How to Host a PS4 Ark Server on PC

Welcome, Dev, to our comprehensive guide on hosting a PS4 Ark server on your PC. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your server up and running smoothly, including hardware requirements, software installation, and troubleshooting tips.

Hardware Requirements

Before we dive into the software, let’s take a quick look at the hardware requirements you’ll need to host a PS4 Ark server on your PC.

Component	Minimum Requirement	Recommended Requirement
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320	Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
RAM	8 GB	16 GB
Storage	100 GB SSD	250 GB SSD
Internet	10 Mbps upload speed	20 Mbps upload speed

Make sure your PC meets these hardware requirements before proceeding.

Software Installation

Now that you have the hardware requirements out of the way, it’s time to install the necessary software to host your PS4 Ark server. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Install Steam and Ark

The first step is to install Steam and Ark on your PC. If you haven’t done so already, create a Steam account and download the Steam client. Once you’ve installed Steam, search for Ark in the store and download the game.

Step 2: Download and Install the Dedicated Server Software

Next, you’ll need to download and install the dedicated server software. You can find the software on the Steam store page for Ark. Once you’ve downloaded the software, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 3: Configure the Server Settings

After installing the server software, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This includes setting the server name, password, map, and other settings. You can access the server settings from the Ark Dedicated Server Launcher.

Step 4: Launch the Server

Once you’ve configured the server settings, you’re ready to launch the server. Simply click the Launch Ark button in the launcher, and your server will start running.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the best hardware and software configurations, you might encounter some issues while hosting your PS4 Ark server on your PC. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot common problems:

Problem: Server Crashes Frequently

If your server is crashing frequently, try lowering the server settings like the Max player count, Max structures count, Max tamed dinos etc. You can also try optimizing your server hardware.

Problem: Players Can’t Connect to the Server

If your players are having trouble connecting to the server, make sure that the server is running and that you’ve forwarded the necessary ports on your router. You can also try disabling your firewall and antivirus temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Note that the following ports should be forwarded TCP: 7777, 7778, 27015, 27016

Problem: Server Performance is Poor

If your server performance is poor, try optimizing your server hardware like increasing the RAM, CPU or swap to SSD. Additionally, you can try reducing the server settings or upgrading your internet connection.

FAQ

Q1. How many players can join my PS4 Ark server?

A1. The maximum number of players that can join a PS4 Ark server is 70. However, the recommended player count is between 10-20.

Q2. Can I use mods on my PS4 Ark server?

A2. No, you cannot use mods on your PS4 Ark server. Mods are only supported on the PC version of the game.

Q3. Can I change the map on my PS4 Ark server?

A3. Yes, you can change the map on your PS4 Ark server. You can do this by updating the server settings in the Ark Dedicated Server Launcher.

Q4. Can players from other platforms join my PS4 Ark server?

A4. No, players from other platforms cannot join your PS4 Ark server. Currently, cross-platform play is not supported.

Q5. Can I run other programs on my PC while hosting a PS4 Ark server?

A5. Yes, you can run other programs on your PC while hosting a PS4 Ark server. However, make sure that those programs are not hogging resources from the server, or it may cause performance issues.

Conclusion

Hosting a PS4 Ark server on your PC may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own server for you and your friends to enjoy. Remember to follow the hardware requirements, install the necessary software, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Have fun!