How to Host a Cross Platform Ark Server

Hey Dev, if you’re looking to host an Ark server that can be accessed by players on different platforms, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be discussing the steps you need to take to host a cross platform Ark server that is easy to manage and accessible to players on PC, Xbox, and PS4.

Step 1: Choosing a Host Provider

The first step to hosting a cross platform Ark server is choosing a host provider that supports cross platform gaming. Fortunately, most of the major hosting providers support cross platform Ark servers. You can choose one that suits your budget and requirements. Some popular hosting providers are:

Host Provider	Price	Features
Survival Servers	$14.99/month	Custom control panel, automatic backups, DDoS protection
Nitrado	$13.50/month	Customizable server settings, automatic updates, web interface
G-Portal	$15.00/month	Instant setup, FTP access, remote backups

Make sure to read reviews and check the ratings of the host providers before choosing one.

Step 2: Configuring the Server Settings

Once you’ve chosen a host provider, you’ll need to configure the server settings according to your preferences. You can use the control panel provided by your host to modify the server settings. Here are some settings that you can adjust:

Difficulty

You can set the difficulty level of the game by adjusting the difficulty offset. The range of the offset is from 0 to 1, with 0 being the easiest and 1 being the hardest.

Taming Speed

You can adjust the speed at which creatures can be tamed. The higher the taming speed, the faster the process will be.

Harvest Amount

You can adjust the amount of resources that can be harvested from each node. The higher the harvest amount, the more resources you’ll get from each node.

Experience Gain

You can adjust the amount of experience players gain from different activities. The higher the experience gain, the faster players will progress through the levels.

Server Password

You can set a password for the server to make it private. This will prevent unauthorized players from joining the server.

Step 3: Uploading Mods

If you want to add mods to your Ark server, you’ll need to upload them to the server. You can download the mods from the Steam Workshop or other sources. Once you’ve downloaded the mods, follow these steps:

Step 1

Open the File Manager in the control panel of your host.

Step 2

Navigate to the folder where the mods need to be uploaded.

Step 3

Click on the “Upload” button and select the mod files from your computer.

Step 4

Wait for the upload to complete and then restart the server.

Step 4: Cross Platform Compatibility

Ark servers can be accessed from different platforms with the help of the Crossplay feature. This feature allows players on PC, Xbox, and PS4 to play together on the same server. Here’s how to enable Crossplay:

Step 1

Open the GameUserSettings.ini file in the server configuration folder.

Step 2

Add the following lines to the file:

[ServerSettings]bEnableCrossplay=True

Step 3

Save the changes and restart the server.

Step 5: Managing the Server

Once the server is up and running, you’ll need to manage it to ensure a smooth gaming experience for the players. Here are some tips for managing the server:

Backups

Take regular backups of the server to prevent data loss in case of any mishaps.

Player Management

Make sure to monitor the players on the server and enforce the rules. You can use plugins like Ark Admin to manage the players.

Server Updates

Keep the server updated with the latest patches and mods to ensure compatibility with the game.

FAQs

Q: How much RAM do I need to host an Ark server?

A: The amount of RAM required depends on the number of players and mods on the server. For a server with 10-20 players, you’ll need at least 8GB RAM.

Q: Can I host an Ark server on my PC?

A: Yes, you can host an Ark server on your PC using the dedicated server software provided by the game.

Q: Can I run mods on a cross platform Ark server?

A: Yes, you can run mods on a cross platform Ark server. You just need to upload the mods to the server and enable them in the server settings.

Q: How many players can join a cross platform Ark server?

A: The number of players that can join a cross platform Ark server depends on the server settings and the host provider. Most servers support up to 100 players.

Q: Can I change the server settings after I’ve started the server?

A: Yes, you can modify the server settings anytime you want. You just need to restart the server for the changes to take effect.

That’s it, Dev! Follow these steps and you’ll have a cross platform Ark server up and running in no time. Happy gaming!