If you’re getting a “Joining Failed – Unknown Error” in ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended, here are the most common causes and step-by-step fixes:
🧨 Cause: Why You Might See “Joining Failed – Unknown Error”
Server mismatch (mods, version, or map)
Corrupted game files
Network or NAT issues
Outdated or mismatched mods
Server is full or password-protected (with bad credentials)
Game or server hasn’t fully loaded yet
✅ Fixes to Try
1. Restart Everything
Restart your game
Restart your PC/console
Restart your router
Simple, but solves a lot of transient connection bugs.
Also Read : Baby of the Year Scam
2. Verify Game Files (PC – Steam/Epic)
If on PC (especially Steam):
Steam:
Go to Library
Right-click ARK
Choose Properties > Installed Files
Click “Verify integrity of game files”
Epic Games:
Go to Library
Click the three dots next to ARK
Choose Verify
3. Check for Mod Mismatches
If the server uses mods, make sure you have the same mods installed and in the same load order.
If you’re joining via Steam, mods should auto-download — but sometimes fail silently.
Try unsubscribing from outdated mods and re-subscribing.
4. Use Direct Join (Steam)
If you’re getting this error when joining from the in-game server browser:
Open Steam
Go to View > Servers
Go to the Favorites tab
Click Add a Server
Enter the server’s IP:Port
Click Add to Favorites, then join from there
5. Check Server Status
The server might not be fully online or is restarting.
Make sure it’s not password-protected (or that you’re entering it correctly).
If it’s a private or unofficial server, it could have specific join restrictions.
6. Check Your NAT Type / Firewall
On consoles or PC, strict NAT types can cause issues.
Allow ARK through your firewall (on PC).
If you’re on Xbox/PS and get this error often, try restarting your modem/router or enabling UPnP.
7. Wait a Minute
Sometimes ARK gives this error if you try to join too quickly after server startup.
Wait 2–3 minutes before trying again.
If many players are reporting the same error, it’s likely a widespread server issue that can only be fixed by the developers. In this case, you may just need to wait for a patch.
Summary
The “Joining Failed Unknown Error” in ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended is a common issue that typically points to a connection or server-side problem, rather than a specific hardware or software bug on your end. It’s often not a single, clear-cut issue, but rather a catch-all error message for various server connection failures.
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