Adjust Tether Limits in ARK Survival Ascended

The tether system in ARK: Survival Ascended restricts how far non-host players can venture from the session host in non-dedicated multiplayer sessions. This mechanic ensures game stability by limiting memory usage but often frustrates players seeking free exploration. Adjusting or removing this limit unlocks greater flexibility, allowing teams to spread out for resource gathering, base building, and dinosaur taming without constant reconnections.

Understanding the Tether Mechanic

In non-dedicated sessions, the host’s position acts as an anchor. Followers are pulled back if they exceed the tether range, typically around 180 meters by default on many setups. This prevents excessive world loading, which could crash lower-end systems. However, recent updates have expanded defaults to 800 meters on PC, providing more leeway without tweaks.

Tethers exist primarily for performance optimization. Public servers face stricter limits due to shared resources, but private non-dedicated hosts offer customization. Increasing the distance demands more RAM and CPU, risking lag or crashes on mid-range hardware.

In-Game Methods to Modify Tether Distance

The simplest approach starts directly in the game menu, ideal for quick sessions without file edits.

• Launch ARK: Survival Ascended and reach the main menu.
• Select Host/Local to enter session creation.
• Switch to the General tab.
• Locate Non-Dedicated Host Tether Distance—scale typically ranges from 1 (short) to 3 (about 180m max without further changes).
• Input a higher value if allowed, then hit Save.

This method caps at modest increases due to built-in safeguards. For PC players post-updates, defaults may already hit 800m, reducing the need for changes. Test in a low-stakes area to confirm the new range.

Advanced Config File Editing for Maximum Freedom

For values beyond in-game sliders, edit the GameUserSettings.ini file manually. This bypasses UI limits but requires caution to avoid corruption.

1. Close the game completely.
2. Navigate to: (Your Drive):\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK Survival Ascended\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\ (adjust for install path).
3. Open GameUserSettings.ini with Notepad.
4. Find the [ServerSettings] section.
5. Locate or add: ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier=10.0 (or higher, like 100 for extreme ranges).
6. Save, set file to read-only if desired, then relaunch.

Users report mixed results; some achieve vast distances, while others hit a 180m cap despite high values. Backup the file first and test incrementally.

Running a Dedicated Server to Eliminate Tethers

The ultimate solution: host a dedicated server, which removes tethers entirely. This shifts memory load but demands a robust PC.

• Download ARK server tools via Steam.
• Configure via ServerAdmin or batch files, setting -NoTether flags or max distances.
• Invite friends—no host proximity required.

Performance may dip with large maps or many players, as the server handles all entity tracking independently.

Performance Considerations and Best Practices

Higher tethers amplify resource demands. Here’s a comparison:

Monitor FPS and crashes. Lower graphics, close background apps, or use mods for optimization. Recent patches improved defaults, making tweaks less necessary.

Platform-Specific Differences

PC offers the most flexibility with configs and servers. Console players (PS4/PS5, Xbox) face limitations:

• PlayStation/Xbox: No config access; sliders max at 180m. Community requests sliders or removal persist.
• PC: Full edits possible, plus mods from CurseForge/Steam Workshop for tether overrides.

Crossplay sessions inherit host platform rules—PC hosts enable more options for console friends.

Mods and Community Solutions

Steam Workshop hosts tether mods adjusting scales dynamically. Search “tether remover” or “extended host range.” Install via in-game mod browser:

• Host/Local > Mods tab.
• Subscribe and enable.
• Restart session.

Mods risk instability with updates; verify compatibility.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problems arise often—here’s how to fix:

• Tether ignores changes: Verify file path, restart fully, check read-only status.
• Lag/Crashes: Reduce scale, upgrade RAM (16GB+ recommended).
• Console no option: Use PC host or await patches.
• Reverts on update: Re-edit post-patch; files regenerate.

Enable admin cheats (enablecheats) for testing without risk.

Why Tethers Persist and Future Outlook

Developers balance accessibility against hardware variance. Videos explain tethers prevent overload in co-op. Patches like the 800m PC extension show responsiveness. Watch official forums for removals.

FAQ

Q: Can I completely remove tethers on console?
A: Currently no, but sliders exist; dedicated servers unavailable.

Q: What’s the safest high tether value?
A: 5-10 for most systems; test incrementally.

Q: Does this work in single-player?
A: Single-player has no tethers by default.

Q: Mods required for unlimited range?
A: No, config edits suffice on PC.

Q: Crossplay tether follows host settings?
A: Yes, host dictates range.