Fix Ark Survival Connection Timeout Error When Joining Servers (2025)
Updated: 11/29/2025
You pick a server in Ark Survival, hit Join, watch the loading bar crawl, and then get kicked back to the menu with Joining failed, connection timeout or a similar timeout code. Friends are already playing on the same server, but your client refuses to connect, even after several attempts. This timeout usually means your game cannot complete the handshake with the server in time due to network issues, firewall blocks, or server side settings, not that your PC or console is too weak to run the game [web:69][web:72][web:75][web:81].
Table of Contents
Method 1: Stabilize Your Network Connection
If you are using WiFi, connect your PC or console to the router with an Ethernet cable and test Ark again, wired connections are far more reliable for real time games. If a cable is not possible, move closer to the router and reduce other devices streaming or downloading at the same time to lower interference and congestion [web:75][web:81].
Method 2: Adjust Firewall, NAT, And Server Browser Choices
If the in game server browser is unreliable, try joining by IP if the server owner can share the address and port, or use the platform specific console to open the server directly. Favor servers in your region with low ping and avoid unofficial servers with unstable hosts, as overloaded or misconfigured servers are a common cause of timeouts even when your network is fine [web:69][web:78][web:81].
Method 3: Verify Game Files And Server Side Factors
If multiple players are experiencing connection timeout errors on the same Ark server, share exact timestamps and steps with the server owner or hosting provider so they can check logs. They may need to adjust server settings, restart the instance, or even move it to a different data center if latency or time drift bugs are affecting connections [web:69][web:81].