There are several reasons you may not be able to connect to your server. This article covers reasons you may not be able to connect as well as how to resolve them:
Problem:
Timing out when connecting - This typically occurs on modded servers, due to the length of time it takes to download the mods the server uses to your PC.
Solution:
Try connecting again, several times, the game will eventually download all the mods. However, if you have Ark installed to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) even after downloading all of the server's mods you may still be disconnected when joining the server due to the time its taking to load them all, and in those instances we have found success by moving your Ark game installation to an SSD (Solid State Drive)
Problem:
Mod Mismatch Error - This typically occurs because the mods you have installed on your PC are newer/a different version to the mods installed on the server
Solution:
Method 1
Go to your gamepanel.
Select "Steam Workshop (Installed)"
Click the "Reinstall All" button, this will delete and then install all the latest versions of the mods your server uses.
Method 2
If Method 1 has not worked, it usually means that one or more of your mods are now incompatible with the latest ark version. To resolve this remove mods 1 by 1 from your config file until you are able to join (Take a backup of your world first) Once you can join put back all the mod numbers except the last one you removed.
Problem:
Game crashes when connecting to your server - This is likely to happen if your game files and/or mods have become corrupted on your PC
Solution:
Delete all mod files from your PC, they are located at: <SteamInstallLocation>\workshop\content\346110 then verify your game files by doing the following;
1. Launch Steam
2. From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu.
3. Select the Local files tab and click the Verify integrity of game files... button.
4. Steam will verify the game's files - this process may take several minutes.
5. You can monitor the progress in the Steam Downloads section.
However, this may also happen because you are using a mod which is broken, if that is the case, you will need to remove the broken mod (if you are unsure which mod is broken, remove mods 1 by 1 from your config file until you are able to join (Take a backup of your world first) Once you can join put back all the mod numbers except the last one you removed.)
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