How to Host Your Own ARK Server: A Beginner’s Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev, to your comprehensive guide on how to host your own ARK server. If you’re looking to set up your own server for you and your friends to play on or create a community, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you from start to finish, covering everything from hardware requirements to configuring your server settings. Let’s get started!

Hardware Requirements

The first thing to consider when setting up your own ARK server is the hardware you’ll need. Depending on the number of players you plan to support, you’ll need a dedicated machine or powerful gaming PC with the following minimum specifications:

Component	Minimum Requirement
Processor	Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8GB DDR3
Storage	120GB SSD or better
Bandwidth	10Mbps download / 5Mbps upload

It’s important to note that these are the minimum requirements and that you’ll need to upgrade your hardware if you plan to support more players or host several servers simultaneously.

Setting Up Your Server

Now that you have your hardware sorted, it’s time to set up your ARK server. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

The first step is to download and install SteamCMD, which is a command-line interface used to install and update dedicated servers. You can download SteamCMD from the official website.

Step 2: Create a New Folder for Your Server

Create a new folder on your machine where you’ll store your ARK server files. You can name it anything you like, but make sure it’s easy to remember and navigate to.

Step 3: Install ARK Dedicated Server

Open SteamCMD and log in using your Steam account credentials. Once logged in, type the following command:

app_update 376030 validate

This will download and install the ARK dedicated server files to the folder you created in Step 2.

Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings

Now that you have the server files installed, it’s time to configure your server settings. Locate the server configuration files in the folder where you installed the server:

YourServerFolder/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini

Edit this file using a text editor such as Notepad and configure the settings to your liking. Some important settings to consider include:

• Maximum Number of Players
• Server Name
• Game Difficulty
• Experience Multiplier
• Taming Speed Multiplier
• Harvesting Multiplier

Step 5: Start Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server settings, it’s time to start your server. Open SteamCMD and navigate to the folder where you installed the ARK dedicated server. Type the following command:

./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen -server -log

This will start your server and allow players to connect to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to my own ARK server?

To connect to your own ARK server, open the game and click on the “Join ARK” button. In the server browser, type in the IP address of your server and click “Join”.

How do I add mods to my ARK server?

To add mods to your ARK server, you’ll need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and then add them to your server’s GameUserSettings.ini file. Simply add the mod ID to the “ActiveMods” section of the file and restart your server.

How do I back up my ARK server?

To back up your ARK server, you’ll need to copy the entire folder where your server files are stored to a separate location. It’s recommended to do this regularly to avoid losing progress in case of server issues.

How do I update my ARK server?

To update your ARK server, open SteamCMD and log in using your Steam account credentials. Once logged in, type the following command:

app_update 376030

This will update your server to the latest version.

Can I run my ARK server in the background?

Yes, you can run your ARK server in the background by using a terminal multiplexer such as screen or tmux. This will allow you to detach from the server console and continue using your machine.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You now have your own ARK server up and running. This guide covered the basics of setting up your server, configuring your server settings, and connecting to your server. While there’s always more to learn, you now have a solid foundation to build upon. Happy gaming!