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Ark Server Not Showing on Unofficial List: Troubleshooting Guide

Why Isn’t My Ark Server Showing Up?

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Ark Server Not Showing on the Unofficial List

Keywords: Ark server not showing, Ark server unofficial list issue, Ark server troubleshooting, ArkServers.net, Steam Ark server list

Introduction

If you’ve added your Ark server to your favourites but can’t find it on the Steam or in-game Unofficial Server list, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, but understanding why it happens and how to resolve it will get your server visible and thriving in no time.

Why Isn’t My Server Showing Up?

Both the Steam server browser and the in-game Unofficial Server list have limitations that can prevent your server from appearing:

  • Server Query Limitations: Steam and in-game browsers can only query around 5,000 servers at a time. If your server is not in the queried batch, it won’t appear on the list.
  • Delay in External Listings: Websites like ArkServers.net provide an extended range of server listings, but registering your server on these lists isn’t instant. It can take a few hours to several days for your server to appear.
  • Server Uptime: Servers that have been online for a significant length of time are more likely to appear on Steam and in-game results. If your server is new or frequently restarting, it might not show up.

How to Fix the Issue

1. Use EUGameHost's A2S Caching Service for Improved Visibility

One of the most effective solutions to ensure your Ark server consistently appears on the Unofficial Server list is to utilise EUGameHost's A2S Caching Service. This service is designed to optimise how your server is queried by Steam and the in-game browser, bypassing limitations like query timeouts and ensuring your server remains visible.

What Is the A2S Caching Service?

The A2S (Application-to-Server) Caching Service works by storing and forwarding query responses for your server. It acts as a bridge between your Ark server and external querying systems like Steam or ArkServers.net. This process reduces the likelihood of your server being excluded from query results due to high traffic or timeout issues.

Key Benefits of the A2S Caching Service

  • Enhanced Server Visibility: Ensures your server appears more consistently on the Steam and in-game Unofficial Server lists.
  • Reduced Query Failures: Bypasses the 5,000-server query limit imposed by Steam and the in-game browser, significantly improving discoverability.
  • Faster Query Responses: Provides quicker responses to player queries, ensuring your server loads seamlessly in their lists.
  • Stability and Reliability: Keeps your server accessible even during peak query periods or when multiple players are searching for servers.

Example Scenario

Without A2S Caching:

  • Without AS2 your server might not show up in search results because it’s not part of the 10,000 servers queried at that moment.
  • Players may struggle to find your server, reducing your community's growth potential.

With A2S Caching Enabled:

  • Your server remains cached at over 50 global locations and readily available to querying systems, ensuring it shows up consistently in search results.
  • Players can easily find and join your server, boosting your community engagement and getting you more new players.
  • The global ping will display between 10 and 30ms average due to the cached locations

2. Register Your Server on ArkServers.net

ArkServers.net is an excellent resource for listing your Ark server. Unlike the Steam or in-game browser, it can query the full range of Ark servers, providing a more reliable way to find your server.

Steps to Register:

  1. Visit ArkServers.net.
  2. Add your server’s IP and query port.
  3. Wait for the system to detect and list your server (this may take up to 48 hours).

3. Check Your Server Settings

Ensure your server is configured correctly to appear on Unofficial Server lists:

  • Set bIsLANMatch to false in your server settings.
  • Verify that your server’s query port is open and correctly forwarded.

Example configuration in your GameUserSettings.ini file:

[SessionSettings]
bIsLANMatch=false

4. Maintain Server Uptime

Stability is key. Keeping your server online consistently increases the likelihood of it appearing in Steam and in-game lists. Avoid frequent restarts unless absolutely necessary.

5. Use Direct Connect

Share your server’s IP address and port with your community for direct connection:

  • Example: 123.45.67.89:27015

Steps for Direct Connection:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to View > Servers.
  3. Click Favorites > Add a Server.
  4. Enter your server’s IP and port, then click Find Games at this Address.

Tips for Maximising Server Visibility

  • Engage Your Community: Encourage your players to favourite the server and join consistently. Higher activity levels can improve visibility.
  • Monitor Server Popularity: Track your server’s listing status on sites like ArkServers.net and ensure it remains active.
  • Promote Your Server: Use social media, forums, and Ark communities to advertise your server. More players joining via direct connect can push it up in rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take for my server to show on ArkServers.net? It usually takes a few hours, but in some cases, it can take up to 48 hours for your server to appear.

2. Why does my server disappear from the list after restarting? This can happen if the server has an unstable query port or frequent downtime. Ensure your query port is correctly configured and keep your server online consistently.

3. Can I force my server to show on Steam or the in-game list? Unfortunately, there is no direct way to force listing. Following the troubleshooting steps and maintaining uptime will help improve visibility.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating when your Ark server doesn’t show on the Unofficial Server list, there are clear steps to improve its visibility. By registering on ArkServers.net, maintaining stable uptime, and promoting direct connections, you can ensure your server gets the attention it deserves. For reliable hosting and expert support, consider EUGameHost’s Ark Server Hosting for seamless management and unmatched performance.

Get your server visible today and build your thriving Ark community!