How to Host a LAN Ark Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev, to our guide on how to host a LAN Ark server. If you’re a gamer or a server admin, you might be looking for ways to host your own Ark server. Hosting your own server gives you more control over your gaming experience, and it’s a great way to play with friends. But hosting a server can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to host your own LAN Ark server.

Step 1: Preparing Your Computer

The first step in hosting a LAN Ark server is to prepare your computer. Ark is a resource-intensive game, so you’ll need a powerful computer to run a server. Here are some things to consider:

Minimum System Requirements

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8 GB
Storage	60 GB
Operating System	Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)

If your computer meets these requirements, you should be able to host an Ark server. If not, you might need to upgrade your hardware or consider renting a server from a hosting provider.

Downloading and Installing Steam

You’ll need to download and install Steam on your computer if you haven’t already. Steam is a digital distribution platform that hosts Ark and many other games. You can download Steam from the official website.

Installing Ark

Once you have Steam installed, you’ll need to purchase and install Ark. You can do this by searching for Ark in the Steam store and following the prompts.

Port Forwarding

To host a LAN server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. This allows incoming traffic to access your Ark server. You’ll need to forward port 7777 and 27015 to your computer’s IP address. Consult your router’s manual or look online for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.

Static IP Address

You’ll need to set a static IP address for your computer so that it doesn’t change when you restart your router. This makes it easier to forward ports and connect to your server. Consult your router’s manual or look online for instructions on how to set a static IP address.

Step 2: Configuring Your Ark Server

Now that your computer is ready, it’s time to configure your Ark server. To do this, you’ll need to create a batch file and modify some settings. Here’s how:

Creating a Batch File

Open Notepad or another text editor and create a new file. Copy and paste the following code:

start ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword?MaxPlayers=10"

Replace “MyServer” with the name you want for your server. Replace “MyPassword” with a password of your choice. Replace “MyAdminPassword” with an admin password of your choice. Replace “10” with the maximum number of players you want to allow on your server.

Save the file as “startserver.bat” in your Ark installation directory (the folder where ShooterGameServer.exe is located).

Modifying Server Settings

You can modify your server settings by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file in your Ark installation directory. Here are some settings to consider:

• ServerName – The name of your server
• ServerPassword – The password for your server
• MaxPlayers – The maximum number of players
• ServerAdminPassword – The admin password for your server
• DifficultyOffset – The difficulty level of the game

Consult the Ark wiki or look online for information on other server settings you can modify.

Step 3: Running Your Ark Server

Now that your server is configured, it’s time to run it. Double-click the startserver.bat file in your Ark installation directory. This will launch your server.

You can connect to your server by launching Ark and navigating to the “Join Ark” menu. Select “LAN” from the server type dropdown and look for your server name. You’ll need to enter the password you set earlier to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an Ark server on a dedicated machine?

Yes, you can run an Ark server on a dedicated machine. This is a good option if you have a powerful computer or want to host a public server. You can rent a server from a hosting provider or set up your own dedicated machine.

Can I run an Ark server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can run an Ark server on a virtual machine. However, virtual machines typically have poorer performance than physical machines, so you may experience lag or other issues. If you’re hosting a LAN server for a small group, a virtual machine should work fine.

What mods can I use on my Ark server?

You can use any mods that are compatible with your version of Ark. You’ll need to download and install the mods on your server and configure them in the GameUserSettings.ini file. Consult the Ark wiki or look online for information on how to install and configure mods.

How do I update my Ark server?

To update your Ark server, you’ll need to download the latest version of Ark from Steam and replace the files in your installation directory. You’ll also need to update any mods you’re using. Consult the Ark wiki or look online for instructions on how to update your server and mods.

How do I troubleshoot issues with my Ark server?

If you’re experiencing issues with your Ark server, there are several things you can try:

• Check your server logs for error messages
• Restart your server
• Verify your game files in Steam
• Check your firewall settings
• Check your router settings

Consult the Ark wiki or look online for more troubleshooting tips.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to host your own LAN Ark server. Happy gaming!