Finding your favorite Ark Survival Evolved server full can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you're trying to join friends or dive into a new experience, a full server can quickly derail your gaming plans. This guide will explore the common reasons why Ark servers reach capacity and offer practical solutions to help you get back into the game.
Understanding Ark Server Capacity
Ark servers, like many online multiplayer games, have a limited number of player slots. This limit is determined by the server's hosting configuration and can vary from server to server. When the maximum number of players is reached, the server displays a "full" message, preventing new players from joining.
Why is My Ark Server Always Full?
Several factors contribute to Ark servers consistently showing as full:
1. Popular Server/Game Mode:
Some servers are inherently more popular than others. Servers offering specific game modes (e.g., PvP, PvE, high-rate XP), popular maps (like The Island or Ragnarok), or unique configurations (e.g., boosted resource rates) often attract larger player bases, leading to frequent full statuses.
2. Peak Playing Times:
Like any online game, Ark sees spikes in player activity during peak hours, typically evenings and weekends. This increased demand often overwhelms server capacity, resulting in "full" messages during these periods.
3. Server Issues/Maintenance:
Occasionally, technical issues or planned maintenance on the server itself can limit capacity or completely take it offline. While not directly a "full" server message, it presents a similar problem to the player.
4. Inefficient Server Management:
Poorly managed servers may experience more downtime or have lower capacity than comparable servers due to insufficient resources or technical oversight.
How to Find an Open Ark Server
When your desired server is full, there are several things you can try:
1. Try a Different Server:
The most straightforward solution is often to try a different server. Use the server browser to explore other options, filtering by game mode, map, and player count to find a less crowded server. Consider servers with fewer players or those less prominently featured, as these may have more available slots.
2. Join a Friend's Server:
If your friends are hosting a private server, joining their game bypasses the public server limitations. This guarantees a space, assuming they aren't already at full capacity.
3. Check at Off-Peak Hours:
If a specific server is consistently full, try logging in during off-peak hours. Early mornings or weekdays typically experience less congestion.
4. Consider a Different Game Mode or Map:
Less popular game modes or maps often have fewer players, providing a better chance of finding an open slot. Experiment with different options to find a server with a suitable gameplay experience.
5. Follow Server Communities:
Many Ark servers have dedicated Discord communities or forums. Following these communities can provide updates on server status, planned maintenance, or peak playing times, allowing you to plan your login attempts accordingly.
Conclusion
Dealing with a full Ark server is a common occurrence, but not an insurmountable problem. By utilizing the strategies outlined above— exploring alternative servers, adjusting your playtime, or engaging with the server community— you can increase your chances of finding an active and enjoyable Ark Survival Evolved experience. Remember to be patient and persistent, and you’ll eventually find your way into the game.
