How to Fix ARK: Survival Evolved Fatal Error (LowLevelFatalError)

The error “Fatal Error/LowLevelFatalError” occurs when Unreal Engine 4, which powers ARK: Survival Evolved, encounters a critical issue related to memory, GPU rendering, or file corruption. This forces the game to crash to the desktop and display the error message.

There are several possible causes for this error, including corrupted game save files, outdated or incompatible graphics drivers, overlay or monitoring tools like RivaTuner or MSI Afterburner, broken or missing DirectX components, and outdated or conflicting mods after a recent game update.

Before trying the main fixes, it is highly recommended to perform these quick steps:

• Disable all mods temporarily to rule out compatibility issues.
• Ensure your system has enough available memory and CPU resources (ARK is a demanding game).
• Close background applications such as browsers, overlays, and screen recorders.
• Run the game as an administrator.
• Disable overclocking for your GPU or RAM (including XMP) temporarily, as unstable overclocking often causes Unreal Engine 4 crashes.

1. Flush DNS

Flushing the DNS cache removes outdated or corrupted domain records stored on your system. This is most useful if ARK crashes while syncing cloud saves or connecting to servers. Refreshing this cache forces your system to retrieve updated network routing information, which can help fix connectivity-related crashes.

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Type CMD in the search bar and run it as an administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   

4. Relaunch the game and check if the issue persists.

2. Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files (often caused by faulty mods or interrupted updates) can make ARK crash at startup or during gameplay. Verifying your game files through Steam scans each file against the official database and replaces any corrupted or missing files. This ensures your ARK installation remains clean and stable, which is critical for preventing engine-level crashes.

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on ARK: Survival Evolved and select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files tab.
4. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

3. Disable Unnecessary Software

Third-party software like MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner often run as overlays to monitor game performance. However, these overlays can interfere with ARK’s rendering process in Unreal Engine 4, leading to GPU conflicts and crashes. Disabling them can remove these conflicts and stabilize gameplay.

1. Close ARK completely.
2. Right-click on your Taskbar and select Task Manager.
3. Find MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) in the processes list.
4. Right-click each and choose End Task.
5. Go to the Startup tab and disable them from launching with Windows.

4. Restore a Backup Save

ARK save files can become corrupted due to crashes or improper shutdowns. When the game tries to load a damaged save, it may crash with a fatal error. ARK automatically creates an AntiCorruptionBackup file, which you can use to restore a working state. Warning: Always back up your current save files before making changes.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\SavedArksLocal
3. Locate files like: TheIsland.ark, TheIsland_AntiCorruptionBackup.bak, TheIsland.arktribe, TheIsland.arkprofile
4. Rename the current save (for safety): TheIsland.ark → TheIsland_corrupted.ark
5. Rename the backup file: TheIsland_AntiCorruptionBackup.bak → TheIsland.ark
6. Restart ARK and load your save.

5. Reinstall DirectX

DirectX is the core API ARK uses for rendering. If your DirectX installation is outdated or missing components, Unreal Engine 4 may not function correctly, leading to crashes. Note: The DirectX Web Installer primarily refreshes DirectX 9.0c components. For DirectX 11/12 (used by ARK), ensure Windows is fully updated.

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to the official Microsoft DirectX download page.
3. Download and run the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall or repair.
5. Restart your PC after completion.

6. Update Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause rendering conflicts with ARK’s Unreal Engine 4, leading to fatal crashes. Since ARK uses high GPU resources and advanced shaders, keeping your drivers updated ensures compatibility with DirectX and improves performance and stability.

Tip: If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to a previous version using Device Manager or performing a clean install with DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller).

For detailed instructions on updating your graphics drivers, follow this guide: How to Update Graphics Drivers in Windows? (AMD, Nvidia, Intel)

Additional Fixes to Try

• Run ARK in DirectX 11 mode: In Steam, right-click ARK → Properties → Launch Options → type -d3d11.
• Increase virtual memory: Go to System Properties → Advanced → Performance Settings → Virtual Memory and set a custom size.
• Disable Full-Screen Optimizations: Right-click ARK’s .exe → Properties → Compatibility → Check “Disable Full-Screen Optimizations.”
• Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables: Missing libraries can also cause Unreal Engine crashes.