Are you looking for a way to set up your own private ARK server? Do you want to enjoy the game with your friends in a more controlled environment? In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting your own private ARK server, step-by-step. Whether you are an experienced server host or a newcomer, this guide will help you get started. So, let’s dive in!
What is ARK: Survival Evolved?
ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. The game takes place in a fictional world where players are stranded on an island inhabited by prehistoric creatures. The objective of the game is to survive, build, and establish dominance over the island.
Why Host a Private ARK Server?
Hosting a private ARK server allows you to play the game with your friends or family in a more controlled environment. You can set your own rules, adjust the gameplay settings, and even add mods to enhance your gaming experience. It also ensures that you have full control over who can join your server, which eliminates the risk of strangers joining and ruining your gameplay.
Step 1: Purchase the Game and Download the Server Files
The first step to hosting a private ARK server is to purchase the game and download the server files. You can purchase the game on Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation platforms. Once you have purchased the game, you can download the server files by following these steps:
Step 1.1: Download SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line utility that is used to download and install game server files. To download SteamCMD, follow these steps:
No |
Steps |
|---|---|
1 |
Go to the official SteamCMD website. |
2 |
Download the installer for your operating system. |
Once you have downloaded the installer, run it to install SteamCMD on your computer.
Step 1.2: Create a New Folder for the Server Files
Create a new folder on your computer where you want to store the server files. You can name the folder anything you like, but make sure it is easily accessible.
Step 1.3: Download the ARK Server Files
Now that you have SteamCMD installed and a new folder created, it’s time to download the ARK server files. Follow these steps:
No |
Steps |
|---|---|
1 |
Open SteamCMD. You can do this by double-clicking on the SteamCMD.exe file. |
2 |
Log in to your Steam account by typing the following command: |
login anonymous |
|
3 |
Type the following command to download the ARK server files: |
app_update 376030 validate |
|
4 |
Wait for the download to complete. This may take some time, depending on your internet speed. |
5 |
Exit SteamCMD by typing the following command: |
exit |
Once the download is complete, you will have all the necessary files to host your own private ARK server.
Step 2: Configure the Server Settings
Now that you have downloaded the server files, it’s time to configure the server settings to your liking. The server settings file is located in the “ShooterGame” folder within the server files directory. Follow these steps to configure the server settings:
Step 2.1: Open the Server Settings File
Navigate to the “ShooterGame” folder within the server files directory and open the “ServerSettings.ini” file using a text editor like Notepad.
Step 2.2: Change the Settings
The “ServerSettings.ini” file contains all the server settings that you can change. Here are some of the most important settings:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
ServerName |
The name of your server that will be displayed in the server list. |
ServerPassword |
The password required to join your server. |
ServerAdminPassword |
The password required to access the admin commands. |
ServerCrosshair |
Whether the crosshair is enabled or disabled. |
ServerForceNoHUD |
Whether the HUD is enabled or disabled. |
ServerHardcore |
Whether the game is played in hardcore mode. |
ServerPVE |
Whether the game is played in PVE mode. |
ServerPVP |
Whether the game is played in PVP mode. |
DifficultyOffset |
The difficulty level of the game. |
XPMultiplier |
The experience multiplier. |
TamingSpeedMultiplier |
The taming speed multiplier. |
HarvestAmountMultiplier |
The harvest amount multiplier. |
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier |
The resources respawn period multiplier. |
MaxPlayers |
The maximum number of players allowed on the server. |
Change the settings to your liking and save the file.
Step 3: Start the Server
Now that you have configured the server settings, it’s time to start the server. Follow these steps:
Step 3.1: Create a Start Script
Create a new text file in the server files directory and name it “start.bat”. Open the file using a text editor and type the following command:
start ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword?listen"
Replace “MyServer” with the name of your server, “MyPassword” with the password you want to use, and “MyAdminPassword” with the admin password you want to use. Save the file.
Step 3.2: Start the Server
Double-click on the “start.bat” file to start the server. The server console will open, and you will see the server starting up. This may take some time, depending on your computer’s speed.
Step 3.3: Join the Server
Once the server is running, you can join it by launching ARK: Survival Evolved and selecting “Join ARK” from the main menu. In the server list, you should see your server with the name you gave it. Select your server and click “Join”. You will be prompted to enter the password you set in the server settings file. Once you enter the password, you will be able to join the server and start playing.
FAQ
Q1. How can I add mods to my private ARK server?
A1. To add mods to your private ARK server, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install the ARK Mod Manager
Download and install the ARK Mod Manager from the official website.
Step 2: Browse and Install Mods
Browse the available mods and select the ones you want to install. Click “Install” to add them to your server.
Step 3: Activate the Mods
Activate the mods by adding their IDs to the “ActiveMods” setting in the server settings file.
Q2. How can I backup my private ARK server?
A2. To backup your private ARK server, follow these steps:
Step 1: Stop the Server
Stop the server by typing “exit” in the console or shutting down the server program.
Step 2: Copy the Server Files
Copy the entire server files directory to a backup location on your computer or external drive.
Step 3: Restart the Server
Restart the server by running the “start.bat” file again.
Q3. How can I update my private ARK server?
A3. To update your private ARK server, follow these steps:
Step 1: Backup the Server Files
Before updating, it is recommended to backup the server files to avoid losing any progress. Follow the steps outlined in the previous FAQ to backup the server files.
Step 2: Update the Server Files
Download the latest version of the ARK server files using SteamCMD. Follow the steps outlined in Step 1.3 to update the server files.
Step 3: Start the Server
Once the server files are updated, start the server again by running the “start.bat” file.
That’s it! You now know how to host your own private ARK server. Have fun playing with your friends in your own controlled environment. Remember to regularly backup your server to avoid losing any progress. Happy gaming!