How to Set Up an ARK Server on Ubuntu – Everything You Need to Know

Introduction: Why Set Up an ARK Server on Ubuntu?

If you’re a fan of the popular open-world survival game, ARK: Survival Evolved, you know how important it is to have a reliable server to explore, battle, and build with your friends. While setting up an ARK server can be daunting, doing it on Ubuntu can provide you with unparalleled flexibility and customization to make your gaming experience truly your own.

Ubuntu is an open-source, free-to-use operating system that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers a range of benefits, including easy installation, security, and access to a vast repository of software.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into how to set up an ARK server on Ubuntu, exploring everything from the benefits to the drawbacks and all the steps you need to take to get your server up and running.

The Benefits of Setting Up an ARK Server on Ubuntu

1. Increased Flexibility

By setting up your ARK server on Ubuntu, you get increased flexibility to customize your gaming setup to your liking. Unlike other operating systems that come with pre-built configurations, Ubuntu allows you to create your own configuration from scratch, giving you the power to tailor your gaming experience to your specific needs.

2. Improved Security

Ubuntu is known for its robust security features. Since Ubuntu is open-source, developers around the world continually monitor and improve its security features, making it a safer choice for hosting your ARK server.

3. Access to a Vast Repository of Software

Ubuntu has an almost endless repository of software, including many third-party ARK server hosting applications. This means that once you’ve set up your server, you have access to a range of applications that can help you get even more out of your ARK experience.

4. Cost-Effective

Ubuntu is free to use, so you don’t have to worry about expensive licensing fees that can quickly add up when setting up a gaming server. Additionally, since Ubuntu is a lightweight operating system, you can run it on a smaller machine, saving you money on hardware costs.

5. Better Performance

Ubuntu is known for its better performance compared to other operating systems. With Ubuntu, you can expect faster load times, improved server stability and reduced latency, providing a better gaming experience for you and your friends/family.

6. Free and Up-to-Date Security Patches

Ubuntu has an excellent security record, and it regularly releases timely security patches for vulnerabilities found on its operating system.

7. Improved Ease of Use

Ubuntu is easy to install and configure, allowing you to set up your ARK server quickly and easily. Compared to other operating systems, Ubuntu has a user-friendly graphical interface and a straightforward command line, making it easy to use for beginners.

The Disadvantages of Setting Up an ARK Server on Ubuntu

1. Limited Support

While Ubuntu has a vast and helpful community of developers, its support is limited compared to other operating systems. If you run into a problem, it may take longer to find a solution to your issue.

2. Steep Learning Curve

Ubuntu requires more technical expertise than other operating systems, making its installation and configuration more complicated, and the setup may be challenging for beginners.

3. Compatibility Issues

Ubuntu may not be compatible with all hardware and software, so you should ensure that your system meets its minimum requirements before setting up your ARK server.

4. Less User-Friendly

While Ubuntu has a streamlined interface, it’s still less user-friendly than other operating systems, and it may take time to get used to its commands and functions.

5. Lack of Pre-Configured Settings

Unlike other operating systems, Ubuntu doesn’t come preconfigured with ARK server settings, making it harder to set up your server quickly.

6. Need for Technical Expertise

Setting up an ARK server on Ubuntu requires technical expertise, which can be a challenge for beginners or those less familiar with the command line. If you don’t have the technical knowledge, you may wish to opt for a different operating system.

7. Dependence on the Internet Connection

Since Ubuntu requires a stable internet connection to install updates and download necessary packages, it may not be a viable option for individuals with slow, unstable internet connections.

Setting up an ARK Server on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up Your Server

Step 1: Install Ubuntu

To set up your ARK server on Ubuntu, you first need to create an Ubuntu Server instance. You can download the latest version of Ubuntu Server from the Ubuntu website and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: Update Your System

After installing Ubuntu, you should update your system before proceeding to install ARK: Survival Evolved. To do this, open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt updatesudo apt upgrade

Step 3: Install Dependencies

ARK: Survival Evolved requires several dependencies to run correctly. You can install these dependencies by running the following commands:

sudo apt install lib32gcc1 libsdl2-2.0-0:i386 -ysudo apt install libcurl4-openssl-dev:i386 -y

Step 4: Download and Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to download and install game servers on your Linux machine. You can install SteamCMD by running the following commands:

sudo apt install steamcmdsudo apt-get install lib32stdc++6

Step 5: Download ARK: Survival Evolved

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, it’s time to download ARK: Survival Evolved. You can do this by running the following command:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/arkserver +app_update 346110 validate +exit

After running this command, SteamCMD will start downloading ARK: Survival Evolved to your server. This process may take some time, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Step 6: Configure Your ARK Server

After installing ARK: Survival Evolved, it’s time to configure your server. To do this, navigate to the root directory of your ARK server by running the following command:

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

In this directory, you’ll find the GameUserSettings.ini file, which contains all of your ARK server’s settings. You can customize these settings to your liking, including the name, password, and map.

You can edit the GameUserSettings.ini file by running the following command:

nano GameUserSettings.ini

This will open the file in the Nano text editor. Here, you can edit any of the settings to your liking. Once you’ve finished editing the file, save it by pressing CTRL+X, then Y, and finally ENTER.

Step 7: Start Your ARK Server

After configuring your server, it’s time to start it up. To do this, navigate to the root directory of your ARK server by running the following command:

cd ~/arkserver/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/

Here, you’ll find the server executable file, called ShooterGameServer. You can start up your server by running the following command:

./ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen -server -log

This command starts your server with the default map, The Island. If you want to use a different map, replace “TheIsland” with the name of your preferred map.

2. Common FAQs Answered

1. Can I Host an ARK Server on My Personal Computer?

Yes, it is possible to host an ARK server on your personal computer. However, it’s not recommended, as it can significantly slow down your computer’s performance and cause issues with your internet connection. It’s better to use a separate machine or hosting platform to run your ARK server.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Host an ARK Server on Ubuntu?

Hosting an ARK server on Ubuntu is relatively cheap. The main costs involve the machine you use to run the server and the hosting platform or service you use to run it on. Ubuntu itself is free to use, making it a cost-effective option for hosting your ARK server.

3. Can I Set Up an ARK Server on Ubuntu Without Technical Knowledge?

Setting up an ARK server on Ubuntu requires technical knowledge, but it’s not impossible for beginners. As long as you follow the step-by-step guide closely and have basic knowledge of Linux commands, you should be able to set up your ARK server on Ubuntu without any problems.

4. Can I Use Mods on My ARK Server Running on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can use mods on your ARK server running on Ubuntu. However, you’ll need to install the mods manually, as Ubuntu doesn’t have an automatic mod installation system. You can find instructions on how to install mods on the ARK Wiki or other online resources.

5. How Do I Connect to My ARK Server Running on Ubuntu?

To connect to your ARK server running on Ubuntu, you’ll need to know your server’s IP address and port number. You can find this information by checking your GameUserSettings.ini file. Once you have this information, you can connect to your server from the ARK game client by entering the IP address and port number in the “Join ARK” menu.

6. Can I Run Multiple ARK Servers on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can run multiple ARK servers on Ubuntu. However, you’ll need to configure each server separately, and it may require additional resources to run multiple servers simultaneously.

7. What Are the Minimum System Requirements for Running an ARK Server on Ubuntu?

The minimum system requirements for running an ARK server on Ubuntu include:

• 64-bit processor
• 8GB of RAM
• 20GB of available storage space
• Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS

Conclusion: Get Your ARK Server Up and Running on Ubuntu Today!

Setting up an ARK server on Ubuntu may seem daunting, but it’s actually relatively straightforward, and the benefits are well worth the effort. With increased flexibility, improved security, and access to a vast repository of software, Ubuntu provides the ideal platform for hosting your ARK server.

By following the step-by-step guide we’ve provided and taking advantage of the tips and tricks we’ve shared, you can have your very own ARK server up and running on Ubuntu in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and experience the endless possibilities of ARK: Survival Evolved!

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The reader is responsible for any actions they take based on the information provided. The author and publisher of this article do not accept any responsibility for any damages resulting from the reader’s use of the information provided.

Category	Specification
Operating System	Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
Processor	64-bit
RAM	8GB
Storage	20GB
Dependencies	lib32gcc1, libsdl2-2.0-0:i386, libcurl4-openssl-dev:i386, lib32stdc++6.
Hosting Platform	SteamCMD

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