Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to install Ark Server on Debian. If you’re an avid gamer or a server administrator, this guide is perfect for you. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of installing and running an Ark Server on Debian. Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game that allows players to explore, fight off predators, and build structures to keep themselves safe. Installing a server for this game can be a delicate process, but we’re here to help. Let’s get started!
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for anyone who wants to run an Ark Server on a Debian operating system. This guide is perfect for gamers, server administrators, or anyone who wants to learn more about game servers. No prior knowledge of servers or Linux is required to follow this guide.
What are the system requirements for running an Ark Server on Debian?
The minimum system requirements for running an Ark Server on Debian are:
System Requirements |
Minimum |
|---|---|
OS |
Debian 8 or later |
CPU |
Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better |
RAM |
8GB or more |
Storage |
100GB or more |
It’s important to note that these are the minimum system requirements. If you plan on running a server with more players or mods, you’ll need a more powerful system.
What are the advantages of running an Ark Server on Debian?
Running an Ark Server on Debian has many advantages:
- Debian is open-source and free to use, which means you won’t have to pay for licensing fees.
- Debian is known for being stable and secure, which means you can run your server without worrying about crashes or security breaches.
- Debian has a vast library of software packages available in its repositories, which makes it easy to install and manage software.
- Debian has a large community of users and developers, which means you’ll have access to help and support when you need it.
What are the disadvantages of running an Ark Server on Debian?
Running an Ark Server on Debian has a few disadvantages:
- Debian can be challenging for beginners to use, especially if they’re not familiar with Linux commands.
- Debian doesn’t have as many graphical user interfaces as other operating systems, which means you’ll have to rely on the command line for many tasks.
- Debian may not be compatible with some hardware, which could limit your options when it comes to choosing a server.
- Debian may require some tweaking to get it to work with certain mods or plugins.
Installing Ark Server on Debian
Step 1: Updating the System
The first thing you need to do is update your Debian system. This ensures that you have the latest security patches and software updates. To update your system, run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This command updates the package lists and installs any available updates. Depending on the size of your system and the number of updates available, this process may take several minutes.
Step 2: Installing Required Libraries
Ark Server requires a few additional libraries to run properly. You can install these libraries using the following command:
sudo apt install lib32gcc1
This command installs the required 32-bit libraries that Ark Server needs to run properly.
Step 3: Creating a New User and Group
It’s recommended that you create a new user and group to run Ark Server. This helps protect your system from unauthorized access and ensures that the server runs with limited privileges. To create a new user and group, run the following command:
sudo adduser arkserver && sudo addgroup arkadmin
This command creates a new user called “arkserver” and a new group called “arkadmin”.
Step 4: Downloading and Installing Ark Server
Next, you need to download and install the Ark Server files. You can do this by running the following commands:
mkdir ~/arkservercd ~/arkserverwget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gztar zxvf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/arkserver +app_update 376030 validate +exit
The first command creates a new directory called “arkserver”. The second command downloads the SteamCMD installation file. The third command unpacks the SteamCMD archive. The fourth command runs the SteamCMD script to download and install Ark Server.
Step 5: Configuring Ark Server
Now that you have installed Ark Server, you need to configure it. The configuration files are located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer” directory. You can edit these files using any text editor.
Some of the configuration options you can modify include:
- Server name
- Maximum players
- Game mode
- Difficulty level
- Player leveling speed
- Taming speed
- Harvesting multiplier
Once you’ve made the necessary changes, save the configuration file and close the text editor.
Step 6: Starting Ark Server
Finally, you need to start Ark Server. You can do this by running the following command:
./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen?SessionName=?MaxPlayers= ?ServerPassword= ?ServerAdminPassword= ?Port= ?QueryPort= ?RCONPort= -server -log
This command starts the Ark Server and specifies various options, such as the session name, maximum players, server password, admin password, port number, query port number, and RCON port number. You can modify these options to suit your needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Running an Ark Server on Debian
Advantages
1. Cost-effective
Debian is an open-source operating system that is free to use. This means you won’t have to pay for licensing fees, which can save you money in the long run.
2. Stability and Security
Debian is known for being stable and secure. It’s designed to be robust and reliable, which means you can run your server without worrying about crashes or security breaches.
3. Large Community
Debian has a large community of users and developers. This means you’ll have access to help and support when you need it. You can ask questions on the Debian forums or consult the Debian documentation for guidance.
4. Easy to Install and Manage Software
Debian has a vast library of software packages available in its repositories. This makes it easy to install and manage software. You can use the apt-get command to install software packages, which is much simpler than manually installing software from source code.
Disadvantages
1. Learning Curve
Debian can be challenging for beginners to use, especially if they’re not familiar with Linux commands. You’ll need to learn how to use the command line to perform many tasks, which can be daunting for some users.
2. Lack of Graphical User Interfaces
Debian doesn’t have as many graphical user interfaces as other operating systems. This means you’ll have to rely on the command line for many tasks, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for some users.
3. Hardware Compatibility
Debian may not be compatible with some hardware, which could limit your options when it comes to choosing a server. It’s important to check the hardware requirements before installing Debian to ensure compatibility.
4. Mod Compatibility
Debian may require some tweaking to get it to work with certain mods or plugins. This can be challenging for users who are not familiar with the intricacies of modding game servers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I access the Ark Server console?
You can access the console by pressing the “Tab” key while in-game. This will bring up the console, which you can use to enter commands.
2. How do I configure server settings?
You can configure server settings by editing the configuration files located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer” directory. You can modify options such as the server name, maximum players, game mode, and difficulty level.
3. How do I install mods on my Ark Server?
You can install mods by using the Steam Workshop. Simply subscribe to the mod you want to install, and it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
4. How do I set up my server to allow remote connections?
You can set up your server to allow remote connections by modifying the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file. Change the value of “bUseSingleplayerSettings” to “false”, and add the line “ListenServerTetherDistanceMultiplier=1.0” under the “[ServerSettings]” section.
5. How do I back up my server?
You can back up your server by copying the “ShooterGame/Saved” directory to a safe location. You should do this regularly to ensure that you don’t lose any data in case of a crash.
6. How do I update my Ark Server?
You can update your Ark Server by running the following command:
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/arkserver +app_update 376030 validate +exit
This command updates the server to the latest version.
7. How do I troubleshoot Ark Server issues?
You can troubleshoot Ark Server issues by checking the log files located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Logs” directory. You can also consult the official Ark Wiki or the Debian forums for help.
8. How do I add admins to my server?
You can add admins to your server by modifying the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file. Add the admin’s Steam ID to the “Admins” line, separated by commas.
9. How do I change the map on my server?
You can change the map on your server by modifying the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file. Change the value of “TheIsland” to the name of the map you want to use.
10. How do I change the difficulty level on my server?
You can change the difficulty level on your server by modifying the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file. Change the value of “OverrideOfficialDifficulty” to the desired difficulty level.
11. How do I change the server port number?
You can change the server port number by modifying the command used to start the server. Change the value of “Port” to the desired port number.
12. How do I add mods that are not on the Steam Workshop?
You can add mods that are not on the Steam Workshop by manually installing them. Copy the mod files to the “ShooterGame/Content/Mods” directory, and then add the mod’s ID to the “ActiveMods” line in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file.
13. How do I install plugins on my server?
You can install plugins by copying the plugin files to the “ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/Plugins” directory. Then, add the plugin’s name to the “PluginWhitelist” line in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini” file.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to install and run an Ark Server on Debian. While this process may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Running an Ark Server on Debian has many advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, stability, security, and easy software management. However, there are a few disadvantages to consider, such as the learning curve and lack of graphical user interfaces. Overall, running an Ark Server on Debian is a great way to enjoy this popular game with your friends or community. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we encourage you to take action and try it out for yourself!
Closing or Disclaimer
This guide is provided as-is, without any warranties or guarantees. The information in this guide is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following this guide. Always use caution when making changes to your system, and make sure you have a backup in case of data loss. The information in this guide is intended for educational purposes only. Any use of this information is at your own risk.