Can You Host a Dedicated Server and Play on Ark?

Greetings, Dev! Are you a die-hard Ark player wondering if it’s possible to host a dedicated server and play the game at the same time? The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a dedicated server and playing Ark simultaneously. Let’s get started!

Understanding Dedicated Servers

Before we dive into the topic of hosting a dedicated server and playing on it, let us explore what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is a type of server that is solely dedicated to a single user or organization. It is used to host websites, online games, and applications. Hosted on a remote server, a dedicated server offers full control and flexibility over the server’s resources.

Now that we’ve understood what a dedicated server is, let’s move on to hosting a dedicated server for playing Ark.

Setting up a Dedicated Server for Ark

Hosting a dedicated server for Ark involves a few steps. Make sure you have a powerful machine with good specifications to get the best performance. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Download the Ark Server Manager

The first step is to download the Ark Server Manager (ASM) from the official website. The ASM is a powerful tool that helps set up and manage the server. Once you have downloaded the ASM, install it on your machine.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

After installing the ASM, the next step is to configure the server settings. This includes setting up the server name, password, player count, and game mode. You can also change other settings such as difficulty level, resource spawn rates, and taming speeds. Make sure to choose the right settings that suit your gameplay style.

Step 3: Set up Port Forwarding

Port forwarding allows other players to connect to your server. To set up port forwarding, you need to open the ports on your router that ARK uses to allow incoming traffic. The default ports for Ark are 7777, 7778, and 27015. Check your router’s documentation to see how to do this.

Step 4: Launch the Server

After you have configured the server settings and set up port forwarding, you can launch the server. The server will take a few minutes to start up, depending on the resources of your machine.

Playing on the Dedicated Server

After setting up the dedicated server, it’s time to connect to it and start playing Ark. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Connect to the Server

To connect to your dedicated server, launch Ark and click on the ‘Join Ark’ button. In the server browser, enter the IP address of your server and click connect. You will need to enter the password you created in step 2 of the server setup.

Step 2: Enjoy Playing on Your Server

Once you’ve connected to your server, you can enjoy playing on it like any other server. The only difference is that you are the host, and you have full control over it.

FAQs

Can I play the game and host a server on the same machine?

Yes, you can play the game and host a server on the same machine. However, you need to make sure that your machine has enough resources to handle both tasks.

What are the minimum requirements for hosting a dedicated server?

The minimum requirements for hosting a dedicated server are as follows:

Processor	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
Memory	8 GB RAM
Storage	100 GB available space
Graphics	NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better

Can I run a dedicated server for Ark on a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?

Yes, you can run a dedicated server for Ark on a VPS. However, make sure that the VPS has enough resources to handle the server.

Can I run a dedicated server for Ark on Linux?

Yes, you can run a dedicated server for Ark on Linux. The process is similar to Windows, but you need to use the Linux version of the Ark Server Manager.

Can I customize the server settings?

Yes, you can customize the server settings to your liking. The Ark Server Manager allows you to modify various settings such as player count, game mode, and resource spawn rates.

Do I need a fast internet connection to host a dedicated server?

Yes, you need a fast internet connection to host a dedicated server. A slow internet connection can cause lag and latency issues, which can negatively affect the gameplay experience.

Conclusion

Hosting a dedicated server and playing Ark on it is possible and can be a great way to enjoy the game with friends or a community. However, it requires a bit of technical know-how and resources. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be up and running in no time. Have fun playing!