Free ARK Xbox Server Hosting: How to Host Your Own Gaming Server

Hello Dev! As a fellow gamer, you know that having your own ARK Xbox server can provide you with an unmatched gaming experience. You get to customize the server, invite your friends to play, and have control over the game settings. The good news is that hosting your own server doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to get started with free ARK Xbox server hosting.

What is ARK Xbox Server Hosting?

Before we dive in, let’s define what ARK Xbox server hosting is. ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world game where players survive in a dinosaur-filled landscape. To play with others, you need to join a server. However, you can also create your own server, which is known as hosting. Hosting your own ARK Xbox server enables you to customize the game settings, manage players, and create a unique gaming experience.

Why Host Your Own ARK Xbox Server?

Hosting your own ARK Xbox server has several advantages:

Advantages
Description
Customization
You have full control over the game settings, such as the difficulty level, player count, and mods.
Privacy
You can limit who can access the server, ensuring that only your friends or trusted players can join.
Stability
You can ensure a stable connection and minimize lag by choosing a reliable hosting provider.
Cost
Hosting your own server can be cheaper than paying for a subscription to a third-party hosting service.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore how to host your own ARK Xbox server for free.

How to Host Your Own ARK Xbox Server for Free

Step 1: Check Your Network and System Requirements

Before you start hosting your own ARK Xbox server, you need to ensure that your network and system meet the requirements. Here are the minimum requirements:

Requirements
Description
Network
You need a stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload speed. Also, make sure your router supports port forwarding.
System
You need a PC or laptop with a minimum of 8 GB RAM, Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent processor, and a dedicated GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM.

If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Download and Install the Dedicated Server Software

To host your own ARK Xbox server, you need to download and install the dedicated server software. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the ARK: Survival Evolved website and download the dedicated server software.
  2. Extract the downloaded files to a folder on your computer.
  3. Run the “steamcmd.exe” file to install the SteamCMD tool.
  4. Use the SteamCMD tool to download the ARK dedicated server files.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to configure the server settings.

Step 3: Configure the Server Settings

Configuring the server settings allows you to customize the gaming experience for you and your players. Here are some of the settings you can change:

Settings
Description
Difficulty
You can adjust the difficulty level to make the game more challenging or easier.
Taming Speed
You can change the taming speed to make it faster or slower.
Player Count
You can set a limit on the number of players who can join the server.
Mods
You can add mods to the server to enhance the gaming experience.
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To configure the server settings, you need to edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder. Make sure to save the changes before starting the server.

Step 4: Start the Server and Invite Players

Once you’ve configured the server settings, you’re ready to start the server and invite players. Here’s how:

  1. Run the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file to start the server.
  2. Open the game on your Xbox and select “Join ARK.”
  3. Click the “Unofficial PC Sessions” tab and search for your server name.
  4. Join the server and invite your friends to play.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I host an ARK Xbox server for free?

Yes, you can host an ARK Xbox server for free by downloading and installing the dedicated server software and configuring the server settings. However, you need a stable internet connection and a PC or laptop that meets the minimum system requirements.

2. How do I customize the server settings?

You can customize the server settings by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder. You can adjust the difficulty level, taming speed, player count, and add mods to enhance the gaming experience.

3. Can I limit who can join my server?

Yes, you can limit who can join your server by setting a server password or whitelisting players. This ensures that only your friends or trusted players can access the server.

4. How do I start the server?

You can start the server by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file. Make sure to configure the server settings before starting the server.

We hope this guide has helped you get started with hosting your own ARK Xbox server for free. Happy gaming!

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