ARK: How to Host a Local Server

Greetings, Dev! Are you a fan of ARK: Survival Evolved? Do you want to host your own local server to play with your friends? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to host a local server for ARK: Survival Evolved.

Why Host a Local Server?

Before we get started, you might be wondering why you would want to host a local server in the first place. Well, there are a few reasons:

Reasons to Host a Local Server	Benefits
Play with Friends	You have complete control over who can join your server.
Customize Gameplay	You can change server settings to suit your preferences.
Experiment with Mods	You can add mods to your server without affecting official servers.

Now that you know why hosting a local server can be useful, let’s dive into how to do it!

Step 1: Download ARK Server Manager

The first step in hosting a local ARK server is to download the ARK Server Manager tool. This software will make setting up and managing your server much easier.

You can download ARK Server Manager from their website: https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/

Once you’ve downloaded ARK Server Manager, run the installation file and follow the prompts to install it on your computer.

Supported Operating Systems

ARK Server Manager currently supports the following operating systems:

• Windows 7 or newer (64-bit)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 or newer (64-bit)

If you’re running a different operating system, you won’t be able to use ARK Server Manager.

Step 2: Configure Your Server Settings

Once you’ve installed ARK Server Manager, it’s time to configure your server settings. This is where you can customize your server to your liking.

Open ARK Server Manager and click on the “New” button to create a new server profile. You’ll be prompted to enter some basic information about your server, such as its name and IP address.

Next, click on the “Settings” tab to configure your server settings. Here, you can adjust things like the server’s difficulty level, the number of players that can join, and the server’s password.

Take some time to explore the various settings and adjust them to your preferences. You can always change them later if you need to.

Supported Game Modes

ARK Server Manager currently supports the following game modes:

• ARK: Survival Evolved
• ARK: Scorched Earth
• ARK: Aberration
• ARK: Extinction
• ARK: Ragnarok
• ARK: The Center
• ARK: The Island

Make sure you select the correct game mode when creating your server profile.

Step 3: Install ARK Dedicated Server

Now that you’ve configured your server settings, it’s time to install the ARK Dedicated Server software. This is what will actually run your server.

ARK Server Manager makes this process easy. Simply click on the “Tools” tab and then click on the “Install/Update ARK Dedicated Server” button. This will download and install the necessary software.

Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to configure some additional settings. Click on the “Settings” tab and then click on the “Game.ini” button. Here, you can adjust advanced server settings such as taming speed and resource respawn rates.

System Requirements

In order to run an ARK local server, your computer will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
• RAM: 8 GB or more
• Hard Drive Space: 100 GB or more
• Operating System: Windows 7 or newer (64-bit)

If your computer doesn’t meet these requirements, you may experience performance issues or be unable to run a local server at all.

Step 4: Launch Your Server

With everything configured and installed, it’s finally time to launch your server! Click on the “Start” button in ARK Server Manager to begin running the server.

You’ll see a command prompt window open, indicating that the server is running. This window will display important information about the server, such as its IP address and port number.

Step 5: Connect to Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, you can connect to it using ARK: Survival Evolved. Launch the game and click on the “Join ARK” button.

Enter the IP address and port number of your server, as displayed in the command prompt window. You may also need to enter the server password if you set one up.

Once you’ve entered the necessary information, click on the “Connect” button to join your server. Congratulations, you’re now playing on your very own local ARK server!

FAQ

Can I Run an ARK Server on a Virtual Machine?

Yes, it’s possible to run an ARK server on a virtual machine. However, it may not perform as well as running the server on a dedicated physical machine.

How Many Players Can Join My Local Server?

The number of players that can join your local server depends on the server settings you’ve configured. You can adjust the maximum number of players in ARK Server Manager.

Can I Host a Local Server Without ARK Server Manager?

Yes, it’s possible to host an ARK local server without using ARK Server Manager. However, this is a more advanced process and requires more technical knowledge.

Can I Use Mods on My Local Server?

Yes, you can add mods to your local server. Simply download the mods you want to use and add them to the “Mods” folder in the ARK Dedicated Server installation directory. Then, enable the mods in ARK Server Manager.

Can I Host a Local Server for Other Games?

Yes, it’s possible to host local servers for many different games, not just ARK: Survival Evolved. However, the specific process for each game will vary.

Conclusion

Hosting a local server for ARK: Survival Evolved is a fun and rewarding experience. You have complete control over your own gameplay experience and can play with your friends in a private environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to easily host your own local server and start playing today!