Installing Ark Server Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Greetings, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts! Are you an avid fan of Ark: Survival Evolved and want to set up your own dedicated server to play with your friends? Look no further than this comprehensive guide on installing Ark server on Ubuntu!

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install Ark server on Ubuntu, along with the advantages and disadvantages of running your own server. We will also address some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot common issues.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Ark server installation!

Installing Ark Server Ubuntu

Before we begin, make sure your server meets the following system requirements:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: Ubuntu 18.04 or later	OS: Ubuntu 20.04 or later
Processor: 2 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit CPU	Processor: 3 GHz Quad-Core 64-bit CPU
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space	Storage: 50 GB available space
Network: Broadband Internet connection	Network: Broadband Internet connection

Step 1: Updating Your Ubuntu Server

Before installing Ark server, it is important to update your Ubuntu server to ensure that you have the latest security patches and software updates. To do this, log in to your Ubuntu server and run the following command:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

This command will update your server with the latest security patches and software updates.

Step 2: Installing SteamCMD

Ark server is run through SteamCMD, a command-line version of the Steam client. To install SteamCMD, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install steamcmd

Step 3: Creating a SteamCMD Login

To access SteamCMD and install Ark server, you will need to create a Steam login. To do this, run the following command:

steamcmd

This will open SteamCMD with a prompt. Type the following command to log in to Steam:

login anonymous

You will then be prompted to enter your Steam Guard code. If you do not have Steam Guard enabled, simply press enter.

Step 4: Installing Ark Server

To install Ark server, first, create a new directory for it with the following command:

mkdir arkserver

Navigate to the newly created directory with the following command:

cd arkserver

Next, enter the following command to download Ark server:

app_update 376030 validate

This will install Ark server on your Ubuntu server.

Step 5: Configuring Ark Server

Once Ark server is installed, you will need to configure it to your liking. Navigate to the newly created directory with the following command:

cd ~/arkserver/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/

Here, there are several configuration files that you can edit to customize your server settings. Some common settings to edit include the server name, player count, and difficulty level.

Step 6: Running Ark Server

To start your Ark server, navigate to the Ark server directory with the following command:

cd ~/arkserver

Next, enter the following command to start the server:

./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MySession?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword -server -log

Replace “MySession”, “MyPassword”, and “MyAdminPassword” with your desired session name, server password, and admin password, respectively.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed and configured Ark server on Ubuntu!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Running Your Own Ark Server

Advantages

Running your own Ark server has several advantages, including:

Total Control

By running your own server, you have complete control over the server settings, including player count, difficulty level, and rules. This allows you to create a unique gaming experience that is tailored to your preferences.

Cost Savings

While renting a server from a hosting provider may seem convenient, it can quickly become expensive. Running your own server can save you money in the long run, as you only need to pay for the initial hardware and internet connection.

Private Gaming Experience

By running your own server, you can create a private gaming experience for you and your friends, without the interference of other players. This allows you to focus on gameplay and enjoy a more intimate gaming experience.

Disadvantages

Running your own Ark server also has some disadvantages, including:

Technical Knowledge Required

Setting up and configuring a server requires some technical knowledge, including knowledge of Linux, networking, and server management. If you are not familiar with these concepts, running your own server may be challenging.

Hardware Limitations

Depending on the hardware of your server, there may be limitations on the number of players that can join your server, or the quality of the gameplay experience. You may need to upgrade your hardware to accommodate more players or enhance the quality of gameplay.

Maintenance Required

Running your own server also requires regular maintenance, including software updates and security patches. If you are not prepared to perform these tasks, running your own server may not be the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to my Ark server?

To connect to your Ark server, open Ark: Survival Evolved on your computer and click “Join Ark” on the main menu. Next, click “Unofficial PC Sessions” and search for your server by name. Click on your server and enter the server password to connect.

How do I troubleshoot common Ark server issues?

Some common issues that may arise while running an Ark server include server crashes, lag, and connection issues. To troubleshoot these issues, make sure your server meets the minimum system requirements, and check for any software updates or security patches. You can also consult online forums or contact Ark support for further assistance.

Can I run the Ark server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can run the Ark server on a virtual machine. However, it is important to ensure that your virtual machine meets the minimum system requirements and has adequate resources to run the server.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now have all the information you need to install and configure Ark server on Ubuntu! While running your own server may require some technical knowledge and maintenance, it also provides you with complete control over your gaming experience and can save you money in the long run.

So what are you waiting for? Start building your own Ark server today and embark on an exciting gaming adventure with your friends!

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any damages or losses incurred as a result of following the instructions in this guide. Always consult official documentation and seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of server installation or configuration.

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