How to Host Server in ARK

Hi Dev, Are you an avid player of ARK: Survival Evolved who is looking to host your own server? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Hosting your own ARK server can provide you with more control over your gaming experience, as well as a more personalized environment for you and your friends to play in. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your own server so that you can enjoy ARK on your own terms.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps for hosting your own ARK server, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get started. First and foremost, you’ll need a computer or dedicated server with a strong internet connection. While it is possible to host a server on your personal computer, it’s generally recommended to use a dedicated server to avoid performance issues.

You’ll also need the ARK Dedicated Server software, which you can download for free from Steam. Additionally, make sure you have enough storage space to host the server files and sufficient RAM to support the server.

Lastly, you’ll need to configure your router to allow traffic to the server. This process is called port forwarding and requires access to your router settings. Each router is different, so consult your router’s manual or do some research to determine how to configure port forwarding.

Installation and Configuration

Now that we’ve covered what you’ll need, it’s time to download and install the ARK Dedicated Server software. Follow these steps:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open the Steam client.
Step 2
Go to the Library tab and select Tools from the drop-down menu.
Step 3
Scroll down and find ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server.
Step 4
Right-click on the software and select Install Game.
Step 5
Follow the installation prompts and choose a location to install the files.

Once the software is installed, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. Here’s how:

Step 1: IP and Port Configuration

Firstly, configure the IP and port settings for your server. This will allow players to connect to your server from outside your local network. Open the ARK Dedicated Server tool and follow these steps:

Setting
Description
IP Address
Enter the internal IP address of the computer or server you’re hosting on.
Use UPnP
If your router supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), enable it. This will allow the ARK server to configure port forwarding automatically.
Server Port
Enter the port number for your server. The default port is 7777.
Query Port
Enter the query port number for your server. The default port is 27015.

Step 2: Server Settings

Next, configure the server settings to your liking. This includes settings such as the server name, maximum number of players, and game mode. Open the ARK Dedicated Server tool and follow these steps:

Setting
Description
Map
Select the map you want to use for your server. You can choose from any of the in-game maps.
Max Players
Enter the maximum number of players allowed on your server.
Server Name
Enter a name for your server.
Game Mode
Select the game mode you want to use for your server, such as PvP or PvE.
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Step 3: Server Rules

Lastly, configure any rules or additional settings for your server. This includes settings such as server difficulty, resource respawn rate, and taming speed. Open the ARK Dedicated Server tool and follow these steps:

Setting
Description
Difficulty
Enter the difficulty level you want for your server.
Resource Respawn Rate
Enter the rate at which resources respawn on your server.
Taming Speed
Enter the speed at which creatures can be tamed on your server.

Connecting to Your Server

Now that your server is configured, it’s time to connect to it and start playing! Follow these steps to connect:

Step
Description
Step 1
Open ARK: Survival Evolved.
Step 2
Click on Join ARK.
Step 3
Under Session Filter, select Unofficial PC Sessions.
Step 4
Select your server from the list of available servers.
Step 5
Click Join Server to connect.

FAQ

1. Can I host an ARK server on my personal computer?

Yes, it’s possible to host an ARK server on your personal computer. However, it’s generally recommended to use a dedicated server to avoid performance issues.

2. How much storage space do I need to host an ARK server?

The amount of storage space you’ll need depends on the number of players and mods you plan to use. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least 20 GB of free storage space.

3. Do I need a strong internet connection to host an ARK server?

Yes, a strong internet connection is necessary to host an ARK server. A minimum of 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended.

4. How do I configure port forwarding for my ARK server?

Each router is different, so consult your router’s manual or do some research to determine how to configure port forwarding.

5. How many players can join my ARK server?

The maximum number of players allowed on your server depends on the server settings. The default maximum is 70 players.

Thanks for reading, Dev! With this guide, you should be well on your way to hosting your own ARK server. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below.