Ark Survival Evolved Host Local Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings Dev! Are you an avid player of Ark Survival Evolved and looking to host your own local server? Look no further because this article will guide you through the steps and provide valuable insights to make your gaming experience more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Ark Survival Evolved is a game that has captivated the gaming community since its initial release in 2017. It is a multiplayer game that allows players to gather resources, build structures, and tame dinosaurs in a prehistoric environment. The game’s popularity has led to the development of various mods and the ability to host your own local server.

Hosting your own local server can be a challenging task, but it can also be a rewarding experience. You have complete control over the server settings, and you can customize the game to your liking. With that said, let’s get started on how to host a local server for Ark Survival Evolved.

System Requirements

Before we dive into the hosting process, let’s take a look at the system requirements for hosting an Ark Survival Evolved server.

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
CPU: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	CPU: Intel Core i7-3770/AMD FX-8350 or better
RAM: 8GB DDR3	RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 60GB HDD	Storage: 60GB SSD
Internet: Broadband Internet Connection	Internet: Broadband Internet Connection

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the number of players on the server and the mods installed. It is recommended to have a higher-end system to ensure smooth gameplay.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

The first step in hosting a local server is to download SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line tool that is used to download and update dedicated servers for various games.

To download SteamCMD, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Navigate to the following URL: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD
3. Click on the “Windows” link to download SteamCMD for Windows.
4. Extract the downloaded file to a location of your choice.

Step 2: Create a New Steam Account

Next, you will need to create a new Steam account dedicated to hosting the server. This is important because it allows you to separate your personal account from the server account.

To create a new Steam account, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Navigate to the following URL: https://store.steampowered.com/join/
3. Fill out the required information and create a new account.

Step 3: Log in to SteamCMD

After creating a new Steam account, you will need to log in to SteamCMD using the account credentials.

To log in to SteamCMD, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal on your computer.
2. Navigate to the directory where SteamCMD was downloaded.
3. Type the following command: “steamcmd +login [username] [password]”
4. Press Enter.

Step 4: Install the Ark Survival Evolved Server

Once logged in to SteamCMD, you will need to install the Ark Survival Evolved server. This can be done by using the following command:

“app_update 376030 validate”

This will download and install the server files for Ark Survival Evolved. The process may take some time, depending on your internet speed.

Step 5: Configure the Server

After installing the server files, you will need to configure the server settings. This includes setting up the server name, password, and other settings. The server configuration file can be found in the following directory:

“[SteamCMD Directory]\steamapps\common\ARKSurvivalEvolved\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\GameUserSettings.ini”

Edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” file using a text editor, and customize the settings to your liking.

FAQ

1. How do I add mods to my Ark Survival Evolved local server?

To add mods to your local server, follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to the mods on the Steam Workshop.
2. Launch the game and wait for the mods to download.
3. Open the Ark Survival Evolved game directory.
4. Navigate to the following directory: “ShooterGame\Content\Mods”.
5. Copy the mod folders from the Steam Workshop folder to the “Mods” folder in the game directory.
6. Launch the game and enable the mods in the settings.

2. How many players can join my local server?

The number of players that can join your local server depends on your system specifications and internet connection. It is recommended to have a higher-end system and internet connection for a larger number of players.

3. Can I host a local server without SteamCMD?

No, SteamCMD is required to download and install the server files for Ark Survival Evolved.

4. How do I join my own local server?

To join your own local server, launch the game and click on “Join Ark”. Enter “localhost” or “127.0.0.1” in the server address and click “Connect”.

5. Can I host a local server with mods on console?

No, hosting a local server with mods is only available on PC.

Conclusion

Hosting your own local server for Ark Survival Evolved can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the steps in this guide, you can customize your server settings and enjoy a more personalized gaming experience. Don’t forget to upgrade your system specifications and internet connection for optimal performance. Happy gaming, Dev!