How to Host a Server in ARK: A Guide for Devs

Are you a Dev looking to host your own ARK server? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your own ARK server, from choosing the right hardware to setting up the server and managing it. Let’s get started!

Hardware Requirements

The first thing you’ll need to consider when hosting your own ARK server is your hardware. While you can technically run an ARK server on a standard desktop computer, we recommend investing in a dedicated server to ensure optimal performance and stability.

Here are some hardware recommendations for hosting an ARK server:

Component	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320	Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
RAM	8GB	16GB
Storage	50GB	100GB
Bandwidth	10Mbps	100Mbps

Keep in mind that these are just recommendations and your specific hardware requirements may vary depending on the size and complexity of your ARK server.

Choosing a Server Hosting Provider

Once you’ve determined your hardware requirements, the next step is to choose a server hosting provider. There are many hosting providers out there that offer ARK server hosting, but not all of them are created equal.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a server hosting provider:

Performance and Stability

Make sure the hosting provider offers high-performance servers with low latency and minimal downtime. Look for providers that use SSD storage and offer dedicated resources for your server.

Scalability

You may start with a small ARK server, but as your community grows, you may need to upgrade to a larger server. Make sure the hosting provider offers scalable server options.

Price and Value

Of course, price is a factor, but don’t sacrifice performance and stability for a lower price. Look for hosting providers that offer a balance of performance, scalability, and value.

Customer Support

Finally, make sure the hosting provider offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support. You never know when you may run into server issues or have questions about the hosting platform.

Setting Up the Server

Once you’ve chosen your hardware and hosting provider, the next step is to set up the ARK server. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Purchase and Install ARK Server

The first step is to purchase and install the ARK server software. You can purchase the software from Steam or directly from the ARK website. Once you’ve purchased the software, download and install it on your server.

Step 2: Configure Server Settings

Next, it’s time to configure your server settings. This includes things like server name, password, game settings, and more. You can edit these settings in the server configuration files.

Step 3: Set Up Port Forwarding

In order for players to connect to your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. This will allow players outside of your local network to connect to your server.

Step 4: Start the Server

Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to start your ARK server. You can do this by running the server executable file on your server.

Managing the Server

Now that you’ve set up your ARK server, it’s time to manage it. Here are some tips for managing your server:

Tip 1: Monitor Performance

Keep an eye on your server’s performance metrics, such as CPU and RAM usage, to ensure optimal performance. You can use tools like SteamCMD or Ark Server Manager to monitor your server’s performance.

Tip 2: Stay Up-to-Date

Make sure to keep your server software and mods up-to-date. This will ensure that your server is running the latest features and bug fixes.

Tip 3: Enforce Server Rules

If you have specific rules for your ARK server, make sure to enforce them fairly. This will help create a positive and welcoming community on your server.

FAQ

Q: Can I run an ARK server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can run an ARK server on a virtual machine, but keep in mind that virtual machines may not offer optimal performance compared to a dedicated server.

Q: How many players can my ARK server support?

A: The number of players your ARK server can support depends on your hardware and server settings. Most servers can support between 10-100 players.

Q: How do I back up my ARK server?

A: You can back up your ARK server by creating a backup of the server files and regularly saving them to an external drive or cloud storage service.

Q: How do I ban a player from my ARK server?

A: You can ban a player from your ARK server by adding their Steam ID to the ban list in the server configuration files.

Q: How do I add mods to my ARK server?

A: You can add mods to your ARK server by subscribing to them on the Steam Workshop and then adding them to the server’s mod list in the server configuration files.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev, you’ve now learned how to host your own ARK server! Remember to choose the right hardware and hosting provider, set up your server properly, and manage it effectively. With these tips, you’ll be running a successful ARK server in no time.