Host Private Server Ark: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Hello Dev! If you’re an avid player of Ark: Survival Evolved, hosting your own private server is a great way to have complete control over your game. Not only can you set your own rules and invite your friends to play, but you can also tweak the game settings to your liking. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to host your own private server for Ark.

1. Choosing Your Server Hosting Provider

The first step in hosting a private server for Ark is choosing a server hosting provider. There are many hosting companies that offer services for Ark servers, but some are better than others. Before choosing a hosting provider, consider the following:

Location and Latency

When choosing a server hosting provider, consider the location of the servers. You want your server to be located in a region that is close to you and your players to minimize latency. Additionally, make sure the hosting provider uses high-quality, low-latency hardware for optimal performance.

Price and Plans

Hosting providers offer different plans with varying prices. Look for a plan that fits your budget but also offers enough resources to run your server smoothly. Some providers also offer discounts for annual payments, so consider that as well.

Customer Support

Finally, consider the customer support provided by the hosting company. Look for a provider that offers 24/7 support and has knowledgeable and responsive representatives.

2. Installing the Ark Dedicated Server Software

Once you’ve chosen your server hosting provider, the next step is to install the Ark dedicated server software. This software is available for free on Steam and can be downloaded through the SteamCMD tool. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

Download the SteamCMD tool from the official Steam website. This tool is used to install and update dedicated servers for many games, including Ark.

Step 2: Create a Folder for the Server Files

Create a folder on your computer where you want to store the server files. Name it something like “ArkServer.”

Step 3: Launch SteamCMD and Install the Ark Dedicated Server Software

Open the SteamCMD tool and type the following command:

Where [path] is the full path to the folder you created in step 2. This will install the latest version of the Ark dedicated server software.

3. Configuring Your Server Settings

With the dedicated server software installed, the next step is to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files located in the Saved\Config\WindowsServer folder.

GameUserSettings.ini

The GameUserSettings.ini file contains the game settings that affect gameplay, such as difficulty, resource respawn rates, and day/night cycle. Here are some of the most important settings:

Game.ini

The Game.ini file contains advanced server settings, such as server difficulty, harvesting rates, and taming speeds. Here are some of the most important settings:

4. Launching Your Server

With your server settings configured, the final step is to launch your server. To do this, navigate to the folder where you installed the server software and run the following command:

ShooterGameServer.exe [mapname]?SessionName=[servername]?MaxPlayers=[maxplayers]?Port=[port]?QueryPort=[queryport] -NoBattlEye

Where [mapname] is the name of the map you want to use (e.g. TheIsland), [servername] is the name you want to give your server, [maxplayers] is the maximum number of players allowed on your server, [port] is the port number to use for the server, and [queryport] is the query port to use for server browser queries.

FAQ

Can I Host a Private Server for Ark on My Own Computer?

Yes, it is possible to host a private server for Ark on your own computer. However, this can be resource-intensive and may not provide the best performance. Using a hosting provider is recommended.

How Many Players Can I Have on My Private Server?

The number of players you can have on your private server depends on the resources available to your server. Most hosting providers offer plans with varying player limits, so choose a plan that fits your needs.

What is the Best Map to Use for a Private Server?

The best map to use for a private server depends on your preferences and the preferences of your players. The Island and Ragnarok are popular choices, but there are many maps available to choose from.

Can I Use Mods on My Private Server?

Yes, you can use mods on your private server. The dedicated server software supports mods, and many hosting providers offer tools for installing and managing mods.

Can I Change Server Settings After Launching My Server?

Yes, you can change server settings at any time by editing the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files and restarting your server.

Conclusion

Hosting a private server for Ark is a great way to have complete control over your game experience. By choosing a good hosting provider, installing the dedicated server software, configuring your server settings, and launching your server, you can create a custom game environment for you and your friends. Have fun playing!