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.
Quick answer
ARK "Joining Failed" or "Connection Timeout" is usually a blocked query port (27015 by default) alongside game port 7777, a server that is full or restarting, or mods that do not match the server's. Open both ports, wait for the server to finish starting, and make sure your subscribed mods match before joining again.
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:7777ARK servers take a while to fully load after a restart/update. A timeout right after a restart often just means it isn't ready yet — wait a few minutes.
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Cause 5: an outdated ARK client or server build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, then tune it with our best ARK server settings and port forwarding a game server.
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