There are two ways to connect to an unofficial ARK: Survival Evolved server: browsing for it in the in-game server list, or connecting directly with its IP address. This guide covers the server browser method, which is the easiest way to find and join your server for the first time.
Step 1: Open The Server Browser
From the ARK: Survival Evolved main menu, click Join ARK. This opens the server browser, which lists every session currently searching for players.
Step 2: Filter For Unofficial Servers
By default, the browser searches official servers only, so your server will not show up until you change this.
- Set the
Session Filterdropdown toUnofficial. - If your server uses a password, also enable
Show Password Protected, otherwise it may be hidden from the results. - You can leave the map and mode filters on
Allunless you want to narrow the list further.
Show Password Protected on before assuming something is wrong.
Step 3: Search For Your Server By Name
With hundreds of unofficial servers online at once, use the search box to jump straight to yours.
- Type your server's name into the
Name Filter/ search field at the top or bottom of the browser. - Wait for the list to refresh, then select your server once it appears.
- Click
Join. - If your server has a join password set, enter it when prompted.
open YOUR.SERVER.IP:PORT to connect directly, skipping the browser entirely.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Server isn't showing up in the list:Confirm the Session Filter is set to Unofficial, enable Show Password Protected, and double-check the server is actually Running on your MintServers panel.Stuck on "Searching for sessions...":This is a common hiccup on the Steam server browser. Give it a minute, or back out to the main menu and reopen Join ARK.Connection times out or kicks you back to the menu:The server may still be finishing startup. Wait a minute after starting it on the panel before trying to join.Wrong password error:Make sure you are entering the player join password rather than the server's admin password, these are two different values.
Once you're in, you should spawn on the beach ready to start surviving! If you're still having trouble getting your server to show up or connect, no worries! Just open a support ticket and our team will gladly help you get it sorted out.