ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) supports both single-player and non-dedicated multiplayer modes. In single-player, you explore the game’s world offline, while non-dedicated mode lets you host a local session for you and nearby friends (up to 4 players). Dedicated servers are separate and require third-party hosting for larger groups. ASA retains the original ARK’s flexibility but improves visuals and performance.
How Does ARK: Survival Ascended’s Single-Player Mode Work?
In single-player mode, you play offline with full control over game settings, including difficulty, taming speed, and resource availability. This mode saves progress locally, letting you pause or modify the experience without relying on external servers. Ideal for solo explorers or those testing mods, it lacks multiplayer interactions but offers a customizable, uninterrupted survival experience.
Players can adjust advanced parameters like breeding rates, weather intensity, and enemy spawn rates through the game’s extensive settings menu. The absence of server lag ensures smoother combat and exploration, especially when using high-resolution textures enabled by ASA’s Unreal Engine 5 upgrades. However, some late-game content like Alpha Boss fights may feel unbalanced without teammate support. For mod enthusiasts, single-player serves as a testing ground for custom maps or creature mods before deploying them in multiplayer environments.
What Are the Limitations of Non-Dedicated Servers in ASA?
Non-dedicated servers in ASA allow up to 4 players but enforce a “tether distance” that keeps guests near the host. This restricts exploration and causes lag if players stray too far. The host’s device handles all calculations, which may strain lower-end systems. Unlike dedicated servers, these sessions end when the host logs off, making them less stable for long-term play.
The tether distance – typically 200-300 meters by default – can be adjusted via console commands, though exceeding 500 meters often causes synchronization errors. Hosts using mid-tier PCs might experience frame rate drops when multiple players engage in activities like base-building or dinosaur taming simultaneously. Additionally, non-dedicated servers lack admin commands for resolving glitches, requiring manual intervention through save file edits. For groups prioritizing stability, renting a dedicated server remains preferable despite the added cost.
| Feature | Single-Player | Non-Dedicated |
|---|---|---|
| Max Players | 1 | 4 |
| Progress Saving | Local Device | Host’s Device |
| Mod Support | Full | Requires Sync |
Expert Views
“ARK: Survival Ascended refines the original’s multiplayer infrastructure but still leans on community-hosted solutions for scalability. The non-dedicated tether remains a pain point, though performance upgrades make it more manageable. For small groups, it’s a viable entry point, but serious clans should invest in dedicated servers to fully exploit ASA’s expanded modding and graphical capabilities.” — Industry Network Engineer
FAQs
- Can I Play ASA Single-Player Without an Internet Connection?
- Yes, single-player mode works offline. However, updating the game or downloading mods requires an internet connection.
- How Many Players Can Join a Non-Dedicated Server?
- Up to 4 players, including the host. The tether distance forces guests to stay within a set radius of the host.
- Are ASA’s Non-Dedicated Servers Free to Host?
- Yes, but they rely on the host’s hardware. For better performance, rent a dedicated server from third-party providers like Nitrado.