Ark: How to Host a Non Dedicated Server on PC

Hello Dev, are you interested in playing Ark: Survival Evolved with your friends on a non dedicated server? Well, you are in the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of hosting a non dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved on your PC. But first, let’s discuss what a non dedicated server is and its advantages.

What is a Non Dedicated Server?

A non dedicated server is a type of server in which the host and players are all on the same machine, in this case, your PC. This means that you don’t have to rent a server or pay any server fees. Non dedicated servers are ideal for playing with a small group of friends and family because it provides a private and personalized gaming experience.

Advantages of Non Dedicated Servers

There are several advantages of hosting a non dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved. Here are some of them:

Advantages
Description
Personalized Gaming Experience
You have complete control over the game settings and can tailor the gameplay to your liking.
Private Server
Only people you invite can join the game, so you don’t have to worry about strangers joining in and ruining the experience.
No Server Fees
Since you are hosting the server on your PC, you don’t have to pay any server fees or rent a server.

Requirements for Hosting a Non Dedicated Server

Before we proceed with the steps to host a non dedicated server, there are certain requirements that you need to meet. Here are the minimum requirements:

  • A PC with Windows 7, 8, or 10
  • 4GB of RAM
  • At least 10GB of free disk space
  • A good internet connection
  • The game, Ark: Survival Evolved installed on your PC

If you meet these requirements, you are good to go. Let’s proceed with the steps to host a non dedicated server.

Step-by-Step Guide to Host a Non Dedicated Server on PC

Step 1: Port Forwarding

The first step in hosting a non dedicated server is to forward the game’s ports on your router. This enables your PC to communicate with other players who want to join your game. Here are the steps to port forward:

  1. Open your router’s settings page.
  2. Look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” option.
  3. Add a new rule for the port range 27015-27017 and select “TCP/UDP” as the protocol.
  4. Save the settings and restart your router.

Once you have successfully port forwarded, you can proceed with the next step.

Step 2: Launching Ark: Survival Evolved

The next step is to launch Ark: Survival Evolved and set up your game. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch Ark: Survival Evolved on your PC.
  2. Click on the “Host/Local” option on the main menu.
  3. Select “Host Non-Dedicated Server”.
  4. Select the map you want to play on and click “Host”.
  5. You will be directed to the game settings page. Here, you can customize the game settings to your liking. You can set the difficulty level, the taming speed, the number of players, and more.
  6. Once you have customized the settings, click “Play Single Player” to start the game.
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You have successfully hosted a non dedicated server on your PC. Your friends can now join the game by selecting your name from their friends list and clicking “Join Game”.

FAQs

1. How many players can join a non dedicated server?

You can have a maximum of eight players in a non dedicated server, including the host.

2. Can I play on a non dedicated server without an internet connection?

No, you need a stable internet connection to play on a non dedicated server.

3. Can I password protect my non dedicated server?

Yes, you can password protect your non dedicated server to prevent unauthorized access. You can set a password in the game settings.

4. Can I save my progress in a non dedicated server?

Yes, you can save your progress in a non dedicated server by clicking “Save and Exit” in the game menu. This will create a save file that you can load later.

5. Can I use mods on a non dedicated server?

Yes, you can use mods on a non dedicated server, but all players must have the same mods installed to join the game.

Conclusion

Hosting a non dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved on your PC is easy and cost-effective. With this guide, you can set up your game and start playing with your friends in no time. Remember to follow the requirements and steps carefully to avoid any issues. Have fun!