Welcome, Dev, to the ultimate guide on how to host an Ark server for free. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of hosting a server, from selecting a hosting provider to setting up your server and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you are new to Ark or a seasoned player, this guide will help you get your server up and running in no time.
What is Ark Server Hosting?
Ark server hosting is the process of creating and maintaining your own server for the game Ark: Survival Evolved. With your own server, you can control the settings and gameplay experience for yourself and your friends, without having to rely on the limitations of public servers.
While there are many paid hosting providers available, there are also ways to host your server for free, using a variety of methods. In this guide, we will explore the various options available to you, and help you decide which method is best for your needs.
The Benefits of Hosting Your Own Ark Server
There are many benefits to hosting your own Ark server, including:
Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|
Customization |
With your own server, you can customize the game settings to your liking, including difficulty, spawning rates, weather, and more. |
Control |
You have complete control over who can join your server, and can set rules and regulations for your players. |
Community Building |
Hosting your own server allows you to build a community of like-minded players, and foster friendships and alliances within the game. |
Flexibility |
You can set up and manage your server according to your own schedule and preferences, without having to work around the schedules of others. |
How to Host an Ark Server for Free
There are several methods for hosting an Ark server for free, depending on your technical expertise and the resources available to you. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Method 1: Hosting on Your Own PC
If you have a powerful computer and a stable internet connection, you can host your Ark server on your own PC. This method requires some technical knowledge and configuration, but can save you money in the long run.
To host an Ark server on your own PC, you will need to:
Step 1: Download and Install the Required Software
To start, you will need to download and install the necessary software to run an Ark server on your PC. This includes:
Software |
Description |
|---|---|
Ark Server Manager |
A free tool that makes it easy to set up and manage your server |
SteamCMD |
A command-line tool that lets you download and install the Ark server files |
Once you have downloaded and installed these programs, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Configure Your Router
In order for others to connect to your server, you will need to configure your router to forward incoming traffic to your PC. This process is called port forwarding, and requires some knowledge of your router’s settings and IP address.
To set up port forwarding, you will need to:
- Find your PC’s local IP address
- Access your router’s settings
- Configure your router to forward traffic on the Ark server ports (27015 and 7777)
Once you have completed these steps, you should be able to connect to your own server by launching Ark and selecting “Host/Local” from the main menu.
Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings
With your server up and running, you can now customize the game settings to your liking. This includes:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
Difficulty |
Determines the level of challenge for players |
Spawning Rates |
Controls how frequently and where different creatures spawn |
Weather |
Changes the frequency and severity of weather events |
Taming Speed |
Speeds up or slows down the process of taming creatures |
You can access these settings through the Ark Server Manager tool, or by editing the game files directly. Once you have made your changes, be sure to save and restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Share Your Server with Others
Now that your server is up and running, you can share it with others by giving them your public IP address and the port number you configured for your server. They can then connect to your server by selecting “Join Ark” from the main menu and entering your server information.
Method 2: Using a Free Hosting Provider
If hosting a server on your own PC seems too complicated, there are several free hosting providers available that offer pre-configured Ark servers for you to use. These providers offer varying levels of support and customization, but can be a good option for those who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of hosting their own server.
Some popular free hosting providers for Ark include:
Provider |
Description |
|---|---|
Host Havoc |
A popular paid hosting provider that offers free Ark server hosting with limited features |
Survival Servers |
Offers a free 24-hour trial of their Ark server hosting services |
ARK-Servers.net |
A community-driven server hosting platform that offers free and paid hosting options |
To set up your server with a free hosting provider, you will need to:
- Create an account with the hosting provider
- Select the Ark server hosting option
- Choose your server location and configuration options
- Configure your server settings and launch the server
Each hosting provider will have their own set of instructions and tutorials to help you get started, so be sure to follow their guidelines carefully.
Method 3: Using a Virtual Private Server (VPS)
A virtual private server (VPS) is a virtual machine that you can rent from a hosting provider, and use to host your own Ark server. This method is more advanced than using a free hosting provider, but offers more customization and control over your server.
To use a VPS for Ark server hosting, you will need to:
- Choose a VPS provider and select a plan that meets your needs
- Install the necessary software and configure your server settings
- Access your server through a remote desktop connection
While this method requires more technical knowledge and configuration than the other options, it can be a cost-effective way to host your server, especially if you plan on running other applications or services on the VPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to host an Ark server?
The cost of hosting an Ark server can vary widely, depending on the method you choose and the resources required to run your server. Free hosting providers and hosting on your own PC can be cost-effective options, while renting a VPS or using a paid hosting provider can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds per month.
Can I run mods on my Ark server?
Yes, you can run mods on your Ark server, but this will require additional configuration and setup. You can find a variety of mods on the Steam Workshop and other modding sites, and install them on your server using the Ark Server Manager tool or by editing the game files directly.
How many players can join my Ark server?
The number of players that can join your Ark server will depend on the resources available to your server, including CPU, memory, and bandwidth. Most servers can support between 10 and 100 players, depending on the server settings and gameplay experience.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with my Ark server?
Common issues with Ark servers include lag, crashes, and connectivity problems. To troubleshoot these issues, you can:
- Check your server logs for error messages
- Restart your server and try again
- Update your server software and game files
- Adjust your server settings to reduce resource usage
- Check your network and router settings for any issues
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, you may need to seek help from the Ark community or your hosting provider.
Conclusion
Hosting your own Ark server can be a rewarding and fun experience, but requires some technical knowledge and configuration to get started. Whether you choose to host on your own PC, use a free hosting provider, or rent a VPS, there are many options available to you for hosting your server for free. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the process and made it easier for you to get started on your Ark server hosting journey.