Are you struggling with the tether distance limitations on your Ark Ascended non-dedicated server? Finding yourself constantly running back to your base to avoid being kicked? You're not alone! Many players grapple with this common issue. This guide delves deep into understanding Ark Ascended's tether mechanics on non-dedicated servers, exploring solutions and providing practical advice to maximize your play experience.
Understanding Tether Distance in Ark Ascended
In Ark Ascended, the tether distance determines how far you can stray from your character's designated "home" – typically your base or logged-in location – before your connection is severed. Exceeding this distance results in being forcibly teleported back, often interrupting crucial tasks like taming, gathering resources, or exploring. This limitation is particularly noticeable on non-dedicated servers, where the host's connection dictates the game's boundaries.
Non-Dedicated vs. Dedicated Servers: Key Differences
The tether distance is significantly impacted by server type. Dedicated servers often offer greater flexibility and control over settings, potentially allowing for significantly extended tether ranges. Non-dedicated servers, however, rely on the host's connection, and the tether distance is typically more restrictive, often a smaller radius around the host's location. This is due to the inherent limitations of a single player hosting the game for others.
Factors Affecting Tether Distance on Non-Dedicated Servers
Several factors influence the tether distance on your Ark Ascended non-dedicated server. These include:
- Host's internet connection: A stable, high-bandwidth internet connection for the host is crucial. Lag and packet loss can severely restrict the tether distance and lead to frequent disconnections.
- Server performance: The host's computer's processing power and RAM directly affect the game's performance and, subsequently, the tether distance. A struggling server may drastically reduce the playable area.
- Number of players: More players online increase server load, often reducing the effective tether distance for everyone.
- Modded servers: Certain mods can alter the tether distance; some may extend it, while others might restrict it further. Always check the mod descriptions for details.
- Game settings: While limited on non-dedicated servers, some settings might indirectly influence the effective tether range.
Optimizing Your Non-Dedicated Server for Maximum Tether Range
While you can't directly control the tether distance like on a dedicated server, you can still improve your experience:
- Improve Host's Internet Connection: Ensure the host has a reliable and high-speed internet connection with low latency. This is the single most impactful factor.
- Optimize Host's PC: The host's computer needs sufficient processing power and RAM. Closing unnecessary applications and optimizing in-game graphics settings can help.
- Reduce Player Count (if possible): If feasible, playing with fewer players reduces the strain on the server, potentially expanding the tether range.
- Careful Mod Selection: Choose mods carefully, checking if they modify tether distances. Incompatible or poorly optimized mods can severely impact performance.
- Strategic Base Location: Consider establishing your base in a central location within the area you frequently explore to minimize the distance to your home point.
Troubleshooting Frequent Tether Issues
If you experience consistent tether problems, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure both your connection and the host's are stable and have adequate bandwidth.
- Restart the server: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches affecting the tether.
- Update Ark Ascended and your graphics drivers: Outdated software can lead to instability and performance issues.
- Verify game files: This process checks for any corrupted files that might be causing problems.
- Contact other players: See if other players are experiencing the same issues; this could indicate a server-side problem.
Conclusion
Understanding and optimizing your Ark Ascended non-dedicated server's tether distance involves a multifaceted approach. By focusing on improving the host's connection, optimizing the host PC, and making strategic gameplay choices, you can significantly enhance your experience and minimize frustrating teleportation events. Remember that a stable, well-maintained server is crucial for a smooth Ark Ascended journey.
