download them while joining. This causes a timeout.

The Fix:

Ask the server owner for the Mod Collection URL on Steam Workshop. Click 'Subscribe to All' in your browser. Let Steam finish downloading before you launch Ark. This prevents the timeout because the files are already ready.

Method 2: Use the Steam Server Browser

The in-game server list is broken. Bypassing it is the best way to join.

Step 1: Open Steam View

In Steam top menu, click View > Game Servers.

Step 2: Add Favorite

Click the Favorites tab > Add Server. Paste the server IP address.

Step 3: Join

Connect from this list while Ark is closed. It will launch the game and auto-connect, bypassing the buggy main menu.

Method 3: Launch Options (Low Bandwidth)

Force the game to use a lower bandwidth mode to prevent packet choke.

• Right-click Ark in Steam > Properties.
• In Launch Options, type:

This reduces the load on your PC, helping you load into the server before the connection timer expires.