How to Host a Dedicated Ark Server PC

Welcome, Dev! Are you interested in hosting your own dedicated Ark server on your PC? This article will guide you through the process step by step. Before we begin, let’s briefly discuss what a dedicated server is and its advantages.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a type of server hosting where the server is entirely dedicated to a single client, in this case, you. Unlike shared hosting, where resources are shared among multiple clients, a dedicated server offers complete control over the server and its resources. This means that you can customize the server to your specific needs, whether it’s hosting a game server or a website.

The Advantages of a Dedicated Server

There are several advantages to hosting a dedicated server:

1. Complete control over the server and its resources
2. Customizable server settings to fit your needs
3. Higher performance and faster load times
4. Better security and reliability

What You’ll Need

Before you start hosting a dedicated Ark server on your PC, you’ll need a few things:

• A powerful PC with at least 8GB of RAM and a fast processor
• A stable internet connection with at least 10Mbps upload speed
• The Ark dedicated server software, which you can download from Steam
• An Ark game license, which you can purchase from Steam

Step 1: Downloading and Installing the Dedicated Server Software

The first step is to download and install the Ark dedicated server software. Here’s how:

1. Launch Steam on your PC.
2. Open the Library tab.
3. Click on Tools.
4. Scroll down until you see “Ark: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” and double-click it.
5. Click Install to download and install the software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a dedicated Ark server on my low-end PC?

No, you need a powerful PC with at least 8GB of RAM and a fast processor to host a dedicated Ark server.

Do I need a separate Ark game license to host a dedicated server?

Yes, you need a separate Ark game license to host a dedicated server.

Step 2: Setting Up the Server

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the dedicated server software, it’s time to set up the server. Here’s how:

1. Launch the server software from your Steam library.
2. Click the “Host\Local” button in the top left corner.
3. Choose “Dedicated Server” from the dropdown menu.
4. Customize the server settings according to your preferences.
5. Click “Create New Server” to start the server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended server settings for hosting an Ark server?

The recommended server settings depend on your preferences and the number of players you expect to host. You can find a list of recommended settings on the official Ark wiki.

How do I configure the server settings?

You can configure the server settings by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” file located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder.

Step 3: Customizing the Server

After setting up the server, it’s time to customize it according to your needs. Here are some things you can do:

• Install mods to enhance gameplay
• Create custom maps using the Ark dev kit
• Configure the server to your preferences

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install mods on my Ark server?

You can install mods by subscribing to them on the Steam workshop and adding their IDs to the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

How do I create custom maps using the Ark dev kit?

You can download the Ark dev kit from the Epic Games launcher and follow the tutorials on the official Ark website.

Step 4: Inviting Players to the Server

Now that you’ve set up and customized your Ark server, it’s time to invite players to join. Here’s how:

1. Share your server’s IP address and port number with your friends.
2. Instruct them to open Ark and click “Join Ark” from the main menu.
3. Enter your server’s IP address and port number.
4. Click “Join” to start playing on your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my server’s IP address and port number?

You can find your server’s IP address and port number by opening the “shootergame.log” file located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Logs” folder.

How many players can I host on my Ark server?

The number of players you can host depends on your server’s resources and the number of players you expect to host. The recommended maximum is 10 players.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve successfully hosted your own dedicated Ark server on your PC. Hosting a dedicated server offers complete control over the server and its resources, customizable settings, higher performance, better security, and reliability. With this guide, you can customize your server to your specific needs and invite your friends to play together. Have fun!