How to Host Dedicated Server Ark

Welcome, Dev, to this guide on how to host a dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved. If you’re looking to set up your own server to play with friends or to create a community, you’ve come to the right place. This can be a daunting task, but we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a type of server that is entirely dedicated to a single purpose, such as hosting a game. Unlike a shared server, which hosts multiple websites or games, a dedicated server gives you full control over the resources and settings, allowing for better customization and performance.

Benefits of a Dedicated Server

There are several benefits to hosting a dedicated server for Ark:

With those benefits in mind, let’s dive into the process of hosting your own dedicated server.

Step 1: Preparing Your Computer

The first step to hosting a dedicated server is to prepare your computer. Before you do that, make sure your computer meets the following requirements:

OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)

Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Storage: 20 GB available space

Once you confirm your computer can handle the game, the next step is to download the dedicated server software from Steam. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Select Tools from the drop-down menu.
3. Search for Ark: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server and download it.

Step 2: Configuring Your Server

Now that you’ve downloaded the server software, it’s time to configure it to your liking. There are several settings you can adjust, including the map, player count, and mods. Here’s how:

Map Selection

To select a map, open the ServerSettings.ini file located in the server’s directory. Change the value of ActiveMap to the name of the map you want to use. Here are some examples:

Player Count

To set the player count, open the GameUserSettings.ini file in the server directory. Change the value of MaxPlayerCount to the number of players you want to allow on the server.

Mods

To install mods, follow these steps:

1. Find the mod you want to install on the Steam Workshop.
2. Copy the mod ID from the URL. It’s the series of numbers at the end of the URL.
3. Paste the ID into the ActiveMods field in the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Step 3: Starting Your Server

With your server configured, it’s time to start it up. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Select Tools from the drop-down menu.
3. Find Ark: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server and click Play.
4. Select your server settings and click Start Dedicated Server.

FAQ

How much does it cost to host a dedicated server for Ark?

The cost of hosting a dedicated server for Ark depends on the provider you choose. Prices can range from $10 to $100 or more per month.

Can I run a dedicated server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can run a dedicated server on a virtual machine. However, your performance may be impacted, so make sure your VM has enough resources to handle the game.

What ports do I need to open to run a dedicated server?

You need to open port 7777 (UDP) and port 27015 (TCP) to run a dedicated server for Ark.

Do I need a static IP address to host a dedicated server?

No, you do not need a static IP address to host a dedicated server. However, a static IP address can make it easier for players to connect to your server.

Can I add mods to my dedicated server?

Yes, you can add mods to your dedicated server. Simply follow the instructions in Step 2: Configuring Your Server to install them.

Do I need to keep my computer on to host a dedicated server?

Yes, your computer needs to be on and running the server software in order for others to connect to your dedicated server.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how to host a dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved. With these steps, you’ll be able to create your own customized gaming experience and build your own community of players.