If you’ve ever wanted to run a second character to farm metal while your main builds a base, or hold a tribe spot on a full server without logging your main out, you’ve probably wondered how to open 2 ARK clients at the same time. It’s not a hack or exploit, and most private and official servers allow it as long as you’re not using it to cheat in unfair ways. I’ve been using this trick for years to cut down on grind time, and it works for both vanilla and most modded servers as long as you follow the steps correctly. You don’t need advanced technical skills to pull it off, just a few simple tools and a basic understanding of how Steam runs games.
What You Need Before You Learn How to Open 2 ARK Clients
First, you’ll need two separate Steam accounts, both with access to ARK. You can use Steam Family Share to give your second account access to the game if you don’t want to buy a second copy, but note that some servers block Family Share accounts to prevent smurfing. You’ll also need a PC with enough resources to run two copies of ARK at once, which is more demanding than running a single instance. ARK is notoriously resource-heavy, so even mid-range rigs may struggle if you run both clients on high settings.
Never use third-party ARK launchers from untrusted sources, as they often contain malware or can trigger Easy Anti-Cheat bans on official servers. All the methods we cover here use official Steam tools, so you won’t risk losing your account. Most official servers allow two concurrent clients as long as you don’t use them to exploit game mechanics, like blocking spawn points or teaming against other players unfairly in solo PvP lobbies. It’s always a good idea to double-check server rules before you start running two accounts, to avoid accidental bans.
Step-by-Step Method for Running Two ARK Clients via Steam
The most reliable way to run two ARK clients without errors is to install two separate copies of Steam on your PC. This avoids the “game already running” error that pops up if you try to launch two copies from the same Steam install. The process only takes 10 to 15 minutes to set up the first time, and you won’t have to repeat the full install process every time you want to run two clients.
- Install your first Steam client to the default location, log into your main account, and launch ARK as normal, connecting to your chosen server before moving to the next step.
- Install a second copy of Steam to a separate hard drive or a completely different folder on the same drive, making sure it does not overwrite your original Steam files.
- Log into your second Steam account (with ARK purchased or shared via Family Share) on the second Steam client, then launch ARK from this second install.
- Adjust the graphics settings on your second client to the lowest possible preset to reduce RAM and CPU usage, unless you have a high-end rig that can handle two maxed-out instances.
- Connect your second client to the same server as your main, and you’re ready to use both accounts at the same time.
If you get a “game already running” error, you likely didn’t install the second Steam client to a separate folder, so double check that your file paths are completely distinct. Always connect your main client first to avoid losing your spot on a full server, as second clients often take longer to load, especially if you’re running modded ARK packs.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them Fast
Even if you follow all the steps perfectly, you may run into a few common issues when running two ARK clients. The most frequent problem is lag or crashing, which happens when your PC doesn’t have enough resources to run both instances. If both clients are stuttering or crashing randomly, try lowering the resolution on the second client to 720p, and turn off all post-processing effects like anti-aliasing and motion blur. You can also set the second client’s priority to low in Windows Task Manager, so your main client gets first access to your CPU and GPU resources.
Another common issue is anti-cheat kicks or account bans. If you’re playing on an official server, make sure both accounts are not using any mods that violate Easy Anti-Cheat rules, and don’t use both accounts to report the same player repeatedly, as that can trigger a spam ban. Always check the server’s rules page before running two clients to avoid getting both of your accounts banned permanently. Many small community servers have strict rules against multiple accounts per IP to prevent cheating, so it’s better to confirm before you log in.
If Steam Family Share isn’t working for your second account, it’s likely because the server you’re joining blocks shared accounts. ARK goes on sale for 75% off or more a few times a year, so picking up a second copy is a low-cost investment if you plan to use two clients regularly.
Smart Ways to Use Two ARK Clients to Improve Your Gameplay
Now that you have two clients running smoothly, you can use them to cut down on grind and make your ARK playtime far more productive. The most popular use is resource farming: you can send your second character to farm metal, fiber, or hide while your main character builds your base, tames high-level dinos, or explores new areas of the map. This cuts your total grind time in half, which is a huge win for casual players who don’t have 6 hours a day to dedicate to the game.
You can also use your second account for tribe management. If you run a small tribe, you can use the second account to hold tribe ownership if your main account gets banned or hacked, or to store valuable items in a separate secure base that only you have access to. This adds an extra layer of security for your hard-earned gear and dinos, especially on chaotic PvP servers where raids are common.
On PvE servers, you can use your second account to heal your main character during tough boss fights, or carry extra supplies so you don’t have to make multiple trips back to base when you’re exploring far from home. On PvP servers that allow multiple accounts, you can use your second account to scout enemy bases without revealing your main character’s location, or to hold a strategic spot on the map while your main gathers resources for a raid. Never use two clients to gain an unfair advantage in solo PvP lobbies, that’s considered cheating by most communities and will get you kicked or banned fast.
At the end of the day, learning how to open 2 ARK clients is a simple trick that can make your time in the ARK universe way less stressful and way more productive. You don’t need any fancy software or technical skills, just a second Steam account, a little extra hard drive space, and a PC that can handle running two copies of the game at once. Just make sure you follow server rules, keep your graphics settings adjusted to avoid crashes, and don’t use the trick to ruin the fun for other players. You’ll be shocked at how much faster you can build up your tribe, farm resources, and take on tough bosses when you have two characters working for you at the same time.