How to Fix Lag Issues in ARK Survival Evolved

ARK Survival Evolved is a massively popular multiplayer game where players face off in a prehistoric world filled with wild creatures. But if you've been playing ARK for any significant amount of time, you've likely encountered a frustrating problem—lag. Whether you're trying to tame a dinosaur or just survive in the wild, lag can ruin your gaming experience, making everything feel delayed or unresponsive. In this article, we'll explore why lag occurs in ARK and, more importantly, how you can fix it for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

What Causes Lag in ARK Survival Evolved?

• Network Issues: Poor internet connection is one of the most common causes of lag. If your internet speed is slow or unreliable, your game data can take longer to travel to and from the server.
• High ping: This means there's a delay between your actions and the server's response, which can make everything feel sluggish.
• Server Overload: ARK's servers are known to handle a lot of players and a massive world at once. If the server you're playing on is overloaded, you may experience lag due to the server's inability to process all the data efficiently.
• Hardware Limitations: ARK is a graphically intense game. If your PC or console hardware isn't up to par, it can result in frame rate drops and stuttering—another form of lag.
• Game Settings: Sometimes, your in-game settings can also lead to lag. High-quality graphics settings, like ultra-res textures and shadow effects, require more processing power, which can strain your system and cause delays.

How Many Ways to Fix Lag in ARK Survival Evolved?

1. Use Game VPN - The Simplest Way

The reason why a gaming VPN is considered the best solution is that most lag is caused by network issues. Due to the complexity of networks, many players struggle with adjusting network configurations, and a gaming VPN can solve this problem through automated processes. Take GearUP Booster as an example; with just a few simple steps, it can diagnose a player's network status and automatically connect to the optimal route, instantly reducing game ping and lag. GearUP Booster is tailored for each game, allowing it to handle game traffic separately without affecting network access for other programs like web browsing or streaming, providing a truly differentiated experience. Currently, GearUP Booster has over 7,500 network nodes worldwide, offering solutions for every player.

Steps to Reduce Lag in ARK Survival Evolved:

Step 1: Click the button to download GearUP Booster (free trial).

Step 2: Search for ARK Survival Evolved.

Step 3: Select a server; you can choose from various official or unofficial servers.

Step 4: Confirm the optimization effect and launch the game.

2. Improve Your Network Connection

• Use a Wired Connection: Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can introduce instability and higher latency. Plugging your PC or console directly into the router with an Ethernet cable can offer a much more stable connection.
• Upgrade Your Internet Plan: Slow internet is often the culprit behind lag. Consider upgrading to a faster plan if you're dealing with frequent issues.
• Limit Other Devices on the Network: If multiple devices are using the internet at the same time, it can cause congestion and slow your connection down. Try to limit streaming, downloads, or any other bandwidth-heavy activities while you're playing ARK.

3. Optimize Your Game Settings

• Lower Graphics Quality: If your PC or console is struggling to keep up, lowering the graphics settings in ARK can help reduce lag. Focus on settings like shadow quality, texture detail, and post-processing effects.
• Adjust Network Settings: ARK allows you to tweak network-related settings. Try reducing the game's bandwidth usage or changing the server's region to one that's closer to you geographically. This can cut down on lag by minimizing the travel time of your data.

4. Upgrade Your Hardware

• Improve Your PC Performance: ARK is demanding on your computer's hardware. Consider upgrading your graphics card, CPU, or RAM if you're experiencing consistent lag. The better your hardware, the smoother your gameplay will be.
• Use a Gaming Router: Some high-performance routers are specifically designed to minimize lag and ensure a smooth online gaming experience. If your current router is outdated, it might be time to upgrade.

Additional Tips to Reduce Lag in ARK

Aside from improving your network and optimizing settings, here are some additional tips to help you reduce lag:

• Select the Right Server: Choose servers closer to your geographical location to minimize ping. Many ARK servers list their ping, so pick one with a lower latency for smoother gameplay.
• Clear Cache and Background Processes: Too many background applications running on your system can also slow down your game. Close unnecessary programs and clear your cache to free up system resources.
• Check for Game Updates: Developers often release patches to fix performance issues. Make sure your game is up to date to benefit from bug fixes and optimizations that can reduce lag.

Conclusion

Lag in ARK Survival Evolved can be a serious problem, but it's definitely something you can fix. By improving your network connection, optimizing your game settings, upgrading your hardware, and using tools like GearUP Booster, you can enjoy a lag-free gaming experience. Remember, lag can ruin your gameplay, but with the right approach and tools, you can say goodbye to frustrating delays and immerse yourself fully in the world of ARK. Happy gaming!