Hosting a Non-Dedicated Server for Ark PC

Hello Dev, are you looking to create a non-dedicated server for Ark PC? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of hosting a non-dedicated server, as well as provide you with useful tips and FAQs along the way.

What is a Non-Dedicated Server?

Before we dive into the technical details of hosting a non-dedicated server for Ark PC, let’s first define what it is. A non-dedicated server is a server that you can set up on your own computer and invite your friends to play with you. Unlike a dedicated server which requires a separate machine, a non-dedicated server can be run on the same computer that you are playing Ark on.

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a non-dedicated server is that you have greater control over the game environment, such as setting the rules and game modes. It’s also a great way to play with your friends without having to join a public server.

System Requirements

Before hosting a non-dedicated server, you’ll need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Ark PC. Here are the minimum system requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)	OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i7-4770/AMD FX-8350 or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better

Installing Ark PC

The first step in hosting a non-dedicated server is to install Ark PC on your computer. You can purchase Ark PC through Steam or any other online retailer that sells PC games. Once you’ve purchased Ark PC, follow these steps to install it:

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Click on the “Library” tab.
3. Find Ark in your list of games and click on it.
4. Click on the “Install” button.
5. Wait for Ark to finish installing.

Port Forwarding

Before your friends can join your non-dedicated server, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows traffic from the internet to access your computer’s network, which is necessary for your friends to connect to your non-dedicated server. Here’s how to set up port forwarding:

1. Go to your router’s configuration page. This is usually accessed through your web browser by typing in your router’s IP address.
2. Find the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule for port 27015, which is the default port used by Ark PC.
4. Enter your computer’s IP address into the “Private IP” or “Internal IP” field.
5. Save your changes and exit the router configuration page.

Creating a Non-Dedicated Server

Now that you’ve installed Ark PC and set up port forwarding, it’s time to create your non-dedicated server. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Launch Ark PC on your computer.
2. Click on the “Host” button.
3. Set the server settings to your desired preferences, such as the map, difficulty, and game mode.
4. Click on the “Start Dedicated Server” button.
5. Wait for the server setup to finish.

Inviting Friends to Your Non-Dedicated Server

Now that your non-dedicated server is up and running, you can invite your friends to join you. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the “Tab” key to open the console window.
2. Type in “open your_ip_address:27015” (without the quotes), replacing “your_ip_address” with your public IP address.
3. Press the “Enter” key.
4. Your friends can now join your non-dedicated server by clicking on “Join Ark” in the main menu and selecting your server from the list.

Tips for Hosting a Non-Dedicated Server

Hosting a non-dedicated server can be a bit challenging, but here are some tips to make it easier:

Limit the Number of Players

The more players you have on your non-dedicated server, the more strain it will put on your computer’s resources. To avoid lag and crashes, limit the number of players you invite to your server.

Adjust the Graphics Settings

To optimize your computer’s performance while hosting a non-dedicated server, you may need to adjust the graphics settings in Ark PC. Lowering the resolution and turning off graphics-intensive settings like shadows and reflections can help improve performance.

Keep Your Computer Clean

Make sure your computer is free of dust and debris, as this can cause overheating and performance issues. Regularly clean your computer’s fans and vents to ensure optimal performance.

FAQs

What is the difference between a dedicated server and a non-dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a separate machine that is used solely for hosting a game server, while a non-dedicated server is hosted on the same machine that the game is played on.

How many players can join a non-dedicated server?

The number of players that can join a non-dedicated server depends on your computer’s resources. Generally, it’s best to limit the number of players to 4 or 5 to avoid performance issues.

What if my friends can’t connect to my non-dedicated server?

If your friends can’t connect to your non-dedicated server, make sure that port forwarding is set up correctly on your router and that your firewall is not blocking incoming connections.

Can I run other programs on my computer while hosting a non-dedicated server?

You can run other programs on your computer while hosting a non-dedicated server, but be aware that they may impact the server’s performance. To avoid issues, it’s best to close any unnecessary programs while hosting a non-dedicated server.

Do I need a powerful computer to host a non-dedicated server?

You don’t necessarily need a powerful computer to host a non-dedicated server, but it’s recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM and a decent graphics card to ensure optimal performance.

That wraps up our guide on hosting a non-dedicated server for Ark PC. We hope you found this article helpful and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below!