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How to Port Forward ARK: Survival Evolved

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 14 January 2025
  • 8 mins read

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Can't seem to connect to multiplayer mode on ARK: Survival Evolved? Here comes the best solution to enjoy smooth gaming: port forwarding! In this guide, we’ll learn how you can port forward ARK: Survival Evolved, what are the main ports to open, and how you can overcome CGNAT with a single click!

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is a way to let devices from outside your home connect to your local network through specific ports. It ensures that every device in your home gets the data it needs from the internet. For gamers, port forwarding is often necessary to create safe and easy-to-join multiplayer servers.

Why Do You Need It for ARK?

If you’re hosting an ARK: Survival Evolved multiplayer server, other players need your public IP address and certain ports to join. Without port forwarding, your router could block these connections or cause interruptions, stopping others from joining your game. Setting up port forwarding makes sure only authorized players connect to your server, allowing for seamless multiplayer gameplay.

Default Ports for ARK: Survival Evolved

To set up port forwarding for ARK, you need to know the default ports used by the game. These are:

  • UDP 7777: Game Port
  • UDP 7778: Query Port (for server communication)
  • UDP 27015: Steam Query Port (for server listing on Steam)

If you’re running multiple servers, you may need to assign unique port ranges for each server to avoid conflicts.

How to Set Up Port Forwarding for ARK: Survival Evolved

Step 1: Before setting up port forwarding, collect the following details:

  • Router IP Address: Usually found in your router’s manual or on a sticker.
  • Login Credentials: Username and password for your router’s admin panel.
  • Local IP Address: Find the IP address of the ARK server host using ipconfig on Windows or Network settings on Mac.

Step 2: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address. Then, log in with your admin credentials.

Step 3: Navigate to the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section. The location varies depending on the router model.

Step 4: Create Port Forwarding Rules by entering the following details for each port:

  • Service Name: ARK or any descriptive name.
  • Protocol: Set to UDP.
  • External Port: 7777, 7778, or 27015.
  • Internal Port: Same as the external port.
  • Internal IP Address: The local IP address of your ARK server.
  • Save the settings.

Step 5: After saving the rules, restart your router and the ARK server to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting Common Port Forwarding Issues in ARK

IssueSolution 
Ports Not WorkingCheck whether the ports are open by using an online tool and make sure the rules are set up correctly.
Incorrect Local IP AddressMake sure the hosting device's local IP address is correct. After a reboot, assign a static IP address to prevent modifications.
Double NAT IssuesCheck if your network is behind two routers (Double NAT). Set one router to bridge mode or configure port forwarding on both routers

Tips for Hosting a Smooth ARK Multiplayer Experience

Here are some tips for a smooth multiplayer experience on ARK.

  1. Use a static IP to ensure your port forwarding rules stay valid.
  2. Adjust server settings for better performance based on your hardware and player's devices.
  3. Keep your server and game files updated to avoid issues.
  4. Add firewall exceptions for ARK to prevent connection problems.

Why Does CGNAT Block Port Forwarding?

CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) is a networking technique used by ISPs (internet service providers) to save and prevent IPv4 exhaustion, because there aren’t enough unique IP addresses for everyone. However, performing CGNAT causes issues with port forwarding and hosting servers. Since the ISP controls the shared IP, it blocks traditional port forwarding, making it harder for others to connect directly to your device or server.

How to Open Ports Behind CGNAT

Are you frustrated with the hassle of setting up port forwarding on your router behind CGNAT? Or dealing with restrictions from your ISP or firewall settings? PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP can make the process simple and efficient. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Log in to the PureVPN Members Area.
  2. Open the Subscription tab.
  3. Click on Configure to access port settings.
  4. Choose the ports you need for ARK: Survival Evolved.
  5. Click Apply Settings to save your changes.
Get PureVPN

With PureVPN, you can enable port forwarding quickly and enjoy smooth multiplayer gameplay!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do I need to forward ports for single-player mode?

    Plus

    No, port forwarding is only required for hosting multiplayer servers.

  • Can I host a server without port forwarding?

    Plus

    We don't recommend hosting servers through third parties or other services because they are not safe as compared to port forwarding.

  • Is port forwarding safe?

    Plus

    Yes, if configured correctly, but it is not entirely safe. Ensure your router firmware is up to date and use strong passwords.

Bottom Line

In simple terms, port forwarding is important for hosting a smooth multiplayer experience in ARK: Survival Evolved. By knowing the default ports, adjusting your router settings, and fixing any common issues, you can create a server that’s easy for friends and your loved ones to join. If you're behind CGNAT, use PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on and dedicated IP to bypass CGNAT and open ports on your router.

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