Welcome, Dev, to our guide on how to host a public Ark server. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of setting up and running your own Ark server that can be accessed by players from all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned server administrator or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with our easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Hosting Provider
The first step in hosting a public Ark server is choosing the right hosting provider. You’ll want to look for a provider that offers reliable and fast servers, as well as good customer support. Some popular hosting providers for Ark servers include Host Havoc, GTX Gaming, and Survival Servers.
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, you’ll need to select a hosting plan that meets your needs. Consider factors such as server location, RAM, and the number of slots you’ll need to accommodate your players.
It’s also important to check the hosting provider’s uptime guarantee and refund policy, in case you run into any issues down the line.
Server Location
When choosing a server location, you’ll want to consider where most of your players will be located. Hosting your server in a location that is far from your players can result in high latency, which can negatively impact the gaming experience.
For example, if most of your players are based in Europe, you’ll want to choose a hosting provider that offers servers in Europe. Alternatively, if your players are spread out across different regions, you may want to consider hosting your server in a location that is centrally located.
RAM and Slots
The amount of RAM and number of slots you’ll need for your Ark server will depend on the size of your player base and the mods you plan to use. As a general rule, you’ll need at least 2-4GB of RAM and 10-20 slots for a small to medium-sized server.
If you plan to use a lot of mods, you may need more RAM and slots to accommodate the additional resources required. Be sure to check the recommended system requirements for the mods you plan to use, and factor that into your hosting plan.
Uptime Guarantee and Refund Policy
When choosing a hosting provider, it’s important to check their uptime guarantee and refund policy. You’ll want to make sure that the provider offers a high uptime guarantee, as this will ensure that your server is accessible to your players at all times.
Additionally, you’ll want to check the provider’s refund policy in case you’re unhappy with their service. A good hosting provider should offer a money-back guarantee or some form of compensation in case of downtime or poor service.
Step 2: Installing and Configuring the Ark Server
Once you’ve selected a hosting provider and signed up for a hosting plan, the next step is to install and configure the Ark server. In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your server up and running.
Installing the Ark Server
To install the Ark server, you’ll need to log into your hosting provider’s control panel and navigate to the server installation page. From there, you’ll need to select Ark as your game server, and select the version you want to install.
Once you’ve selected the version, the hosting provider will automatically install the Ark server on your server.
Configuring the Ark Server
After the server has been installed, you’ll need to configure the server settings to suit your needs. This includes setting the server name, password, and other basic settings such as the game difficulty and PvP mode.
You’ll also need to configure the server’s settings for mods, if you plan to use any. This includes uploading the mods to the server and enabling them in the server settings.
Be sure to save your settings before exiting the configuration page, as this will ensure that your settings are saved for future use.
Step 3: Managing the Ark Server
Once your Ark server is up and running, you’ll need to manage it to ensure that it runs smoothly and is accessible to your players. In this section, we’ll cover some tips for managing your server, as well as some common challenges you may encounter.
Managing the Server Settings
As your server becomes more popular, you may need to adjust the server settings to accommodate the increased player load. This includes adjusting the server’s RAM allocation, increasing the number of slots, and adjusting the server’s configuration settings.
Additionally, you’ll need to monitor the server’s uptime and performance to ensure that it’s running smoothly. You can do this by using monitoring tools such as Pingdom or UptimeRobot, which will alert you if the server goes down or experiences performance issues.
Dealing with Server Crashes
One of the most common challenges of running an Ark server is dealing with server crashes. If your server crashes, it can be difficult to determine the cause and fix the issue.
To help prevent server crashes, it’s important to keep your server’s software and mods up to date, as well as monitor the server’s performance and usage. If your server does crash, you may need to reset the server or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Managing Player Behavior
As the server owner, you’ll also be responsible for managing player behavior and enforcing rules on the server. This includes enforcing a code of conduct, dealing with griefing and harassment, and banning players who violate the rules.
To help manage player behavior, you can use tools such as Discord or in-game chat to communicate with your players and enforce the rules. Additionally, you can use plugins such as Ark Shop to provide rewards to players who follow the rules, and discourage bad behavior.
Step 4: Creating a Community
Hosting a public Ark server is not just about running a game server – it’s about building a community of players who enjoy playing on your server. In this section, we’ll cover some tips for creating a strong and engaged community around your server.
Creating a Discord Server
One of the best ways to create a community around your Ark server is by creating a Discord server. Discord is a popular messaging and voice chat platform that allows players to communicate with each other outside of the game.
You can use Discord to announce server events, communicate with your players, and create a sense of community around your server. Additionally, you can use Discord bots to automate tasks such as server status updates, role assignment, and more.
Hosting Server Events
To keep your players engaged and excited about your server, you can host server events such as PvP tournaments, scavenger hunts, or boss battles. These events can be a great way to bring players together and create a sense of community around your server.
You can also use plugins such as Ark Rewards to provide rewards for players who participate in the events, which can encourage more players to join in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question |
Answer |
What are the recommended system requirements for hosting an Ark server? |
As a general rule, you’ll need at least 2-4GB of RAM and 10-20 slots for a small to medium-sized server. If you plan to use a lot of mods, you may need more RAM and slots to accommodate the additional resources required. |
How do I install mods on my Ark server? |
To install mods on your Ark server, you’ll need to download the mods from the Steam Workshop and upload them to your server’s mod folder. You’ll then need to enable the mods in the server settings. |
How do I manage player behavior on my server? |
To manage player behavior on your server, you’ll need to enforce a code of conduct and enforce rules on the server. You can use tools such as Discord or in-game chat to communicate with your players and enforce the rules. Additionally, you can use plugins such as Ark Shop to provide rewards to players who follow the rules, and discourage bad behavior. |
What are some common challenges of hosting an Ark server? |
Some common challenges of hosting an Ark server include server crashes, managing player behavior, and keeping the server software and mods up to date. |
That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started with hosting your own public Ark server. Remember, hosting a server is a big responsibility, but it can also be a lot of fun if you put in the time and effort to create a positive and engaging community. Happy hosting!