Can I Host My Own Ark Server?

Greetings, Dev! Are you looking for a way to play Ark with your friends without having to rely on public servers? You might be wondering if it’s possible to host your own Ark server. In this article, we’ll answer your questions and guide you through the process of setting up your own server. Let’s get started!

What is Ark?

Ark: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival video game. It’s set in an open world environment where players must survive on an island filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The game is widely popular, and it has a huge community of players who love to play together. To do that, they use servers, which allow them to connect and play with others from all over the world.

How do I play Ark?

You can play Ark on your PC, console, or mobile device. The game is available on platforms such as Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, and Android. Once you have the game, you can join official servers or private servers hosted by other players. You can also create your own server, which is what we’ll focus on in this article.

Can I Host My Own Ark Server?

Yes, you can! Ark provides players with the tools to host their own servers, whether they’re setting it up for themselves or for a group of friends. By doing so, you can customize your server to suit your preferences, and you don’t have to worry about other players affecting your gameplay. Here’s what you need to know.

What do I need to host an Ark server?

To host an Ark server, you need a powerful enough computer with good internet connection. The server will run in the background, and it will use up some of your computer resources, such as CPU and RAM. You’ll also need to have the game installed on your computer, as well as the server software. The server software is available for free on the Steam store.

What are the benefits of hosting my own server?

Hosting your own Ark server can provide you with many benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider hosting your own server:

• You can customize the server settings to suit your gameplay preferences
• You can control who can join your server and who can’t
• You can invite your friends to play and have a private, exclusive gaming experience

What are the downsides of hosting my own server?

While hosting your own Ark server can be a great option, there are some downsides you should be aware of before you get started. These include:

• The server will consume some of your computer resources, which means you might experience some lag or slowdown on your computer
• You’ll be responsible for maintaining and updating the server software
• You’ll need to be available to troubleshoot any issues that arise on the server

How to Host Your Own Ark Server

Now that you know the basics of hosting an Ark server, let’s walk through the steps to set up your own. We’ll break it down into five simple steps:

Step 1: Install the Server Software

The first step to hosting your own Ark server is to install the server software. You can download the software for free on the Steam store. Once you have the software installed, you’ll need to configure it to your liking.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

Next, you’ll need to configure the server settings to your preferences. This includes things like the map you want to use, the number of players allowed on the server, and the server password, if you want to keep it private.

Step 3: Port Forward Your Router

To make your server accessible to others over the internet, you’ll need to port forward your router. This allows traffic to pass through your router and reach your server. The exact steps to port forward your router will depend on your router model, so you’ll need to consult the router manual for specific instructions.

Step 4: Invite Players to Join Your Server

Once your server is up and running, you can invite your friends to join your server. They’ll need to know your server’s IP address and port number in order to connect.

Step 5: Have Fun!

With your server set up and your friends joining in, it’s time to have some fun! Customize the gameplay to your liking, and enjoy a private Ark experience with your friends.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about hosting an Ark server:

Do I need a powerful computer to host an Ark server?

Yes, you’ll need a computer with a decent amount of RAM and a powerful CPU. The more players you have on your server, the more resources it will consume.

How many players can join my server?

The number of players that can join your server will depend on the server settings you choose. The maximum number of players allowed on a server is 70.

Can I customize the settings on my server?

Yes, you can customize many aspects of your server settings, including the map, the difficulty, and the number of players.

Can I charge players to join my server?

No, charging players to join your Ark server is against the game’s terms of service. You can, however, accept voluntary donations.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark server can be a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. While it does require some technical know-how and resources, it’s a rewarding experience that can give you complete control over your gaming environment. We hope this guide has helped you understand the process of hosting an Ark server and has inspired you to try it out for yourself. Good luck, and have fun!