Host Local Server Ark: Ultimate Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, are you looking to set up a local server for Ark? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about hosting a local server for Ark. From the benefits of having a dedicated server to the technical requirements of running it, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!

What is a Local Server?

Before we dive into the details of how to host a local server for Ark, let’s first understand what it is. A local server, also known as a dedicated server, is a machine that runs a game server software to host games like Ark. Unlike playing on a public server, hosting your own local server gives you complete control over the game settings and who can access it.

A local server can be hosted on your personal computer or a separate machine. It requires specific hardware and software requirements to run smoothly, which we will discuss later in this article.

Benefits of Hosting a Local Server for Ark

Hosting your own local server for Ark comes with many benefits, such as:

Technical Requirements for Hosting a Local Server for Ark

Now that we know the benefits of hosting a local server, let’s discuss the technical requirements.

Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements for hosting a local server for Ark vary depending on the number of players, the mods you want to use, and the map size. Here are the minimum requirements:

If you plan to host a large server with multiple mods and a large map size, you may need higher specs than the ones listed above.

Software Requirements

The software requirements for hosting a local server for Ark include:

• Windows 7 or higher operating system
• Steam
• Ark Server Manager or another server management tool

The server management tool helps you set up and manage your local server without any technical knowledge. We recommend using Ark Server Manager since it’s user-friendly and free to use.

How to Host a Local Server for Ark

Step 1: Install Steam and Ark

The first step in hosting a local server for Ark is to install Steam and Ark on your computer. You can download Steam from https://store.steampowered.com/about/ and Ark from the Steam store.

Step 2: Set up Port Forwarding

You need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow incoming traffic to your local server. The port number depends on the server you plan to host. For Ark, the default port is 27015. You can find detailed instructions on how to set up port forwarding on your router on https://portforward.com/router.htm.

Step 3: Install and Configure Ark Server Manager

Once you’ve installed Steam and Ark, download and install Ark Server Manager from https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/board/4/downloads. Open Ark Server Manager and click on “New Profile” to create a new server profile.

Enter the server name, password, and select the map and mods you want to use. You can also configure other settings like player limit, harvest rates, taming speed, etc.

After configuring the settings, click on “Save Profile” and then “Start/Update” to start the server.

Step 4: Connect to Your Local Server

To connect to your local server, open Ark and click on “Join Ark”. In the server browser, select “Unofficial PC Server”, and in the filter options, select “Session Name” and enter the name of your server. Click on “Refresh” to see the server and then click on “Join”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I host a local server for Ark on a Mac?

A: No, Ark Server Manager is only compatible with Windows operating system.

Q2: How many players can join my local server?

A: The number of players depends on the hardware and internet connection you have. You can adjust the player limit in the server settings.

Q3: Do I need a dedicated IP to host a local server?

A: No, you don’t need a dedicated IP to host a local server. You can use your local IP and set up port forwarding on your router to allow incoming traffic.

Q4: Can I use mods on my local server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your local server. Ark Server Manager allows you to install and manage mods easily.

Q5: Can I run a local server and play on it at the same time?

A: Yes, you can run a local server and play on it at the same time on the same machine or on different machines.

Conclusion

Hosting a local server for Ark is a great way to enhance your gaming experience and have complete control over the game settings. It requires specific hardware and software requirements, but with the help of server management tools like Ark Server Manager, setting up and managing a local server is easy even for non-technical users.

We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started with hosting a local server for Ark. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.