Hello Dev, welcome to our journal article on how to host your ARK server on Epic Games. As you may know, hosting your own server gives you complete control over the game settings, mods, and player experience. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process of setting up and managing your own server on Epic Games.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, there are a few things you need to have in order to successfully host your own ARK server on Epic Games. These include:
Requirement |
Description |
---|---|
ARK Server Software |
You need to download and install the ARK server software on your computer. |
Epic Games Launcher |
You need to have the Epic Games launcher installed on your computer. |
High-Speed Internet Connection |
You need a high-speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to run the server without latency or lag. |
System Requirements |
Your computer system must meet the minimum requirements to run the ARK server software. Check the system requirements on the official ARK website. |
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download the ARK Server Software
The first step is to download the ARK server software from the official ARK website. Once you have downloaded the software, extract the files to a folder on your computer.
Next, open the folder and double-click on the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file to launch the server application.
Note that the first time you launch the server application, it will take some time to set up the necessary files and configurations.
Step 2: Configure the Server Settings
Once the server application is running, you can start configuring the server settings. This includes setting up the game mode, player limit, server name, and other settings.
To configure the server settings, open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in the “Shootergame\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor” folder. Make the necessary changes to the settings, save the file, and then exit.
Step 3: Port Forwarding
In order for other players to connect to your server, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. This involves opening up specific ports on your router to allow incoming connections to the server.
The specific ports you need to open for ARK server hosting are 7777, 7778, and 27015. Check your router manual or contact your internet service provider for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.
Step 4: Create a Batch File
To run the ARK server, you need to create a batch file with the necessary commands to launch the server application. Open Notepad, type in the following commands, and save the file with a .bat extension:
“start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=myserver?MaxPlayers=20?listen?ServerPassword=mypassword”
Replace “myserver” and “mypassword” with your desired server name and password. Save the batch file in the same folder as the server application.
Step 5: Launch the Server
To launch the server, simply double-click on the batch file you created in the previous step. The server will launch and start running.
Note that you need to keep the batch file running in order for the server to continue running. You can close the server by simply closing the batch file window.
Managing Your Server
How to Manage Your Server Using the Command Line
There are a variety of commands you can use to manage your ARK server from the command line. Here are some of the most useful commands:
Command |
Description |
---|---|
quit |
Closes the server. |
listplayers |
Lists all connected players. |
kickplayer |
Kicks the player with the specified ID from the server. |
banplayer |
Bans the player with the specified ID from the server. |
settimeofday : |
Sets the time of day to the specified time. |
How to Manage Your Server Using Third-Party Tools
There are a number of third-party tools available that can help you manage your ARK server more easily. Some of the most popular tools include:
- ARK Server Manager
- ARKON
- ARK Commander
- ARK Server Launcher
- ARKON Web Interface
These tools provide a graphical user interface that makes it easier to manage your server settings, monitor server performance, and manage players.
FAQs
Can I Host an ARK Server on a Gaming Console?
Yes, you can host an ARK server on a gaming console like Xbox or PlayStation. However, this requires a separate set of instructions and is beyond the scope of this article. Check the official ARK website for instructions on how to host a server on a gaming console.
Can I Run Mods on My ARK Server?
Yes, you can run mods on your ARK server. However, this requires additional configuration and setup. Check the official ARK website for instructions on how to set up and run mods on your server.
Do I Need a Dedicated Server to Host My ARK Server?
No, you do not need a dedicated server to host your ARK server. You can host the server on your own computer as long as it meets the minimum system requirements and has a high-speed internet connection.
How Many Players Can I Host on My ARK Server?
The number of players you can host on your ARK server depends on a variety of factors, including the server hardware, internet connection, and game settings. However, most servers can handle between 10-20 players without issue.
Is It Possible to Change Server Settings After the Server Is Running?
Yes, you can change server settings after the server is running. Simply edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” file and save the changes. You will need to restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Hosting your own ARK server on Epic Games is a great way to experience the game on your own terms. With the right setup and configuration, you can create a customized game experience that suits your preferences and play style. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started with hosting your own server. Good luck, and have fun!