Ark: How to Host a Private Server

Hello Dev, are you looking to host your own private server for Ark: Survival Evolved? If you’re tired of joining overcrowded public servers or want to play with your friends on your own terms, hosting a private server is the way to go. In this journal article, we will guide you through the process of hosting your own private server for Ark: Survival Evolved.

Step 1: Choosing the right server hosting provider

The first step in hosting your own private server is finding a reliable and trustworthy hosting provider. You can host your own server on your own hardware, but this is not recommended as it can be expensive and requires technical knowledge. Instead, we recommend using a hosting provider that specializes in game servers.

When choosing a hosting provider, you should consider factors such as server location, server performance, customer support, and pricing. Some popular hosting providers for Ark: Survival Evolved include:

Hosting Provider	Price (per month)	Server Location
Nitrado	$13.50	North America, Europe, Australia
Survival Servers	$15	North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
GTXGaming	$15	North America, Europe, Asia, Australia

Before choosing a hosting provider, make sure to read reviews and compare pricing and features to ensure you find the right provider for your needs.

Step 2: Setting up your server

Once you have chosen a hosting provider, the next step is setting up your server. Most hosting providers offer a user-friendly control panel that allows you to customize your server settings and install mods.

When setting up your server, you should consider factors such as server settings, map selection, and mod installation. Here are some recommended server settings for Ark: Survival Evolved:

• Difficulty: 5
• Taming Speed: 5
• Gathering Speed: 5
• XP Multiplier: 2
• Crop Growth Speed: 5
• Egg Hatch Speed: 5
• Mating Interval: 0.5

As for map selection, we recommend using the default map, The Island, for the best performance and compatibility with mods. However, you can also choose from other maps such as Ragnarok, Valguero, and Crystal Isles.

To install mods on your server, you can use the Steam Workshop or manually upload the mod files to your server using FTP. Make sure to only install mods that are compatible with the current version of Ark: Survival Evolved and check for any conflicts between mods.

Step 3: Configuring your server settings

After setting up your server, the next step is configuring your server settings. This includes settings such as player and tribe limits, dino spawns, and resource respawn rates.

Here are some recommended server settings for Ark: Survival Evolved:

• Max Players: 20
• Max Tribes: 5
• Max Tamed Dinos: 200
• Resource Respawn Interval: 0.5
• Dino Spawn Interval: 0.5
• Dino Respawn Interval: 0.5

You can adjust these settings to your liking using the server control panel. Make sure to save your changes and restart your server for the settings to take effect.

Step 4: Inviting players to your server

Once your server is up and running, the final step is inviting players to join. To do this, you will need to share your server’s IP address and port number with your friends.

To find your server’s IP address and port number, log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and look for the server information. You can then share this information with your friends and they can join your server by typing in the IP address and port number in the game’s server browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to host a private server for Ark: Survival Evolved?

A: The cost of hosting a private server for Ark: Survival Evolved varies depending on the hosting provider and the size of the server. Most hosting providers offer plans starting at around $10-$15 per month.

Q: Can I host a private server on my own hardware?

A: Yes, you can host a private server on your own hardware. However, this is not recommended as it can be expensive and requires technical knowledge.

Q: How many players can join my private server?

A: The number of players that can join your private server depends on the server settings and the performance of your hosting provider’s hardware. Most hosting providers offer plans that support up to 100 players.

Q: How do I install mods on my private server?

A: You can install mods on your private server using the Steam Workshop or by manually uploading the mod files to your server using FTP. Make sure to only install mods that are compatible with the current version of Ark: Survival Evolved and check for any conflicts between mods.

Q: Can I customize the server settings on my private server?

A: Yes, you can customize the server settings on your private server using the server control panel provided by your hosting provider.