To keep your game strictly on LAN and avoid any internet server queries:
| Setting | Parameter | Effect |
|---------|-----------|--------|
| No BattlEye | -NoBattlEye | Prevents anti-cheat from trying to connect online |
| No Steam relay | -NoSteamClient (advanced) | Forces pure LAN discovery |
| Insecure mode | -insecure | Disables VAC (safe for LAN) |
| Query port | ?QueryPort=27015 | Allows LAN broadcast discovery |
Before we dive into the technical setup, let's establish why you would want to cut the cord from the official network.
The Pros:
The Cons:
| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Server not visible in LAN list | Ensure all firewalls allow ARK (ports 7777, 7778, 27015 UDP/TCP). Disable Windows Defender temporarily for testing. |
| Tethering too restrictive | Switch to dedicated server (Method 2). Non-dedicated mode always has a tether. |
| Different game versions | Have all players verify game files via Steam → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity. |
| Epic Games + Steam crossplay on LAN | Add -crossplay to server command line. Epic players must enable "Allow Crossplay" in their ARK settings. |
| High ping despite LAN | Check Wi-Fi interference. Use Ethernet cables for stable 0-2 ms ping. |
Yes, absolutely. While the initial 15-minute setup is more complex than clicking "Host Non-Dedicated," the reward is a persistent, tether-free, zero-lag dinosaur paradise that survives the apocalypse of your internet bill going unpaid.
By using -NoBattlEye -insecure and static IPs, you have stripped ARK down to its raw, offline-capable core. You are no longer a visitor on a rented server. You are the god of your own LAN-based Jurassic world. Now go tame a Dodo and build a raft – the internet can wait.
Final Command for your Admin Toolbar:
Cheat GiveItem "Blueprint'/Game/PrimalEarth/CoreBlueprints/Weapons/PrimalItem_WeaponMetalPick.PrimalItem_WeaponMetalPick'" 1 0 0 (Spawn a Mastercraft Pickaxe, because you've earned it).
How to Play ARK: Survival Evolved LAN Exclusive Playing ARK: Survival Evolved via a Local Area Network (LAN) allows you to enjoy a private prehistoric world with friends or family on the same Wi-Fi without the lag of public servers. Setting this up depends on whether you want a quick session or a more stable, permanent server environment. 1. The Quickest Way: Non-Dedicated Sessions
This is the easiest method for a small group (2-4 players) already in the same house. It turns your single-player world into a temporary LAN server. Host Setup: From the main menu, select Host/Local. Choose your map and customize your settings. Click Host Non-Dedicated Session. how to play lan ark survival evolved exclusive
Set a session name and password (optional, as only people on your local network can typically see it). Guest Joining: Go to Join ARK. Change the Session Filter (bottom left) to LAN. Select the host's session and click Join.
The Tether Catch: Guests are bound to the host by a "tether." If they move too far away (default is ~200 meters), they will be dragged back toward the host. You can increase this by adjusting the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance slider in the host settings. 2. The Pro Way: Dedicated LAN Server
For a better experience without tethering, you can run a Dedicated Server on one PC and join it from others. This requires a more powerful host machine.
Can I create a local LAN game with Ark? I'm semi new to networking. I'd like to play Ark with my two sons after Christmas without having to worry about other tribes. Is it possible to setup a local LAN game so that only local computers can enter a game? And if so, how? Or is Ark now able to host a private game somehow over the servers that I don't need to pay for?? We have 3 good PCs... Thanks everyone!
Playing ARK: Survival Evolved on a Local Area Network (LAN) allows you and your friends to experience the game with minimal latency and without relying on external server stability. Whether you are using a non-dedicated session for a quick game or setting up a dedicated server for a more permanent world, here is how to master the setup. Option 1: The Non-Dedicated Session (Easiest)
This method allows you to host a game directly from your own PC while playing at the same time. It is ideal for small groups of 2–4 players.
Launch ARK and select the Host/Local option from the main menu. Configure your settings.
On the left, set the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance to a high value like 99.0. This prevents your friends from being "pulled" toward you if they wander too far. Set a Session Name and Password to keep the game private. Start the session by clicking Host Non-Dedicated Session. Join the session.
Friends on Steam: They can use Shift+Tab to see your name in their friends list and select Join Game.
Direct Join: Alternatively, they can go to Join ARK, change the filter in the bottom left to LAN, and look for your session name. Option 2: Dedicated Server (Best Performance) To keep your game strictly on LAN and
For a smoother experience, you can run a "Dedicated Server." This can be done on your gaming PC (if it has enough RAM, typically 16GB+) or a separate spare PC.
ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively via a Local Area Network (LAN) is a great way to enjoy low-latency gameplay with friends without relying on external servers . You can set this up either as a Non-Dedicated Session for quick play or a Dedicated Server for a more permanent, high-performance world. Quick Comparison: LAN Options Non-Dedicated Session Dedicated Server 2–4 players in the same room. Large groups or permanent worlds. Fast setup; uses your existing save. No "tether" distance; better performance. Players must stay near the host (tether). Requires a separate PC for best results. Method 1: The Fast Route (Non-Dedicated Session)
This is the easiest way to start playing immediately. One person "hosts" the world, and others join directly. Host the Game: From the main menu, select Host/Local
Adjust your settings (difficulty, taming speed, etc.) on the left. Crucial Step: Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance slider and set it to a very high number (e.g.,
). This prevents players from being "yanked" back to the host if they wander too far. Host Non-Dedicated Session
. Set a session name and password if you want to keep it private. Join the Session: The other players should select At the bottom-left, change the Session Filter Select the host's server and click Method 2: The Pro Route (Dedicated LAN Server)
For the best experience, run a dedicated server on a secondary PC. This removes the "tether" entirely, allowing everyone to explore different parts of the map independently.
Starting an ARK Survival Evolved Server with Your Friends - ScalaCube
Playing ARK: Survival Evolved on a Local Area Network (LAN) allows you to host a private game for people on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet connection without needing a public internet server. You can choose between a quick Non-Dedicated Session for casual play or a Dedicated Server for a more permanent, stable world. Method 1: Non-Dedicated LAN Session (easiest)
This method lets you play and host on the same machine. It's ideal for a few friends on the same network. Host the Game: On the main menu, select Host/Local. The Cons:
Crucial Step: Set the Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance to a high number (like 99.0) so your friends aren't constantly teleported back to you when they wander too far.
Click Host Non-Dedicated Session, enter a session name and password, and launch the map. Join the Game: Other players should select Join ARK from the main menu.
Change the Session Filter (bottom left) to LAN or Non-Dedicated Sessions. Search for the host's session name and join. Method 2: Private Dedicated LAN Server (Advanced)
Use this if you have an extra PC to act as a permanent host. This removes the "tether" and provides better performance.
The ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server tool can be downloaded for free via the Steam Library under the "Tools" section.
For many survivors, the official servers of ARK: Survival Evolved represent a brutal, unforgiving wasteland—not just of dinosaurs, but of lag spikes, "Alpha Tribes," toxic griefers, and the dreaded "Taming/Decay timers" that punish you for having a job. Similarly, single-player mode can feel lonely and limiting.
Enter the holy grail of co-op survival: LAN (Local Area Network) Play. Playing ARK exclusively over LAN allows you and your friends (housemates, family, or LAN party attendees) to experience the entire 150+ GB of dinosaur-taming, boss-fighting, base-building chaos without an internet connection to the outside world.
But can you truly play exclusively offline? The answer is complicated due to BattleEye anti-cheat and session verification. This guide will walk you through every method to host a 100% local, offline-capable LAN server for ARK: Survival Evolved.
Since you are offline, you are the admin. On a client PC, press Tab and type:
EnableCheats YourPass (the password from the batch file)
Now you can spawn anything: