How to Host Dedicated Ark Server and Play

Hello Dev, are you a fan of Ark: Survival Evolved? Do you want to host your own dedicated server to play with friends? In this article, we will guide you through the steps of hosting your own dedicated Ark server and playing on it. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Setting up the Server

The first step in hosting your own dedicated Ark server is to set up the server software. You will need a dedicated machine with good internet connectivity and enough processing power to handle the load. Follow these steps:

Step 1.1: Downloading the Server Software

The first thing you need to do is download the server software. You can download the software from the official website or through Steam. Follow these steps:

Platform	Download Link
Windows	https://survivetheark.com/index.php?/forums/topic/43594-ark-server-manager-windows-app/
Linux	https://survivetheark.com/index.php?/forums/topic/13030-tutorial-ark-dedicated-server-setup-under-linux/

Step 1.2: Installing the Server Software

Once you have downloaded the server software, you need to install it on your dedicated machine. The installation process varies depending on the platform you are using. Follow the instructions provided with the software to install it.

Step 1.3: Configuring the Server Settings

After installing the server software, you need to configure the server settings. These settings will determine the gameplay experience on your server. You can change the settings by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file which is located in the server software folder. Here are some of the important settings:

Setting	Description
ServerName	The name of your server as it will appear in the server list.
MaxPlayers	The maximum number of players that can connect to your server.
DifficultyOffset	The level of difficulty of the game.

Step 1.4: Port Forwarding

Once you have configured the server settings, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. This will allow players to connect to your server. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Log in to your router’s settings page.
2. Locate the port forwarding section.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule.
4. Enter the IP address of your dedicated machine.
5. Specify the port numbers for UDP and TCP for the Ark server.
6. Save the settings.

Step 2: Playing on the Server

Now that you have set up the server, it’s time to connect to it and start playing. Follow these steps:

Step 2.1: Finding Your Server

To connect to your server, you need to find it in the server list. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch Ark: Survival Evolved.
2. Click on the “Join Ark” button.
3. Change the filter settings to “Unofficial PC Sessions”.
4. Enter the name of your server in the search bar.
5. Click on “Join”.

Step 2.2: Connecting to Your Server

After finding your server, you need to connect to it. Here are the steps:

1. Enter the password for your server (if you have set one).
2. Wait for the game to load.
3. Select your character or create a new one.
4. Start playing.

FAQ

Q1. How many players can join my dedicated Ark server?

A1. The maximum number of players that can connect to your server depends on the server settings. You can set the maximum number of players using the MaxPlayers setting in the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Q2. Can I play mods on my dedicated Ark server?

A2. Yes, you can play mods on your dedicated Ark server. You can add mods by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file and specifying the mod IDs. Make sure that all players have the same mods installed.

Q3. Can I host my dedicated Ark server on a virtual machine?

A3. Yes, you can host your dedicated Ark server on a virtual machine. However, make sure that the virtual machine has enough processing power and memory to handle the load.

Q4. Can I run my dedicated Ark server on a NAS?

A4. It is possible to run your dedicated Ark server on a NAS, but it may not provide optimal performance. It is recommended that you use a dedicated machine for hosting your server.

Q5. How do I update my dedicated Ark server?

A5. To update your dedicated Ark server, you need to download the latest server software and replace the existing files with the new ones. Make sure to take a backup of your server files before updating.

Conclusion

Hosting your own dedicated Ark server can be a great way to play with friends and customize the gameplay experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your own server and start playing. Don’t forget to configure the server settings to suit your preferences and share the server details with your friends. Happy gaming!