Ark Survival Evolved PC Server Hosting: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Welcome, Dev! If you’re searching for a reliable way to play Ark Survival Evolved with your friends, you are in the right place. Setting up a server for this popular game can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry. In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step.

What is Ark Survival Evolved?

Ark Survival Evolved is a multiplayer survival game where players must survive and thrive on an island full of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Players can gather resources, build structures, tame animals, and even ride them. The game has both a single-player mode and a multiplayer mode where players can team up to survive together.

The Benefits of Playing on a Dedicated Server

Playing on a dedicated server has many benefits, especially for multiplayer games like Ark Survival Evolved. Here are a few reasons why dedicated servers are the way to go:

• You have full control over the server settings, including difficulty level, experience rates, and more.
• You can play with your friends or invite other players to join your server.
• You don’t have to worry about other players ruining your experience with hacking or cheating.
• You can customize the game to your liking by adding mods and plugins.

How to Host Your Own Dedicated Server

Hosting your own dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved requires a bit of technical knowledge, but it’s not too difficult. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Provider

The first step in hosting your own dedicated server is to choose a hosting provider. There are many different hosting providers out there, but not all of them are created equal. You’ll want to choose a provider that offers reliable servers, good customer support, and a fair price.

Table 1: Comparison of Popular Hosting Providers

Hosting Provider	Price per Month	Server Locations	Customer Support
Host Havoc	$15.00	US, Canada, Europe, Australia	24/7 Live Chat
Survival Servers	$14.99	US, Canada, Europe, Australia	24/7 Live Chat
GTX Gaming	$16.99	US, Canada, Europe, Australia	24/7 Live Chat

As you can see, there are many hosting providers to choose from. Take some time to compare prices and features to find the best option for your needs.

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that you’ll need to install and manage your dedicated server. Here’s how to install it:

1. Download SteamCMD from the official Valve website.
2. Unzip the file to a folder on your computer.
3. Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder where you unzipped SteamCMD.
4. Type the following command to install the latest version of SteamCMD:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\ark_server +app_update 346110 validate +quit

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

Once you have SteamCMD installed, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes setting the difficulty level, experience rates, and more. Here are the basic steps:

1. Open the folder where you installed SteamCMD and navigate to the “ShooterGame” folder.
2. Open the “Saved” folder and then open the “Config” folder.
3. Open the “WindowsServer” folder and then open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.
4. Change the settings to your liking.

Step 4: Start Your Server

Once you have your server settings configured, you’re ready to start your server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder where you installed SteamCMD.
2. Type the following command to start your server:

start /HIGH ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer -server -log

FAQ

Can I Run a Server on My Own Computer?

Yes, you can run a server on your own computer, but it’s not recommended. Running a server on your own computer can cause performance issues and may not be secure.

Can I Use Mods on My Server?

Yes, you can use mods on your server. Simply download the mods you want to use and install them on your server.

How Many Players Can I Have on My Server?

The number of players that you can have on your server depends on the server settings and the performance of your server. Most servers can handle anywhere from 10 to 100 players.

Can I Change the Server Settings After I’ve Started the Server?

Yes, you can change the server settings at any time by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

Can I Run Multiple Servers on the Same Machine?

Yes, you can run multiple servers on the same machine, but it’s not recommended. Running multiple servers can cause performance issues and may not be secure.

Conclusion

Hosting your own dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved can be a bit daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of technical know-how, it’s definitely doable. We hope this article has helped you get started on your own server-hosting adventure. Happy gaming!