How to Host an Ark Server on Your PC

Greetings, Dev! Are you a fan of the popular survival game Ark: Survival Evolved and looking to host your own server? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hosting your very own Ark server right from your PC.

Before You Begin

First things first, before we delve into the technicalities of setting up your own server, there are a few things you need to consider.

System Requirements

Before you begin hosting an Ark server on your PC, you need to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run the game.

The minimum system requirements to run Ark: Survival Evolved are as follows:

Operating System	Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8GB RAM
GPU	NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
Storage	60 GB available space

If your PC meets these minimum requirements, you should be good to go.

Internet Connection

The next important consideration is your internet connection. You’ll need a reliable and fast internet connection to ensure smooth gameplay for your players.

It’s recommended that you have a minimum upload speed of 10Mbps for a server for up to 10 players. Higher upload speed may be required for larger servers or if you plan on using mods.

Ark Server Manager

Lastly, before proceeding, we recommend downloading and installing Ark Server Manager (ASM). This tool is a user-friendly web interface that makes server management easier and more accessible.

You can download Ark Server Manager from the official website: https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve got the important considerations out of the way, we can start the process of setting up an Ark server on your PC. Follow these steps:

1. Purchase and Install the Game

The first step in hosting an Ark server is to purchase and install the game on your PC. You can get Ark: Survival Evolved on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or other online retailers.

Once you’ve purchased and installed the game, run it once to ensure that all necessary files are installed.

2. Forward Ports

In order for players to connect to your server, you need to forward ports on your router.

The ports you need to forward are:

Port Number	Protocol
7777	UDP
7778	UDP
27015	UDP

The process for forwarding ports can vary depending on your router. You can find instructions for your specific router on the Port Forward website: https://portforward.com/router.htm

3. Create a Static IP

To ensure that your IP address doesn’t change every time your PC reconnects to the internet, we recommend setting up a static IP address for your PC.

You can follow this guide to set up a static IP: https://portforward.com/networking/static-ip-windows-10.htm

4. Install and Configure ASB

Now it’s time to install and configure Ark Server Manager (ASM).

First, download the installation file from the official website: https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/

Once you’ve downloaded the file, run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install ASM on your PC.

5. Create a Server Profile

After installing ASM, create a server profile by clicking on “New Profile” in the ASM window.

Fill in the required fields, including server name, password, and server location.

Once you’ve filled in all the fields, click “Save” to create your server profile.

6. Configure Server Settings

After creating your server profile, it’s time to configure your server settings.

In the ASM window, select your server profile and click “Edit.”

From here, you can configure various server settings such as server mode, difficulty, and maximum player count.

Once you’ve configured your settings, click “Save” to apply the changes.

7. Launch Your Server

After configuring your server settings, it’s time to launch your server.

In the ASM window, select your server profile and click “Start.”

Wait for the server to start up. You’ll know it’s ready when you see “Started” next to your server profile in the ASM window.

And there you have it! Your very own Ark server hosted right from your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I run an Ark server on a low-end PC?

While it’s technically possible to run an Ark server on a low-end PC, it’s not recommended. The game is resource-intensive and requires a powerful PC to run smoothly.

2. Can I use mods on my server?

Yes, you can use mods on your server. The process for installing mods on your server is beyond the scope of this guide, but you can find instructions on the Ark Wiki: https://ark.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Configuration#Game.ini_.2F_GameUserSettings.ini

3. How many players can I host on my server?

The number of players you can host on your server depends on your PC’s hardware and internet connection. A PC with powerful hardware and a fast internet connection can host up to 100 players.

4. Can I run a server and play the game on the same PC?

Yes, you can run a server and play the game on the same PC, but it’s not recommended. Running a server and playing the game simultaneously will put a strain on your PC’s resources.

5. Can I host a server for Xbox or PlayStation players?

No, you cannot host a server for Xbox or PlayStation players. Ark: Survival Evolved does not support cross-platform play between PC and consoles.

That’s all for this guide! We hope this has been helpful in setting up your own Ark server on your PC. Enjoy hosting and playing with your friends!