Surviving the frozen, Gothic wastelands of Arat Prime in ARK: Lost Colony is one thing—but thriving in it is another. Choosing the right server can transform your adventure from a solo struggle into an epic, shared story with a vibrant community. Whether you’re looking for cooperative PvE clans, high-stakes PvP battles, or immersive Roleplay, the server you pick sets the stage for every encounter. This guide walks you through the unofficial server ecosystem, helps you find the perfect community cluster, and even offers tips if you want to start your own.
The Unofficial Server Landscape: By the Numbers
The unofficial server scene is massive, hosting the bulk of ARK: Survival Ascended gameplay. Here’s a snapshot of the current ecosystem for Lost Colony:
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Total Unofficial Servers: 32,000+
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Currently Online: ~13,500
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Lost Colony Popularity: 4th most-played map with 2,200+ active servers, surpassing classics like Extinction and Aberration
This data shows a strong community adoption for Lost Colony, making it easy to find an active, thriving server.
Types of Community Servers & Clusters
1. PvE Clusters (Player vs. Environment)
PvE clusters focus on cooperation, exploration, and building rather than constant conflict.
Example: Servers like The PACK ASA Cluster prioritize inclusivity and discourage raiding, offering boosted taming rates, QoL mods, and active admins.
Tips:
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Look for 7-map rotations including Lost Colony.
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Prioritize servers with helpful admins and clear rules.
2. PvP Clusters (Player vs. Player)
PvP servers cater to competitive players, emphasizing tribal warfare, raiding, and strategic dominance.
Example: A crossplay-enabled “NOWIPE” PvP cluster spanning 7 maps, with Lost Colony as the starting map.
Tips:
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Prepare for permanent consequences in “no-wipe” setups.
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Check player population and server latency for smooth gameplay.
3. Roleplay (RP) Servers
RP servers blend PvE/PvP with storytelling. Players create characters, follow faction-based rules, and engage in a shared narrative.
Tips:
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Expect strict rules and lore-driven gameplay.
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Join active Discords to stay involved in story events and server governance.
How to Find and Join Your Perfect Server
| Step | Action | Tips & Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define Your Needs | Decide PvE, PvP, or RP; crossplay or not; preferred mods and rates |
| 2 | Use Server Lists | ARK-Servers.net filters by map (Lost Colony), type, and tags |
| 3 | Join Community Hubs | Facebook, Discord, Reddit – check for cluster ads and player feedback |
| 4 | Investigate Thoroughly | Read rules, test community engagement, and check admin activity |
| 5 | Connect | Use in-game browser or direct IP; check crossplay compatibility |
Building Your Own Cluster: Key Considerations for Admins
If you’re aiming to run a community server:
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Technical Setup: Use a dedicated server host. Enable crossplay if desired.
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Mod Curation: Stick to a small set of stable QoL mods to prevent crashes.
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Clear Rules: Outline policies on griefing, base limits, and conflict resolution.
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Community Engagement: Organize events like building contests, boss fights, or dino races to keep players active.
Your Journey in Arat Prime Awaits
Whether your ideal experience is cooperative PvE or ruthless PvP, the perfect server exists. Invest time in research, explore community clusters, and connect with like-minded survivors. The frozen world of Lost Colony isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a stage for unforgettable stories. Your chapter in the ARK saga begins when you step into the right server.
✅ Community & Resources
ARK Official Website – Expansion announcements and dev updates
ARK Reddit (r/ARK & r/ARKSurvivalAscended) – Lore theories, player discoveries, and patch reactions
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