How to Host a Dedicated Ark Server – A Guide for Dev

Greetings Dev! Whether you’re a gamer looking to create your own Ark server or a developer seeking to provide services to fellow gamers, hosting a dedicated Ark server can be a tricky task. But fret not. We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide that covers every aspect of hosting an Ark server – from server requirements to server settings and everything in between. So let’s get started!

Server Requirements

Before delving into the details of hosting an Ark server, it’s important to understand the basic requirements that your server must meet to ensure smooth and hassle-free gameplay.

Hardware Requirements

The server hardware plays a critical role in providing optimal performance to players. Here are the minimum hardware requirements for hosting an Ark server:

Component	Minimum Requirements
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8 GB
Storage	100 GB SSD
Network	1 Gbps

It’s important to note that these are minimum requirements, and you might need higher-end hardware if you’re planning to host a large server with a high number of players.

Software Requirements

The server software requirements are equally important, and you must ensure that your server meets the following software requirements:

• Windows 7 or later (64-bit version)
• .NET Framework v4.5.2 or later
• SteamCMD
• ARK Server Manager

Server Setup

Setting up an Ark server involves multiple steps – from downloading and installing the necessary software to configuring the server settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up your own Ark server:

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to download and install game server files on your server. Here’s how you can download and install SteamCMD:

1. Go to the official SteamCMD website and download the installation package for your server’s operating system.
2. Extract the downloaded package to a preferred location on your server.
3. Run the SteamCMD executable file and wait for the initialization process to complete.

Step 2: Download and Install ARK Server Manager

ARK Server Manager is a graphical user interface (GUI) tool that makes it easy to manage and configure your Ark server. Here’s how you can download and install ARK Server Manager:

1. Go to the official ARK Server Manager website and download the installation package for your server’s operating system.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your server.
3. Launch ARK Server Manager and configure the server settings as per your preferences.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings

Configuring the server settings is a crucial step that determines the gameplay experience of the players. Here are some key server settings that you must configure:

Game Settings

The game settings determine various aspects of the game, such as game mode, difficulty level, and resource availability. Here are some important game settings that you must configure:

• Game Mode
• Difficulty Level
• Taming Speed
• Harvesting Multiplier
• Experience Multiplier
• Resources Respawn Period
• Resource Health Multiplier

Server Settings

The server settings determine various aspects of the server, such as server name, admin password, and server location. Here are some important server settings that you must configure:

• Server Name
• Server Password
• Server Location
• Max Players
• Max Tamed Dinos
• Server Crosshair
• Server PVE Mode

Player Settings

The player settings determine various aspects of the player, such as character stats, item durability, and player damage. Here are some important player settings that you must configure:

• Health
• Stamina
• Oxygen
• Food
• Water
• Player Damage Multiplier
• Item Durability Multiplier

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I access my Ark server via SSH?

You can access your Ark server via SSH using a secure shell client, such as PuTTY. Here are the steps to access your server via SSH:

1. Download and install PuTTY on your local machine.
2. Launch PuTTY and enter the server IP address and port number.
3. Enter your server credentials (username and password) and click ‘Open’.
4. You can now access your server terminal and execute various commands.

Q2. How can I change the server settings in ARK Server Manager?

You can change the server settings in ARK Server Manager by following these steps:

1. Launch ARK Server Manager and log in to the server.
2. Click on the ‘Server Settings’ tab on the left-hand side menu.
3. You can now change various settings, such as game mode, difficulty level, and server name.
4. Once you have made the desired changes, click on the ‘Save’ button.

Q3. How can I install mods on my Ark server?

You can install mods on your Ark server by following these steps:

1. Launch ARK Server Manager and log in to the server.
2. Click on the ‘Mods’ tab on the left-hand side menu.
3. Click on the ‘Available Mods’ button to view the list of available mods.
4. Select the desired mods and click on the ‘Install’ button.
5. Once the mods are installed, click on the ‘Mods Manager’ button to activate the mods.

Q4. How can I backup my Ark server data?

You can backup your Ark server data by following these steps:

1. Launch ARK Server Manager and log in to the server.
2. Click on the ‘Backup’ tab on the left-hand side menu.
3. Click on the ‘Create Backup’ button to create a new backup.
4. Enter the backup details, such as backup name and description.
5. Click on the ‘Create’ button to initiate the backup process.

That’s all for now, Dev! We hope our guide has provided you with all the necessary information to host your own dedicated Ark server. Happy gaming!