Welcome, Dev, to our comprehensive guide on how to host a private Ark server. If you’re an avid Ark player, you know how important it is to have a reliable and secure server to enjoy the game with your friends or community. By hosting your own private server, you can customize the game settings, play with your own rules, and have full control over your gaming experience. We understand that setting up a private server can be intimidating, but don’t worry! This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and all the necessary information to get you started.
1. Choose the Right Hosting Provider
The first step in hosting a private Ark server is to choose the right hosting provider. There are many hosting providers available in the market, but not all of them are reliable or provide the necessary features for hosting an Ark server. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider:
Server Location
The server location is an important factor to consider as it affects the ping and latency of your game. Choose a hosting provider that has servers located in your region or closer to your location.
Server Configuration
Make sure the hosting provider allows you to customize the server configuration and provides enough resources to run the game smoothly. Look for hosting plans that offer high RAM, CPU, and storage capacity.
Customer Support
Choose a hosting provider that provides excellent customer support and is available 24/7. You don’t want to be stuck with technical issues without any assistance.
Pricing
Compare the pricing and features of different hosting providers before making the final decision. Don’t compromise on quality for a lower price, as it can affect the gaming experience.
2. Set Up the Private Server
Once you have chosen the hosting provider, it’s time to set up the private server. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose the Ark Version
Before installing the server, choose the version of Ark you want to play. You can choose the latest version or select a specific version of the game from the Steam Library.
Step 2: Download and Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install, update, and manage game servers. Download and install SteamCMD on your server by following the instructions provided by Steam.
Step 3: Create a New Folder for the Server
Create a new folder on your server where you want to install the Ark server files. You can name the folder anything you want.
Step 4: Install the Ark Server Files
Open SteamCMD and log in to your Steam account. Enter the following commands to install the Ark server files:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
login anonymous |
Log in to SteamCMD anonymously |
force_install_dir [PATH] |
Set the installation directory for the server |
app_update 346110 validate |
Download and install the Ark server files |
Step 5: Configure the Server Settings
Once the server files are installed, navigate to the server folder and open the ‘GameUserSettings.ini’ file. This file contains all the server settings that you can customize according to your preference. Here are some popular settings to customize:
MaxPlayers
Set the maximum number of players that can join the server. The default value is 70.
DifficultyOffset
Set the difficulty level of the game. The value ranges from 0.1 to 1.0, with 1.0 being the hardest.
HarvestAmountMultiplier
Set the multiplier for the amount of resources players can gather. The default value is 1.
TamingSpeedMultiplier
Set the multiplier for the taming speed of animals. The default value is 1.
Step 6: Run the Server
After configuring the server settings, save the file and run the server by entering the following command in the server folder:
ShooterGameServer.exe [MAP NAME]?SessionName=[SERVER NAME]?ServerPassword=[PASSWORD]?ServerAdminPassword=[ADMIN PASSWORD] -server -log
Replace [MAP NAME] with the name of the map you want to play, [SERVER NAME] with the name of your server, [PASSWORD] with the password you want to set for the server, and [ADMIN PASSWORD] with the password you want to set for the admin access to the server.
3. Connect to the Private Server
After setting up the private server, you can now connect to it and play the game with your friends. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Find Your Server IP Address
Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and find the IP address of your server. Note down the IP address.
Step 2: Launch Ark
Launch Ark on your computer and click on the ‘Join Ark’ button. Select ‘Unofficial Servers’ and then ‘Favorites’.
Step 3: Add the Server to Your Favorites List
Click on the ‘Add Server’ button and enter the IP address of your server. Add the server to your favorites list by clicking on the ‘Add to Favorites’ button.
Step 4: Connect to the Server
Select your server from the favorites list and click on the ‘Join’ button. Enter the password for the server and start playing!
FAQs
Q1. Can I Host an Ark Server on My Own Computer?
A. Yes, you can host an Ark server on your own computer. However, it’s not recommended as it can affect the performance of your computer and the gaming experience. It’s better to choose a reliable hosting provider that provides optimized server configuration for gaming.
Q2. How Many Players Can Join My Server?
A. The number of players that can join your server depends on the server configuration and the resources provided by the hosting provider. Most hosting providers offer plans with different player slots, ranging from 10 to 100 players.
Q3. Can I Customize the Server Settings?
A. Yes, you can customize the server settings according to your preference. The ‘GameUserSettings.ini’ file contains all the server settings that you can modify, including player slots, difficulty level, resource gathering, and taming speed.
Q4. How Much Does It Cost to Host an Ark Server?
A. The cost of hosting an Ark server depends on the hosting provider and the plan you choose. The pricing can range from $10 to $100 per month, depending on the server configuration and the number of player slots.
Q5. How Do I Update the Ark Server?
A. You can update the Ark server using SteamCMD. Login to SteamCMD, navigate to the server folder, and enter the following command:
app_update 346110 validate
This will update the server files to the latest version.
Q6. Can I Use Mods on My Private Server?
A. Yes, you can use mods on your private server. Steam Workshop provides a wide range of mods that you can download and install on your server. You can also create your own mods and upload them to the Workshop.
Congratulations, Dev, you have successfully learned how to host a private Ark server! We hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you can enjoy the game to the fullest. Happy gaming!