How to Host an Xbox Ark Server on PC

Hello Dev, are you interested in hosting an Xbox Ark Server on your PC? If yes, then you are in the right place. Hosting an Xbox Ark Server on PC gives you control over the server settings and game-play experience, without relying on a third-party hosting service. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step guide on how to host an Xbox Ark Server on your PC.

Prerequisites

Before we can get started, there are some requirements that you will need to meet to host an Xbox Ark Server on your PC.

Hardware Requirements

Here are the hardware prerequisites for hosting an Xbox Ark Server on your PC:

Hardware	Minimum Requirements
Processor	Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
RAM	8 GB
Storage	60 GB Hard Drive Space
Graphics Card	NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD R7 260

Software Requirements

Here are the software prerequisites for hosting an Xbox Ark Server on your PC:

Software	Minimum Requirements
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit
Game	Xbox Play Anywhere edition of Ark: Survival Evolved
Server Software	Windows GFC SteamCMD Installer

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Required Software

The first step in hosting an Xbox Ark Server on your PC is to download and install the required software. You will need to download and install the Windows GFC SteamCMD Installer, which will allow you to download and manage the Ark Server files. You will also need to download and install the Xbox Play Anywhere edition of Ark: Survival Evolved.

Step 2: Create the Server Directory

Once you have installed the required software, you will need to create a directory where the server files will be stored. Create a new folder on your PC, and name it “ArkServer”. This folder will be used to store all the server files.

Step 3: Download the Ark Server Files

After creating the server directory, launch the Windows GFC SteamCMD Installer and enter the following command:

login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\ArkServer\ServerFiles
app_update 376030 validate
exit

This command will download and install the server files to the directory you created in step 2.

Step 4: Configure the Server Settings

After downloading the server files, you will need to configure the server settings. Navigate to the “ServerFiles” folder, and locate the “Game.ini” and “GameUserSettings.ini” files. These files contain all the server settings, including server name, player count, and difficulty.

Step 5: Start the Server

With the server files downloaded and the settings configured, you are now ready to start the Ark Server. Navigate to the “ServerFiles” folder, and launch the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file. This will start the server, and you can now connect to it using the Xbox Play Anywhere edition of Ark: Survival Evolved.

FAQ

Q: How many players can join my server?

A: The maximum number of players that can join your server is determined by the server settings. You can configure the maximum number of players in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

Q: Can I customize the server settings?

A: Yes, you can customize the server settings by editing the “Game.ini” and “GameUserSettings.ini” files.

Q: How can I access the server console?

A: To access the server console, press the “Tab” key while in-game, and type “enablecheats [password]”. Replace “[password]” with your server password, and press “Enter”. This will give you access to the server console.

Q: How can I backup my server?

A: To backup your server, simply copy the “ServerFiles” folder to a backup location.

Q: Can I run the server 24/7?

A: Yes, you can run the server 24/7 by keeping your PC turned on and connected to the internet. However, keep in mind that running the server continuously may increase your electricity bill and put strain on your PC.

Conclusion

Hosting an Xbox Ark Server on your PC gives you full control over the server settings and gameplay experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily host your own server and enjoy hours of gameplay with your friends. Remember to check your hardware and software requirements before starting the process and keep your server settings up-to-date to ensure the best gameplay experience. Good luck and happy hosting!