[FIXED] Assertion Failed: Array_Count in Ark

The error “Assertion failed: ARRAY_COUNT[CompareName] == ARRAY_COUNT[JumpURL]” in Ark usually shows up when you try to connect to a server or load a map, especially if you’re using unofficial or custom content. This error means the game found a problem with the files it uses to check map names and redirect you to the right map.

Assertion Failed Array_Count Ark

Most of the time, this happens because you’re missing or haven’t installed required DLCs like Genesis, Aberration, or Extinction, which the server or mod needs. It can also be caused by broken game files, workshop mods that you’ve unsubscribed from, or map files that aren’t set up correctly.

1. Launch the Game Directly from the Installation Directory

The assertion failed error may occur if Steam has trouble launching the game, or if the game’s desktop shortcut is corrupted. In this case, starting the game directly from its installation folder could resolve the issue.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the Ark game’s installation folder. By default, it is:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64
  2. Locate and double-click on ShooterGame.exe to launch Ark. Now check if the game runs without errors.
    Launch ShooterGame.Exe From the Installation Directory of the Game

2. Launch Steam/Ark With Administrator Privileges

Recent versions of Windows have stronger privacy and security protections, including User Account Control (UAC). The assertion failed error can occur if UAC prevents Ark or Steam from accessing important system resources. Running Steam or the game as an administrator allows it to get the permissions it needs.

  1. Right-click on your Steam shortcut and select Run as Administrator.
    Running the Steam client as an administrator
  2. Use Steam to launch Ark and check if the error is gone.
  3. If the error persists, exit Steam and use File Explorer to navigate to the Ark installation folder (see Solution 1).
  4. Right-click on ShooterGame.exe and select Run as Administrator.
  5. Check if this solves the problem.

3. Verify Integrity of Game Files

The error can also appear if Ark’s game files are corrupted. Verifying the integrity of the game files will scan for missing or corrupted files and automatically replace them with the correct versions from Steam.

  1. Restart your computer and open Steam. Then go to your Library.
  2. Right-click on Ark and select Properties from the menu.
    Open Properties of Ark in the Steam Library
  3. Go to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
    Verify Integrity of Game Files of Ark
  4. Wait for the process to complete. Once it’s done, check if the error is fixed.

4. Unsubscribe from All Mods and Reinstall Maps/DLC

Mods add custom content to Ark using the Steam Workshop (more info). If a mod is corrupted or not compatible with your game version, it can lead to assertion failed errors. Unsubscribing from all mods and reinstalling any maps or DLCs can help fix the problem.

  1. Open Steam and go to the Ark game menu.
  2. Select Content Manager.
    Open Content Manager of Ark in Steam
  3. In the left pane, click on Steam Workshop.
  4. In the right pane, click Unsubscribe All.
    Unsubscribe All Mods in Steam Workshop
  5. Open File Explorer and go to the Mods folder:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Content\Mods
    Delete the Contents of Mods Folder of Ark
  6. Back up the contents of this folder to a safe place, then delete everything inside the folder (but keep the Mods folder itself).
  7. Log out and exit Steam.
  8. Use Task Manager to end any Steam-related processes.
  9. Restart your computer, then open Steam and log in again.
  10. Go to your Library, right-click on Ark, and select Properties.
  11. Go to the DLC tab and Uncheck all DLC maps.
  12. If you don’t see a DLC tab, it means you don’t own the DLC. In that case, contact the owner of the game or DLC to install it for you.
  13. Open Steam Settings, click on Downloads in the left menu, and choose Clear Download Cache.
  14. Restart Steam and your computer. After the restart, verify the integrity of Ark’s game files again (see Solution 3).
  15. Reinstall your DLC/maps by re-checking the boxes in the DLC tab.
  16. Wait for the DLC/maps to finish downloading. Once done, check if the game is working properly.

5. Reinstall the Steam Client

If nothing else has worked, it’s possible that your Steam installation is corrupted. Reinstalling Steam may resolve the issue.

  1. Exit Steam and open File Explorer. Then, navigate to your Steam installation folder (default location is below):
    C:\Program Files\Steam
  2. Back up the steamapps folder to another safe location. This preserves your installed games.
    Backup SteamApps Folder
  3. On the Taskbar, click the Windows Search box and type Control Panel. Click on Control Panel in the results.
    Open Control Panel
  4. Click Uninstall a Program.
    Click Uninstall a Program in Control Panel
  5. Find Steam in the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
    Uninstall Steam
  6. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the uninstallation, then restart your computer.
  7. After restarting, download and install the latest version of the Steam client from the official website.
  8. Finally, reinstall the Ark game and its related maps/DLCs. Hopefully, this solves the problem.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.