Fix ARK "Joining Failed" / "Connection Timeout"

ARK's "Joining Failed" / "Connection Timeout" usually means the query port is wrong or blocked, the server is full or restarting, or your mods don't match. Sometimes it is simply a flaky server browser. Here is how to fix each cause.

Check the query port

ARK lists and connects via a separate query port (default 27015), not just the game port (7777). If it's blocked, you get a timeout:

7777/udp   game
27015/udp  query (this one feeds the browser & join)

Mods must match

If the server is modded, a mod mismatch causes join failures. Make sure your subscribed mods match the server's — see ARK mods not downloading.

Join directly by IP

The browser is flaky. Use the console to connect straight to the server:

open server-ip:7777

Open the query port (27015), match mods, and "open ip:7777" in console — that clears most ARK join timeouts.

Cause 4: the server is full or still restarting

A full server can show the same message as a timeout. And a server that just restarted or updated can take several minutes to fully come back — see the callout above. Wait and retry, or check the server's Discord/status page before assuming something is broken.

Cause 5: an outdated ARK client or server build

After a Steam update, a server still on the old build will not accept new clients, and connections silently time out instead of showing a clear version error. Fully update ARK and confirm the server has also applied the same update.

How to prevent ARK join timeouts

• Keep both the game port and the query port open on the server's firewall.
• Keep mods synced via the same collection/load order every time.
• Avoid joining mid-restart — check server status first.
• Use direct connect instead of the browser when it is flaky.

Related errors

For a general "connection timed out" on any game server, see connection timed out. Setting up your own ARK box? See how to make an ARK server and port forwarding a game server.

ARK: Survival Evolved / Ascended is a trademark of Studio Wildcard / Snail Games. Mods are the property of their authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Studio Wildcard.