How to Host Non-Dedicated Server Ark PC: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hello, Dev! If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to host non-dedicated server Ark PC, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the essential steps and factors that you need to consider to host your non-dedicated Ark server on your PC.

What is Ark: Survival Evolved?

Before we dive into the details of how to host non-dedicated server Ark PC, let’s first understand what Ark: Survival Evolved is. Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular action-adventure survival game developed and published by Studio Wildcard. The game features an open-world environment filled with prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs, as well as other players in a multiplayer mode.

How to Play Ark: Survival Evolved?

To play Ark: Survival Evolved, you need to have a device that meets the system requirements of the game. These include:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)	OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX-8350 or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better
DirectX: Version 10	DirectX: Version 10
Storage: 60 GB available space	Storage: 60 GB available space

Once you have the game installed on your PC, you can play it in either single-player or multiplayer mode. In single-player mode, you play the game alone, while in multiplayer mode, you can play with other players on non-dedicated or dedicated servers.

What is a Non-Dedicated Server?

A non-dedicated server is a type of server in Ark: Survival Evolved where one player hosts a game on their PC and allows other players to join and play the game with them. The player hosting the game is also playing the game, and they are the only one who can save the game’s progress. A non-dedicated server can only support a limited number of players, usually up to eight players.

Why Host a Non-Dedicated Server?

There are several reasons why you might want to host a non-dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved:

• You want to play the game with your friends and family in a controlled environment.
• You want to have full control over the game’s settings and mods.
• You want to save money on hosting fees.

How to Host Non-Dedicated Server Ark PC: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what a non-dedicated server is and why you might want to host one, let’s dive into the steps you need to follow to host your non-dedicated server Ark PC:

Step 1: Check Your PC Requirements

Before you start hosting your non-dedicated server, make sure that your PC meets the system requirements of the game. As mentioned earlier, you need to have at least an Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 processor, 8 GB RAM, and Nvidia GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB graphics card to run the game smoothly. You also need at least 60 GB of free storage space on your PC for the game’s installation.

Step 2: Set Up Port Forwarding

Before you can host your non-dedicated server, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows other players to connect to your PC and join your non-dedicated server. The steps to set up port forwarding vary depending on your router model and brand. You can consult your router’s manual or contact your ISP for assistance with port forwarding.

Step 3: Create a Non-Dedicated Server

Once you have set up port forwarding, you can now create a non-dedicated server by following these steps:

1. Launch the game and choose “Host/Local” from the main menu.
2. Select “Play Single Player” and choose the map you want to play in.
3. Customize your game settings as desired, such as the difficulty level, tame rate, and player damage multiplier.
4. Under “Host Session,” select “Invite Friends” and choose the players you want to invite to your non-dedicated server.
5. Click “Host Non-Dedicated Server” to start your non-dedicated server.

Step 4: Invite Other Players to Your Non-Dedicated Server

To invite other players to join your non-dedicated server, you need to share your IP address with them. Your IP address is the unique address that identifies your PC on the internet. To find your IP address, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt on your PC.
2. Type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
3. Look for “IPv4 Address” in the output, and copy the address.
4. Share the IP address with the players you want to invite to your non-dedicated server.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Any Issues

If you encounter any issues while hosting your non-dedicated server or joining the server, you can troubleshoot them using the following steps:

• Make sure that your PC meets the game’s system requirements.
• Check that port forwarding is set up correctly on your router.
• Ensure that your firewall and antivirus software are not blocking the game’s traffic.
• Verify that all players have the same game version and mods installed.

FAQs

1. Can I host a non-dedicated server on a laptop?

Yes, you can host a non-dedicated server on a laptop as long as it meets the game’s system requirements.

2. How many players can join a non-dedicated server?

A non-dedicated server can support up to eight players.

3. Can I save the progress of my non-dedicated server?

Yes, the player hosting the game can save the progress of their non-dedicated server.

4. How can I prevent other players from joining my non-dedicated server?

You can set a password for your non-dedicated server to prevent other players from joining without your permission.

5. Can I install mods on my non-dedicated server?

Yes, you can install mods on your non-dedicated server. However, all players must have the same mods installed to join your non-dedicated server.

Conclusion

Hosting a non-dedicated server Ark PC is an excellent way to play the game with your friends and family. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and host your non-dedicated server hassle-free. Remember to ensure that your PC meets the game’s system requirements, set up port forwarding correctly, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Good luck and have fun playing!