Hosting an Ark Dedicated Server

Greetings, Dev! If you’re interested in hosting an Ark dedicated server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up and manage your own Ark dedicated server. Let’s get started!

What is an Ark Dedicated Server?

If you’re new to Ark, you may be wondering what a dedicated server is. In short, it’s a server that’s dedicated to hosting multiplayer games. In the case of Ark, a dedicated server allows you to play with your friends in a persistent world, even when you’re not online. It also gives you more control over your gaming experience, as you can customize the server settings to your liking.

If you’re interested in hosting your own dedicated server, there are a few things you’ll need:

Step 1: Setting Up the Server

The first step in hosting an Ark dedicated server is setting up the server software. Luckily, this is a fairly straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1.1: Downloading the Server Software

The first thing you’ll need to do is download the Ark server software from Steam. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the “Library” tab.
2. Click on “Tools” in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down until you find “Ark Server Manager” and click on it.
4. Click the “Install” button to download and install the server software.

Step 1.2: Configuring the Server Settings

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the server software, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This is where you can customize things like the server name, password, and game settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Ark Server Manager from your Steam library.
2. Click on the “Configuration Editor” tab.
3. Choose the settings you want to change and modify them to your liking.
4. Click “Save” to save your changes.

Step 1.3: Starting the Server

Once you’ve configured the server settings, you’re ready to start the server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the “Control Panel” tab in the Ark Server Manager.
2. Click the “Start” button to start the server.

That’s it! Your server is now up and running.

Step 2: Managing the Server

Now that you’ve set up your server, you’ll need to manage it to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips for managing your Ark dedicated server:

Tip 2.1: Monitoring Server Performance

One of the most important things you can do to keep your server running smoothly is to monitor its performance. This will help you identify any issues before they become major problems.

Here are some tools you can use to monitor your server’s performance:

• Task Manager (Windows)
• System Monitor (Linux)
• SteamCMD (Ark Server Manager)

Tip 2.2: Backing Up Your Server

Another important aspect of server management is backing up your server. This will help you recover your server in case of a disaster.

Here’s how to back up your server:

1. Launch the Ark Server Manager.
2. Click on the “Backup & Restore” tab.
3. Choose the backup options you want to use.
4. Click “Backup” to create a backup of your server.

Tip 2.3: Updating Your Server

Finally, you’ll need to keep your server up to date with the latest game patches and updates. This will ensure that your players have the best possible gaming experience.

Here’s how to update your server:

1. Launch the Ark Server Manager.
2. Click on the “Steam Update” tab.
3. Click “Update” to install the latest game patches and updates.

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to host an Ark dedicated server?

A: The cost of hosting an Ark dedicated server varies depending on the hosting provider and the server specs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a dedicated server hosting plan.

Q: Do I need a powerful computer to host an Ark dedicated server?

A: Yes, you’ll need a fairly powerful computer to host an Ark dedicated server. Ideally, it should have a fast CPU and plenty of RAM to handle the server load.

Q: How many players can I host on my Ark dedicated server?

A: The number of players you can host on your Ark dedicated server depends on the server specs and the game settings. Most dedicated servers can host anywhere from 10 to 100 players.

Q: Do I need to own a copy of Ark to host a dedicated server?

A: Yes, you’ll need to own a copy of Ark on Steam to host a dedicated server.

Q: Can I customize the game settings on my Ark dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can customize the game settings on your Ark dedicated server to your liking.

Q: How do I connect to my Ark dedicated server?

A: To connect to your Ark dedicated server, launch the game and enter the server IP address and port number in the server browser.

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark dedicated server is a great way to play with your friends in a persistent world. With a little bit of setup and management, you can have your own server up and running in no time. We hope this guide has been helpful. Happy gaming!