Skip to main content
An ARK: Survival Evolved server on FREAKHOSTING repeats waiting for rcon connection... and connect: connection refused in the console for several minutes while the map loads. That is normal. It is ready when the console shows Waiting commands for 127.0.0.1:27020. If that line never comes, check the Map name, remove recently added mods and look at the Checks box on Game settings.

​
Which console messages are normal?

On our test server the first start with The Island took about 10 minutes and used about 6 GB of memory. The panel shows “running” before the game is ready, so wait for the last line.

​
How to fix a server that never gets ready

1

Wait 15 minutes on a first start

The first start, a new map or many mods take longest.
2

Check the map name

A map name the game does not know stops the server from starting. On Game settings, pick a map without “(Ascended)”. On Startup, Server Map must be an ASE name such as TheIsland or ScorchedEarth_P. See change the map.
3

Remove new mods

Stop the server, clear the last mods you added from Mods, save and start. If it starts, add them back one at a time.
4

Check memory and disk

Open Statistics. If memory is at the limit or the disk is full, remove mods or old files, or open a ticket.
5

Restore a backup

If the problem started after a change you can’t find, restore a backup from before it.

​
Settings don’t save or reset after a restart

ARK rewrites GameUserSettings.ini when it shuts down and ignores changes made while it runs. Stop the server, change the settings in Game settings and click Review and save, then start it.

​
The admin password is not accepted

The Admin password may use letters, numbers, - and _ only, and can’t be empty. A password with other symbols is rejected. See become admin.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
What should I send support if it still won’t start?

Copy the last 20 lines of the console and say what you changed last (map, mods or settings). Open a ticket with that information.

​
Why does the server stop for a few seconds after I click Stop?

The panel saves the world (saveworld) and then shuts ARK down cleanly. It is usually offline in under 25 seconds.

​
Should I change the RCON or query port?

No. The panel console uses the RCON port and the server browser uses the query port. Leave both as they are.

ARK server guide

Every ARK page in one place.

Not showing in the list

Find and join your server.

Install mods

Mod ids and load order.

Restore a corrupt save

Roll back the world.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server, The Island). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026