Host Your Own Ark Server: The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Are you tired of playing Ark on someone else’s server? Do you want to have full control over your own game environment? Hosting your own Ark server is easier than you think, and it can give you a personalized gaming experience that you won’t find anywhere else. In this article, we’ll show you how to host your own Ark server step-by-step, so you can start playing the game on your terms.

1. Choose the Right Hardware

Before you get started, you need to make sure you have the right hardware for hosting an Ark server. This is important because the server needs to run constantly and needs to be accessible to players 24/7. You’ll need a computer with a good processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, and a fast internet connection. Here are some specific hardware requirements to keep in mind:

Hardware Component	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Processor	Intel Core i5-2500K or equivalent	Intel Core i7-7700K or equivalent
RAM	8 GB	16 GB or more
Hard Drive Space	100 GB	200 GB or more
Internet Connection	10 Mbps upload speed	20 Mbps or more upload speed

Keep in mind that these are just minimum requirements, and you may need more powerful hardware if you plan on hosting a large number of players or mods.

2. Install SteamCMD

Now that you have the right hardware, the next step is to install SteamCMD, which is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game servers for Steam games. Here’s how to install SteamCMD:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

You can download SteamCMD from the official Valve website. Choose the version for your operating system and download it to your computer.

Step 2: Create a New Folder

Create a new folder on your computer where you want to install the Ark server files. For example, you could create a folder called “ArkServer” on your desktop.

Step 3: Extract the SteamCMD Files

Extract the SteamCMD files to the new folder you created in the previous step. You can do this by right-clicking on the SteamCMD file and choosing “Extract Here.”

3. Set Up Your Server

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, the next step is to set up your server. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Log in to Your Steam Account

Open SteamCMD and log in to your Steam account. You can do this by typing “login YOUR_USERNAME” followed by your password in the SteamCMD console.

Step 2: Install the Ark Server Files

Once you’re logged in, you can install the Ark server files by typing “app_update 376030 validate” in the console. This will download and install the latest version of the Ark server files.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

After the server files are installed, you need to configure your server settings. You can do this by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder. Here are some of the most important settings you should consider:

Setting	Description
ServerName	The name of your server as it appears in the server list
MaxPlayers	The maximum number of players allowed on your server
ServerPassword	A password required to join your server
DifficultyOffset	The difficulty level of the game
TamingSpeedMultiplier	The speed at which creatures can be tamed

There are many other settings you can configure in these files, so take some time to explore them and customize your server to your liking.

4. Launch Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server settings, you can launch your server by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file located in the “ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64” folder. You can do this by double-clicking on the file or by typing “start ShooterGameServer.exe” in the console.

FAQ

Q: Can I Run a Server on a Mac or Linux System?

A: Yes, you can run an Ark server on a Mac or Linux system. However, you’ll need to use SteamCMD for Mac or Linux instead of the Windows version we used in this guide. The process is similar, but you’ll need to use different commands and file paths.

Q: Can I Host Multiple Game Servers on the Same Computer?

A: Yes, you can host multiple game servers on the same computer. However, keep in mind that each server will require its own set of hardware resources, so you may need a more powerful computer if you plan on hosting multiple servers.

Q: How Do I Update My Ark Server?

A: To update your Ark server, simply run SteamCMD and type “app_update 376030 validate” in the console. This will download and install the latest version of the server files.

Q: Can I Use Mods on My Ark Server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your Ark server. Simply download the mods you want from the Steam Workshop and add them to your server’s “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

Q: Can I Customize the Map on My Ark Server?

A: Yes, you can customize the map on your Ark server by using tools like Ark Server Manager or by editing the “Game.ini” file. However, keep in mind that custom maps may not be compatible with all mods or updates.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark server can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to play the game on your own terms. With the right hardware and software, you can set up a server in just a few hours and start playing with your friends. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you the best of luck with your new server!