How to Host an Official ARK Server for Dev

Welcome Dev, hosting an official ARK server can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. However, with the right guidance, you can set up a server for you and your friends to enjoy the game without any interruptions or limitations. In this article, we will take you through each step of the process, from setting up the hardware to configuring the server settings.

Hardware Requirements

Before we get started, it is essential to ensure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for hosting an ARK server. These requirements are listed below:

Requirement	Minimum
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8 GB
Storage	At least 100 GB of free space
Bandwidth	Minimum 100 Mbps upload and download speed

It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and having better hardware will result in smoother gameplay for the players. Once you have ensured that your hardware meets these requirements, we can move on to the next step.

Setting Up the Server

The first step in setting up your ARK server is to download the SteamCMD (Steam Console Client) software, which will allow you to install and update the server files. Follow these steps to download the SteamCMD:

1. Go to the official SteamCMD website and download the software.
2. Create a new folder on your computer’s hard drive where you want to install the server files.
3. Extract the SteamCMD files to the new folder.
4. Open the SteamCMD console by double-clicking on the “steamcmd.exe” file.
5. Type “login anonymous” and press enter.

After logging in, you need to download the ARK server files. Enter the following command:

app_update 376030

This command will download the latest version of the ARK server files.

It may take a while to download the files depending on your internet speed. Once the download is complete, you can move on to configuring the server settings.

Configuring the Server Settings

Configuring the server settings is an essential step in hosting an ARK server. The settings will determine how the game is played, and it is important to get them right. You can modify the server settings by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” file located in the “ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” folder. Here are some of the essential settings that you should consider modifying:

Server Settings

The following server settings affect the game mechanics:

1. GameMode: Determines the game mode (PVE, PVP, or single-player)
2. DifficultyOffset: Determines the level of difficulty of the game (0.2 to 1.0)
3. MaxPlayers: Determines the maximum number of players allowed on the server
4. AllowFlyerCarryPvE: Determines whether flyers can pick up other players or not

Taming Settings

The following settings affect taming and breeding:

1. DinoCountMultiplier: Determines the number of dinosaurs spawned in the game (1.0 to 5.0)
2. TamingSpeedMultiplier: Determines the speed at which a dinosaur is tamed (1.0 to 10.0)
3. BreedingMultiplier: Determines the speed at which dinosaurs breed (0.1 to 10.0)

Player Settings

The following settings affect the players:

1. PlayerDamageMultiplier: Determines the amount of damage dealt to players (0.1 to 10.0)
2. PlayerResistanceMultiplier: Determines the amount of damage resistance of players (0.1 to 10.0)
3. PlayerLevelCap: Determines the maximum level of the players (1 to 100)

Launching the Server

Once you have configured the server settings, you can launch the server by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file located in the “arkserver\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64” folder. The server will start, and you can connect to it using the game client.

FAQ

How do I connect to my ARK server?

To connect to your ARK server, you need to launch the game client and click on the “Join ARK” button. Enter the server’s IP address and the port number (default is 27015), and click “Join.”

How do I add mods to my ARK server?

To add mods to your ARK server, you need to download the mods from the Steam Workshop and install them on the server. Follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop.
2. Open the SteamCMD console and type “login anonymous”.
3. Type the following command to download the mod: steamcmd +workshop_download_item 346110 [mod ID] validate
4. The mod will be downloaded to the server’s mod folder.
5. Add the mod ID to the “ActiveMods=” line in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.
6. Save the file and restart the server.

How do I backup my ARK server?

To backup your ARK server, you need to copy the “ShooterGame” folder located in the “arkserver” folder to a safe location. You should backup the server files regularly to prevent data loss.

How do I update my ARK server?

To update your ARK server, you need to run the SteamCMD console and type the following command:

app_update 376030 validate

This command will update the server files to the latest version.

Conclusion

Hosting an official ARK server can be challenging, but with the right guidance, anyone can do it. We hope that this article has provided you with a clear understanding of how to host an official ARK server. Remember to follow the hardware requirements, configure the server settings, and launch the server to start playing with your friends. Have fun!