ARK Dedicated Server and Non-Dedicated Server

Greetings Dev! Are you new to the world of ARK: Survival Evolved and wondering whether to use a dedicated or non-dedicated server to host your game? This article is for you.

Introduction to ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular online survival game that has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. The game features a range of creatures, weapons, and tools that can be used to survive in a dangerous world filled with challenges and opportunities.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a physical server that is exclusively used to host a single game instance. This means that the server is not shared with other players and can be customized to suit the needs of the players.

Benefits of Using a Dedicated Server

Using a dedicated server has several benefits, including:

Benefits
Explanation
Full Control
As the sole user of the server, you have full control over the game settings and can customize them to your liking.
No Lag
Since there are no other players on the server, you are less likely to experience lag or network issues.
Increased Security
A dedicated server is less likely to be hacked or attacked since it is not shared with other players.
Scalability
You can easily add more resources to the server as your needs grow.

Disadvantages of Using a Dedicated Server

Some of the disadvantages of using a dedicated server include:

Disadvantages
Explanation
Expensive
Dedicated servers can be expensive, especially if you require a lot of resources.
Requires Technical Knowledge
Setting up and managing a dedicated server can be difficult and requires some technical knowledge.
No Cross-Platform Play
Since a dedicated server is only used by a single platform, you cannot play with players from other platforms.

What is a Non-Dedicated Server?

A non-dedicated server is a server that is hosted on the same computer as the game instance. This means that the server is shared with other players and may limit the resources available for each player.

Benefits of Using a Non-Dedicated Server

Using a non-dedicated server has several benefits, including:

Benefits
Explanation
Low Cost
Non-dedicated servers are relatively inexpensive and can be set up quickly and easily.
No Technical Knowledge Required
Setting up a non-dedicated server does not require technical knowledge and can be done by anyone.
Cross-Platform Play
Since a non-dedicated server is shared with other players, you can play with players from other platforms.

Disadvantages of Using a Non-Dedicated Server

Some of the disadvantages of using a non-dedicated server include:

Disadvantages
Explanation
Lag and Network Issues
Since the server is shared with other players, you may experience lag or network issues during gameplay.
Less Control
Since the server is shared with other players, you have limited control over the game settings.
Limited Resources
The resources available for each player may be limited due to the shared nature of the server.
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Which Server Should You Choose?

The choice between a dedicated server and a non-dedicated server depends on your needs and budget. If you require full control over the game settings and have the technical knowledge and budget to set up and manage a dedicated server, then a dedicated server may be the best option for you.

On the other hand, if you are on a low budget and want to set up a server quickly and easily, then a non-dedicated server may be the best option for you.

FAQ

1. Can I upgrade from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server?

Yes, you can upgrade from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server by setting up a new dedicated server and transferring the game data from the non-dedicated server to the dedicated server.

2. Can I play with players from other platforms on a dedicated server?

No, since a dedicated server is only used by a single platform, you cannot play with players from other platforms.

3. Can I customize the game settings on a non-dedicated server?

Yes, you can customize the game settings on a non-dedicated server, but the settings may be limited compared to a dedicated server.

4. Can I host a dedicated server on a cloud provider?

Yes, you can host a dedicated server on a cloud provider, but it may be more expensive than hosting it on your own physical server.

5. What are some tips for setting up and managing a dedicated server?

Some tips for setting up and managing a dedicated server include:

  • Choose a reliable hosting provider
  • Configure the server correctly
  • Update the server regularly
  • Secure the server against attacks