The tether system in ARK restricts players in non-dedicated multiplayer sessions to a specific radius around the host. This prevents players from straying too far, ensuring server stability. The default tether distance is 180 meters but can be adjusted on PC via game settings or console commands. Consoles lack native tether removal due to hardware limitations.
What Is Dedicated Hosting and How Does It Work?
What Are the Differences Between Dedicated and Non-Dedicated Servers?
Dedicated servers eliminate the tether by hosting the game on a separate machine, allowing unrestricted exploration. Non-dedicated servers rely on the host’s device, enforcing a tether to reduce lag. While dedicated servers offer freedom, they require technical setup or rental costs. Non-dedicated servers are easier for casual play but limit cooperative exploration.
| Feature | Dedicated Server | Non-Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Tether System | Disabled | Enabled |
| Hardware Load | External machine | Host’s device |
| Cost | $10–$50/month | Free |
Dedicated servers are ideal for large tribes or persistent worlds, as they provide 24/7 uptime and better mod support. However, they require familiarity with server management tools like Ark Server Manager. Non-dedicated sessions work well for short-term playthroughs but struggle with rendering distant areas when players push tether limits. For Xbox and PlayStation users, renting a Nitrado server is the only tether-free option without PC-level customization.
Can You Disable the Tether on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation?
On PC, modify the “NonDedicatedHostTetherDistanceMultiplier” value in the GameUserSettings.ini file or use the console command “SetNonDedicatedHostTetherDistanceMultiplier [value]”. Consoles lack official tether removal, but workarounds include renting a dedicated server or using a second account as the host. Mods like “No Untether” are exclusive to PC.
Console players often use a spare Xbox or PlayStation to host a dedicated server, which avoids tethering but requires a separate live account. On PC, increasing the multiplier beyond 10x may cause physics glitches in terrain or creatures. For example, setting it to 9999 effectively removes the tether but can destabilize water rendering or creature spawns in unloaded chunks. Always back up save files before modifying configuration settings.
Which Mods or Commands Remove the ARK Tether?
PC players use mods like “No Untether” or “Tetherless Co-op” to disable the tether. Console commands such as “SetNonDedicatedHostTetherDistanceMultiplier 9999” extend the tether beyond practical limits. Note that excessive tether removal may cause instability, especially on lower-end systems. Consoles rely on third-party servers for similar functionality.
| Tool | Platform | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| No Untether Mod | PC | Low |
| Console Commands | PC | Moderate |
| Nitrado Server | Xbox/PS | None |
The “Tetherless Co-op” mod also includes stability tweaks to prevent crashes during long-range exploration. However, mods may conflict with other gameplay overhauls like Primal Fear or Ark Eternal. For vanilla players, console commands are safer but lack customization. Always test new configurations in single-player mode before hosting multiplayer sessions.
Why Does ARK Use a Tether System in Multiplayer?
The tether ensures smooth gameplay by synchronizing player actions within a manageable radius. Without it, excessive distance between players strains the host’s hardware, causing lag or crashes. While restrictive, the tether balances performance and accessibility, particularly for non-dedicated sessions. Dedicated servers avoid this by offloading processing to external hardware.
How Does Tether Removal Affect Game Performance?
Disabling the tether increases RAM and CPU usage, risking crashes or lag spikes on underpowered systems. Players report frame rate drops when exploring far from the host. For stable gameplay, ensure the host device meets ARK’s recommended specs (16GB RAM, GTX 1080/equivalent GPU). Dedicated servers minimize performance hits compared to modified non-dedicated sessions.
Are There Future Updates to Remove ARK’s Tether System?
Studio Wildcard hasn’t announced plans to remove the tether for non-dedicated console servers. However, ARK: Survival Ascended (UE5 remake) may revise multiplayer mechanics. Community feedback continues to push for tether flexibility, but technical barriers on consoles make full removal unlikely without dedicated server adoption.
What Are the Best Alternatives to the Default Tether?
Rent a Nitrado server for console tether-free play or use a spare PC as a dedicated host. Cross-platform mods like “Pocket Server” emulate dedicated server features on PC. For casual play, maximize the tether distance to 9999 and stick to smaller maps like The Island to reduce performance strain.
Expert Views
“The tether is a necessary evil for ARK’s peer-to-peer multiplayer,” says a Nitrado server engineer. “Removing it without dedicated hardware shifts the load to the host’s system, which most consoles can’t handle. We recommend budget-friendly server rentals for players wanting unrestricted exploration. UE5’s optimizations in ARK 2 might reduce reliance on tethers, but that’s speculative.”
Conclusion
While the ARK tether can’t be fully removed on consoles without dedicated servers, PC players enjoy mods and config tweaks for boundless gameplay. Evaluate your hardware and priorities—opting for dedicated servers ensures stability, while modified non-dedicated sessions offer flexibility at a performance cost.
FAQ
- Q: Does ARK: Survival Ascended remove the tether?
- A: Not confirmed. The UE5 remake may optimize multiplayer but hasn’t addressed tether specifics.
- Q: Can Xbox and PlayStation share tether-free servers?
- A: Yes, via cross-platform dedicated servers, but non-dedicated sessions remain tethered.
- Q: Does tether removal ban you from official ARK servers?
- A: No, but mods/commands only work in single-player or unofficial servers.