If you’ve just grabbed a copy of Ark: Survival Evolved and want to explore its prehistoric open world with a friend, the first question you’re probably asking is can you play 2 players on ark online. The short answer is yes, but there are a few different ways to set it up, plus common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid to keep your sessions lag-free and fun. I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing Ark with my partner, so I’ve tested every setup option and worked through every error you might run into along the way.
Can You Play 2 Players on Ark Online? 3 Simple Setup Methods
Now that we’ve confirmed the core answer to your question, let’s walk through exactly how to set up your session. There’s no one right way to play 2 player online in Ark, so you can pick the option that fits your budget, technical skill, and how often you plan to play together. I’ve broken down each method with pros and cons so you can skip the trial and error.
- Join an existing public server: This is the easiest option for new players. You and your friend just search for the same low-population PvE server, join at the same time, and spawn near each other to start playing. The downside is you’ll have to follow the server’s rules, and your progress is tied to that specific server.
- Rent a private dedicated server: If you want full control over settings (like taming speed, dino spawn rates, and no random players joining), renting a small 2-slot server is a great pick. It costs a few dollars a month, but you don’t have to keep your own device running to keep the world active.
- Host a non-dedicated session from your device: This is the free option, but it works best if you and your friend are on the same platform and have a strong internet connection. You’ll just select “Host Non-Dedicated Session” from the main menu, send your friend an invite, and they can join directly. Note that the world will only be active when the host is online.
For most casual 2 player groups, I recommend starting with a non-dedicated session first to test if you enjoy playing together long-term, before spending money on a private server. If you run into lag with non-dedicated play, try lowering the game’s graphics settings and closing any background apps on the host device first. Many new players who ask can you play 2 players on ark online don’t realize how much small adjustments to your setup can make to session quality.
Key Rules to Follow for Smooth 2 Player Ark Online Sessions
Even if your setup is perfect, playing with a friend can lead to small frustrations if you don’t align on expectations first. I’ve had way too many sessions derailed by arguments over who used the last of the metal ore or forgot to feed the tamed T-Rex, so these small rules will save you a lot of headaches.
Split roles based on your playstyles early on to avoid doubling up on work. If one of you loves exploring and taming dinos, let that be your main job, while the other focuses on building bases and crafting supplies. This makes progress way faster and cuts down on arguments over what to do next.
Agree on break schedules so you don’t end up stuck waiting for your friend to get back from an errand mid-tame. Ark’s taming mechanics can take hours for larger dinos, so it’s smart to plan those long sessions when both of you have free time, and keep shorter tasks for days when you only have an hour or two to play. If you do have a 10-minute gap while waiting for a dino to tame, you can pass the time with a quick casual game to stay occupied — lots of players I know boot up Rummy888 for fast, low-stakes rounds that don’t require too much focus so you can jump right back to Ark as soon as the tame is done.
Backup your save file regularly if you’re running a non-dedicated session or self-hosted server. Ark is notoriously buggy, and a single crash can wipe hours of progress if you don’t have a recent backup saved. Most server hosts let you set up automatic backups, so turn that on as soon as you set your server up.
Common 2 Player Ark Online Issues (And How to Fix Them)
Most of the issues that pop up when people test can you play 2 players on ark online are easy to fix with a few quick tweaks. Even if you follow every setup guide perfectly, you’re probably going to run into at least one issue when trying to play with a friend, so I’ve covered the most frequent ones I’ve run into.
Your friend can’t join your non-dedicated session: This is the most common issue, and it’s almost always caused by a network setting on the host’s device. First, make sure both of you have the same version of Ark installed, including any DLC or mods you’re using. Next, check that the host’s router has port forwarding turned on for Ark’s required ports, or use a virtual LAN program if you don’t want to mess with router settings. If that still doesn’t work, try switching to a public PvE server temporarily to rule out platform-specific connection issues.
You’re getting constant lag or rubber banding: Lag is usually caused by either a weak internet connection or the host device not having enough processing power to run the game and host the session at the same time. Try lowering the view distance and graphics settings for all players, and close any background apps that are using internet bandwidth, like streaming services or download clients. If you’re playing on console, make sure both systems are connected to the internet via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.
Your spawn points are too far apart: When you first join a server, you and your friend might spawn on opposite ends of the map, which can take hours to fix if you don’t know the trick. Before you create your characters, agree on a specific spawn region to pick from the menu, so you start within a few minutes’ walk of each other. If you do spawn far apart, one of you can craft a simple bed and invite the other to fast travel to your location as soon as you have enough resources.
Is 2 Player Online Ark Right For You?
While playing Ark with one friend is one of my favorite ways to experience the game, it’s not the right fit for everyone. There are a few things to consider before you invest time into setting up a 2 player session.
If you prefer casual, low-pressure play where you can take your time exploring and building without random players raiding your base, 2 player co-op on a PvE server or private session is perfect. You can adjust all the settings to fit your pace, like turning off hunger and thirst meters if you just want to build cool bases and tame dinos without stress. You’ll also progress much faster than playing solo, since you can split tasks and cover more ground in less time.
On the other hand, if you love the chaos of PvP or want to take on large endgame bosses, you might want to team up with more than one player. Most endgame content in Ark is designed for groups of 3 or more, so you’ll have to crank up the difficulty settings or use higher tier gear to beat bosses with just two players. It’s still doable, but it will take more planning and practice than playing with a larger group.
If you’re not sure if 2 player play is right for you, try a few sessions on a public PvE server first before setting up your own private world. That way you can test the co-op dynamic without wasting time setting up a server you won’t use.
At the end of the day, the answer to can you play 2 players on ark online is a resounding yes, and it’s one of the most fun ways to experience everything the game has to offer. Whether you’re playing for a few hours a week or putting in full days to build your perfect dino sanctuary, playing with one friend lets you set your own pace and make the game exactly what you want it to be. Just follow the setup tips and troubleshooting fixes we covered, and you’ll be exploring the Ark with your friend in no time.