How to Run a Dedicated Server on ARK

Hello Dev, if you’re looking to create your own ARK: Survival Evolved server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to run a dedicated server on ARK. So, let’s get started!

Requirements

Before you can start running your dedicated server on ARK, you need to make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements. Here’s what you need:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: 64-Bit Windows 7 Service Pack 1, or Windows 8	OS: 64-Bit Windows 7/8/8.1/10
Processor: 2 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit CPU	Processor: 3 GHz Quad-Core 64-bit CPU
Memory: 4 GB RAM	Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: DirectX10 Compatible GPU with 1 GB Video RAM	Graphics: DirectX10 Compatible GPU with 2 GB Video RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space	Storage: 20 GB available space

Make sure that you have a stable internet connection as well.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download the Dedicated Server Software

First, you need to download the dedicated server software from Steam. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open your Steam client and go to the “Library” section.
2. Click on “Tools” in the list of categories.
3. Search for “ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” and download it.

2. Install the Dedicated Server Software

Once the download is complete, you need to install the dedicated server software. Here’s how:

1. Go to the folder where you downloaded the software.
2. Extract the files using an archiving tool such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.
3. Run the “steamcmd.exe” file as an administrator.
4. Type “login anonymous” into the console.
5. Type “force_install_dir c:\arksurvival” into the console. (You can replace “c:\arksurvival” with any directory of your choice).
6. Type “app_update 376030 validate” into the console.

3. Configure the Server

Now that you’ve installed the dedicated server software, it’s time to configure it. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the “arkserver.cfg” file in the “Saved” directory of the “ShooterGame” folder.
2. Open the file using a text editor.
3. Configure the settings according to your preferences. You can change the server name, password, game mode, and other settings in this file.
4. Save the changes.

4. Start the Server

Now that you’ve configured the server, it’s time to start it. Here’s how:

1. Double-click the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file in the “Binaries” folder.
2. Wait for the server to load.
3. Type “open 127.0.0.1” into the console to connect to your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I run the dedicated server software on Linux?

Yes, you can run the dedicated server software on Linux. However, the installation process may be different.

Q2. How many players can join my dedicated server?

The maximum number of players that can join your dedicated server depends on your system specifications and internet connection.

Q3. Can I customize the game settings on my dedicated server?

Yes, you can customize the game settings on your dedicated server by editing the “arkserver.cfg” file.

Q4. Can I transfer my singleplayer progress to my dedicated server?

Yes, you can transfer your singleplayer progress to your dedicated server by using a tool such as Ark Savegame Manager.

Q5. How can I make my dedicated server public?

You can make your dedicated server public by forwarding the port 7777 on your router and allowing incoming connections on your firewall.

We hope this guide has helped you in setting up your own dedicated server on ARK. If you have any further queries, feel free to leave a comment below. Good luck!