Ark Server Hosting on Steam: The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Hi Dev, are you looking for the best server hosting options for your Ark game on Steam? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Ark server hosting on Steam. From the basics of server hosting to getting the best performance from your server, we’ve got all the information you need.

What is Ark: Survival Evolved?

Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. Players are stranded on an island filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and must gather resources and build structures in order to survive. The game can be played on multiple platforms, including Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

What is Ark Server Hosting?

In order to play Ark: Survival Evolved with a group of friends, you need to host a server. An Ark server is a dedicated server that allows multiple players to join at the same time. You can either host a server on your own computer or rent one from a hosting company.

Hosting your own server can be a bit complicated, as it requires you to have a good internet connection and plenty of technical know-how. On the other hand, renting a server from a hosting company can be expensive, but it gives you more control over the server and usually comes with better performance.

How to Host an Ark Server on Steam

Step One: Downloading the Game Server

The first step in hosting an Ark server on Steam is to download the game server software. You can do this by going to the Steam library and selecting “Tools”. Find “Ark: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” on the list, right-click it, and choose “Install Game…”.

Once the download is complete, you’ll have access to the server software.

Step Two: Configuring the Server

Before you can start the server, you need to configure it to your liking. This includes things like server settings, game modes, and mods. You can do this by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files in the server’s directory.

If you’re not sure where to start with the configuration, we recommend checking out the official Ark: Survival Evolved wiki for some helpful guides and tutorials.

Step Three: Starting the Server

Once you’ve configured the server to your liking, you can start it up by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file in the server’s directory. You’ll see a command prompt window appear, and the server will start up in the background.

Now you’re ready to invite your friends to join the server! Simply give them the server’s IP address and port number, and they’ll be able to connect through the in-game server browser.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

Factors to Consider

If you’d rather not host your own server, there are plenty of hosting providers available that specialize in hosting Ark servers. Choosing the right provider can be a bit overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to consider:

Top Hosting Providers

Here are a few of our top picks for Ark server hosting providers:

1. Host Havoc

Host Havoc is a popular provider that offers dedicated server hosting for Ark: Survival Evolved. They offer a variety of pricing plans, with prices starting at $13.50 per month. They have servers located in North America, Europe, and Australia, and offer solid performance and reliability.

2. Survival Servers

Survival Servers is another great option for hosting your Ark server. They offer a range of pricing plans, with prices starting at $12.50 per month. They have servers located in North America, Europe, and Asia, and offer excellent performance and customer support.

3. GTX Gaming

GTX Gaming is a UK-based hosting provider that offers dedicated server hosting for Ark: Survival Evolved. They offer a variety of pricing plans, with prices starting at £7.50 per month. They have servers located in Europe, North America, and Australia, and offer good performance and customer support.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Connection Issues

If you or your players are having trouble connecting to the server, there are a few things you can check:

• Make sure both your computer and the server are connected to the internet.
• Make sure the server is running and hasn’t crashed.
• Check that the server’s IP address and port number are correct.

2. Performance Issues

If you’re experiencing lag or low FPS on the server, there are a few things you can try:

• Reduce the graphics settings in the game.
• Lower the number of players on the server.
• Upgrade your server hardware or switch to a different hosting provider.

3. Mod Issues

If you’re having trouble getting mods to work on the server, there are a few things you can check:

• Make sure the mods are installed correctly on the server.
• Check that the mods are compatible with the server’s version of the game.
• Try disabling other mods to see if there’s a conflict.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to host your own server or rent one from a provider, setting up an Ark server on Steam is a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. With the tips and information provided in this guide, you should be well on your way to hosting the ultimate Ark server!

FAQs

1. What are some good mods to install on an Ark server?

Some popular mods for Ark: Survival Evolved include:

• Structures Plus
• Platforms Plus
• Classic Flyers
• Ark Steampunk Mod
• Primal Fear

2. Can I transfer my character and items between servers?

Yes, you can transfer your character and items between servers using the “Obelisk” or “Drop” system in-game.

3. What is the maximum number of players I can have on my server?

The maximum number of players you can have on your server depends on the hardware and hosting provider you’re using. Most providers offer servers with a maximum capacity of 100 players.

4. Can I use mods on a rented server?

Yes, most hosting providers allow you to install and use mods on your rented server.