How to Host a Dedicated ARK Server

Hello Dev, welcome to our guide on how to host a dedicated ARK server. If you’re a fan of this popular survival game, you know that playing on a dedicated server can offer some unique benefits. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up your own dedicated server so you and your friends can have your own space to play, without the limitations of public servers.

Step 1: System Requirements

The first thing you need to do is make sure your system meets the minimum requirements to run a dedicated ARK server. These include:

Choosing Your Operating System

The first thing to consider is which operating system you want to use. ARK supports both Windows and Linux operating systems. Some users prefer running the server on Windows because it is more user-friendly, while others prefer Linux because it is more stable and efficient.

If you’re unsure which to choose, consider the following:

• If you’re more comfortable with Windows, go with that.
• If you’re comfortable with Linux and want to run a server with lower resource requirements, go with that.
• If you’re already running a Linux server, sticking with that may be the easiest option.

Once you have chosen your operating system, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Setting Up the Server

Now that you have your system set up and you’ve chosen your operating system, it’s time to start setting up your server. Here are the steps:

1. Download and Install SteamCMD

The first thing you need to do is download and install SteamCMD. This is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game servers.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Download SteamCMD from the official Valve website and save it to a location on your hard drive. (https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD)
2. Create a new folder to store your server files in.
3. Extract the SteamCMD files to your new folder.

2. Install the ARK Dedicated Server

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, it’s time to use it to install the ARK dedicated server.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a command prompt or terminal window.
2. Navigate to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD.
3. Enter the following commands:

Replace “C:\ark_server” on Windows or “~/ark_server” on Linux with the path to the folder where you want to install the server files.

3. Configure the Server

Now that the server is installed, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. This includes setting up game settings, admin privileges, etc.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the folder where you installed the server files.
2. Edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files to your liking.
3. Set up admin privileges by creating an “Admins.txt” file in the same folder as the server files. In this file, enter the Steam64 ID of each admin, one per line.
4. Configure port forwarding on your router to allow traffic through the ports used by ARK (default is 7777 for game traffic and 27015 for Steam queries).

Step 3: Accessing the Server

Now that your server is set up and configured, it’s time to access it and start playing. Here’s how:

1. Launch ARK and Connect to Your Server

Launch ARK and click on “Join ARK” in the main menu. In the bottom left corner, select “Unofficial PC Sessions” from the dropdown menu. Then, locate your server in the server list and click “Join”.

2. Access the Server Console

You can access the server console by pressing the tilde key (~) while in-game. This will allow you to execute admin commands and perform other tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can a dedicated ARK server support?

A: This depends on the resources available on your server. Generally, a well-optimized server can support between 50-100 players.

Q: How much does it cost to host a dedicated ARK server?

A: The cost of hosting a server varies depending on the hosting provider you choose and the resources you need. Expect to pay anywhere from $10-$50 per month for a basic server.

Q: Can I run a dedicated ARK server on my own computer?

A: Yes, you can run a dedicated ARK server on your own computer. However, keep in mind that this will require significant resources and may impact your ability to use your computer for other tasks.

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

A: Yes, you can customize many aspects of your ARK server, including game settings, mods, and admin privileges.

Q: Can I transfer my character from a public server to my dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can transfer your character from a public server to a dedicated server. However, this requires you to upload your character data to the Steam Cloud and then download it again when connecting to your dedicated server.

Q: Can I use mods on my dedicated ARK server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your dedicated ARK server. You can find mods on the Steam Workshop or install them manually.

Q: Can I play on my dedicated ARK server with my friends?

A: Yes, you can play on your dedicated ARK server with your friends. Simply provide them with the server IP address and password (if you have one set) and they can join the server.

Conclusion

Hosting a dedicated ARK server can be a fun and rewarding experience for fans of the game. By following the steps in this guide, you can set up your own server and enjoy the benefits of a private gaming space. If you have any questions or issues along the way, don’t hesitate to seek help from the ARK community or your hosting provider.