Welcome Dev, if you’re looking for the best way to host an Ark Survival Evolved server, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your own server, including the hardware requirements, software options, and recommended settings. Whether you’re a seasoned Ark player or just getting started, this guide will help you create the ultimate Ark experience for you and your friends.
Hardware Requirements for Ark Server Hosting
Before you start hosting your own Ark server, you need to make sure your hardware can handle it. Here are the recommended hardware requirements for hosting an Ark server:
Component |
Minimum Requirements |
Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|---|
CPU |
Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 |
Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X |
RAM |
8 GB |
16 GB or more |
Storage |
50 GB SSD |
100 GB SSD or more |
Network |
10 Mbps upload speed |
20 Mbps upload speed or more |
Of course, these are just minimum and recommended requirements. If you have more powerful hardware, your server will perform even better.
Choosing the Right Operating System
Once you’ve made sure your hardware meets the requirements, you need to choose the right operating system to host your server. Here are the three most popular options:
Windows
Windows is the most popular operating system for Ark server hosting due to its ease of use and compatibility with most hosting providers. The downside is that it can be more expensive than other options.
Linux
Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is often used for server hosting. It is more difficult to set up than Windows, but it is also more customizable and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and manage dedicated game servers on Linux or Windows. It’s a good option if you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces and want more control over your server.
Installing and Setting Up Your Ark Server
Once you’ve chosen your operating system, it’s time to install and set up your server. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process for each operating system.
Installing and Setting Up an Ark Server on Windows
If you’ve chosen to host your server on Windows, here’s how to install and set it up:
Step 1: Download and Install Steam
The first thing you need to do is download and install Steam on your server. You can download it from the official website.
Step 2: Create a SteamCMD Folder
Next, you need to create a folder on your server where you’ll install the Ark server files. We recommend creating a new folder called “SteamCMD” in the root directory of your hard drive.
Step 3: Download and Install SteamCMD
After you’ve created your SteamCMD folder, you need to download and install SteamCMD. You can download it from the official website. Once you’ve downloaded it, extract the files to your SteamCMD folder.
Step 4: Install the Ark Server Files
Once you’ve installed SteamCMD, you can use it to download and install the Ark server files. Open a command prompt and navigate to your SteamCMD folder. Then, run the following command:
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:\SteamCMD\ark_server" +app_update 346110 validate +quit
Replace “C:\SteamCMD\ark_server” with the path to the folder where you want to install the server files.
Step 5: Configure Your Server Settings
After you’ve installed the server files, you need to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file in the “C:\SteamCMD\ark_server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” directory. Here are some recommended settings:
[ServerSettings]ServerAdminPassword=yourpasswordMaxPlayers=50ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier=1RCONEnabled=TrueRCONServerGameLogBuffer=600.0ShutdownIfNoPlayers=TrueDisallowJoinInProgress=TrueBanListURL=[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode]ServerPVE=TrueServerHardcore=False[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameSession]SessionName=Your Server Name[/Script/Engine.GameSession]MaxPlayers=50
Save the file and exit.
Installing and Setting Up an Ark Server on Linux
If you’ve chosen to host your server on Linux, here’s how to install and set it up:
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
The first thing you need to do is install SteamCMD on your Linux server. You can do this by running the following command:
sudo apt-get install steamcmd
Step 2: Create a SteamCMD Folder
Next, you need to create a folder on your server where you’ll install the Ark server files. We recommend creating a new folder called “SteamCMD” in the root directory of your hard drive.
Step 3: Download and Install the Ark Server Files
After you’ve created your SteamCMD folder, you need to download and install the Ark server files. Run the following command:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server +app_update 346110 validate +quit
Replace “/home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server” with the path to the folder where you want to install the server files.
Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings
After you’ve installed the server files, you need to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file in the “/home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer” directory. Here are some recommended settings:
[ServerSettings]ServerAdminPassword=yourpasswordMaxPlayers=50ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier=1RCONEnabled=TrueRCONServerGameLogBuffer=600.0ShutdownIfNoPlayers=TrueDisallowJoinInProgress=TrueBanListURL=[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode]ServerPVE=TrueServerHardcore=False[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameSession]SessionName=Your Server Name[/Script/Engine.GameSession]MaxPlayers=50
Save the file and exit.
Installing and Setting Up an Ark Server with SteamCMD
If you’ve chosen to use SteamCMD to host your server, here’s how to install and set it up:
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
The first thing you need to do is install SteamCMD on your server. You can download it from the official website.
Step 2: Create a SteamCMD Folder
Next, you need to create a folder on your server where you’ll install the Ark server files. We recommend creating a new folder called “SteamCMD” in the root directory of your hard drive.
Step 3: Download and Install the Ark Server Files
After you’ve created your SteamCMD folder, you need to download and install the Ark server files. Run the following command:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server +app_update 346110 validate +quit
Replace “/home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server” with the path to the folder where you want to install the server files.
Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings
After you’ve installed the server files, you need to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file in the “/home/user/SteamCMD/ark_server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer” directory. Here are some recommended settings:
[ServerSettings]ServerAdminPassword=yourpasswordMaxPlayers=50ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier=1RCONEnabled=TrueRCONServerGameLogBuffer=600.0ShutdownIfNoPlayers=TrueDisallowJoinInProgress=TrueBanListURL=[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode]ServerPVE=TrueServerHardcore=False[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameSession]SessionName=Your Server Name[/Script/Engine.GameSession]MaxPlayers=50
Save the file and exit.
FAQ
How much does it cost to host an Ark server?
The cost of hosting an Ark server varies depending on the hosting provider you choose and the hardware requirements of your server. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a basic server.
Can I host an Ark server on my own computer?
Yes, you can host an Ark server on your own computer, but we recommend using a hosting provider instead. Hosting a server on your own computer can be difficult and can cause performance issues on your computer.
What are the best settings for an Ark server?
The best settings for an Ark server depend on your preferences and the type of server you want to create. Some recommended settings include a 50-player limit, PVE mode, and a password-protected server.
Can I customize my Ark server?
Yes, you can customize your Ark server in a variety of ways, including adjusting the spawn rates, changing the difficulty level, and installing mods.
How do I connect to my Ark server?
To connect to your Ark server, you need to use the IP address and port number of your server. You can find this information in the GameUserSettings.ini file on your server.
Conclusion
Hosting your own Ark server can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can create the ultimate Ark experience for you and your friends. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ark community for help. Happy hosting!