How to Host Ark Dedicated Server

Hello, Dev! Are you interested in hosting an Ark dedicated server? In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and managing your own server. With the right resources and knowledge, you can make sure that you and your friends will have a stable and enjoyable experience playing Ark.

1. Choose your Hardware

The first step in hosting your own server is to choose the right hardware. Depending on the number of players you intend to have on your server, you may need a more powerful machine. Here are some hardware specifications you should consider:

Specification	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 or better	Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better
RAM	8 GB	16 GB or more
Storage	20 GB free space	SSD with 20 GB free space or more
Network	1 Gbps	10 Gbps

It’s important to remember that Ark servers require a lot of processing power and memory, so be sure to choose a machine that can handle the load.

2. Install the Necessary Software

Now that you have your hardware, it’s time to install the necessary software. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

The first thing you need to do is install SteamCMD on your machine. SteamCMD is a command-line version of Steam that allows you to install and manage servers for games like Ark. You can download SteamCMD from the official Valve website.

Step 2: Create a New Steam Account

Once you’ve installed SteamCMD, you’ll need to create a new Steam account specifically for your server. This will ensure that your server is separate from your personal account.

Step 3: Install Ark Server

Once you have a new Steam account, you can use it to log into SteamCMD and install the Ark server. Here are the commands you’ll need to enter:

login anonymousforce_install_dir app_update 376030 validate

Replace <path to server files> with the path where you want to install the server files. Once the installation is complete, you’ll have a new folder that contains the server files.

Step 4: Configure Your Server

Now that you have installed the server files, it’s time to configure your server. The server configuration file is located in the /ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer directory. Here are some key settings you should consider:

• ServerName: The name of your server.
• ServerPassword: A password to restrict access to your server.
• MaxPlayers: The maximum number of players allowed on your server.
• DifficultyOffset: The difficulty level of your server.

By changing these settings, you can customize your server to match your preferences and play style.

3. Launch Your Server

Now that you’ve installed and configured the server, it’s time to launch it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Start SteamCMD

Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory where SteamCMD is installed. Run the following command to start SteamCMD:

steamcmd

Step 2: Log In

Once SteamCMD is running, you’ll need to log in using your new Steam account. Use the following command:

login  

Replace <username> and <password> with your new account information.

Step 3: Launch Your Server

Once you’re logged in, you can launch your server using the following command:

start /wait ShooterGameServer.exe /ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini

This will start the server and wait for it to exit before closing the command prompt.

4. Maintaining Your Server

Once your server is up and running, there are a few things you’ll need to do to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips:

Back Up Your Server

It’s important to back up your server regularly to prevent data loss in case of a hardware failure. You can use third-party software or scripts to automate the backup process.

Update Your Server

Make sure to keep your server up to date with the latest patches and updates. You can use SteamCMD to check for and install updates.

Monitor Your Server

Keep an eye on your server’s performance to ensure that it’s running smoothly. Use monitoring tools to check for issues like lag or crashes.

Manage Your Community

If you’re hosting a public server, you’ll need to manage your community to ensure a positive experience for all players. Set rules and enforce them, and be responsive to any issues that arise.

FAQ

What Ports Do I Need to Forward?

You’ll need to forward port 27015 (UDP) for the Ark server.

How Many Players Can My Server Handle?

It depends on your hardware specifications and network speed, but most servers can handle up to 100 players.

Can I Host a Server on a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?

Yes, you can host an Ark server on a VPS. Be sure to choose a VPS with enough resources to handle the load.

How Do I Add Mods to My Server?

To add mods to your server, you’ll need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and then add them to your server’s configuration file.

Can I Play on My Own Server?

Yes, you can play on your own server by connecting to it using the game’s server browser.

That concludes our guide on how to host an Ark dedicated server. We hope this article has been helpful in getting you started with your own server. Good luck, and have fun!