Greetings Dev, Are you interested in hosting your own ARK: Survival Evolved server? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about ARK private server hosting. We’ll cover the basics, advanced settings, and even provide you with some frequently asked questions. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- What is ARK Private Server Hosting?
- Why Host a Private Server?
- How to Choose the Right Hosting Provider
- Setting Up Your ARK Server
- Advanced Settings
- Server Settings
- Mods
- Backups
- Server Administration
- Player Management
- BattlEye
- Server Performance and Optimization
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARK Private Server Hosting?
If you’re new to ARK: Survival Evolved, it’s an open-world game where players must survive on an island filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. A private server is simply a server that is hosted by an individual or a company rather than the game’s developer. This allows players to have more control over their gaming experience, including server settings, mods, and administration.
If you’re looking to host your own private ARK server, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, you need to choose a hosting provider that can meet your needs. Then, you’ll need to set up your server and configure the settings to your liking. Don’t worry, we’ll go through each step in detail.
Why Host a Private Server?
There are several advantages to hosting your own private ARK server. Firstly, you have complete control over the server settings, which means you can adjust the game to your liking. This includes things like difficulty settings, player damage, and even the time of day. Secondly, you can install mods, which can add new creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics to the game. Finally, you can invite your friends to play on your server, creating a more social experience.
How to Choose the Right Hosting Provider
The first step to hosting a private ARK server is to choose the right hosting provider. There are many hosting companies out there, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some factors to consider:
Server Location
The location of the server can have a significant impact on gameplay. If the server is located too far away, players may experience lag and latency issues. Choose a hosting provider that has servers located close to your players.
Performance and Uptime
The performance and uptime of the server are also crucial. You don’t want your server to crash or experience downtime during peak gaming hours. Look for a hosting provider that guarantees at least 99% uptime.
Customer Support
If you run into any issues with your server, you want to be able to reach out to customer support for assistance. Choose a hosting provider that offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, or live chat.
Pricing
Pricing is also a factor to consider. Look for a hosting provider that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing performance or uptime.
Setting Up Your ARK Server
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, the next step is to set up your ARK server. Here’s how:
Step 1: Download and Install ARK Server Manager
ARK Server Manager is a free tool that makes it easier to set up and manage your ARK server. Download and install it on your computer.
Step 2: Create a New Server
Open ARK Server Manager and click the “New” button to create a new server. Enter a name for your server and select the map you want to use.
Step 3: Configure Server Settings
Next, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes things like difficulty settings, PvP or PvE, and whether or not you want to have a password for your server.
Step 4: Start Your Server
Once you’ve configured your settings, click the “Start” button to start your server. You can use the console to monitor your server and make adjustments as needed.
Advanced Settings
If you want even more control over your ARK server, there are several advanced settings you can configure.
Server Settings
Here are some of the server settings you can adjust:
- Player damage
- Harvesting rates
- Taming rates
- Difficulty level
- Day/night cycle
Mods
Mods can add new creatures, items, and gameplay mechanics to your server. You can install mods using the Steam Workshop or by uploading them to your server manually.
Backups
Backups are important in case something goes wrong with your server. You can use ARK Server Manager to create backups of your server, which you can then restore if necessary.
Server Administration
If you want to give other players admin privileges on your server, you can do so using the console. This allows them to make changes to the server settings and perform other administrative tasks.
Player Management
You can also manage your players using the console. This includes kicking players, banning players, and adjusting player stats.
BattlEye
BattlEye is an anti-cheat software that can be enabled on your server. This helps to prevent cheating and hacking.
Server Performance and Optimization
If you want to ensure that your server runs smoothly, there are several things you can do to optimize performance:
- Reduce the number of active mods
- Adjust the graphics settings
- Remove inactive structures and creatures
- Reduce the number of players on your server
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you run into any issues with your ARK server, here are some common solutions:
- Restart your server
- Verify your game files
- Update or reinstall ARK Server Manager
- Check your server logs for errors
Frequently Asked Questions
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
How much does it cost to host an ARK server? |
The cost of hosting an ARK server can vary depending on the hosting provider and the server specifications. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a basic server. |
How many players can I have on my ARK server? |
The number of players you can have on your ARK server depends on the server specifications and your internet connection. Most servers can handle up to 70-100 players. |
Can I transfer my character to a different server? |
Yes, you can transfer your character to a different server using the Obelisks or Supply Drops. However, your character can only be transferred to a server within the same cluster. |
Do I need to have the game installed to host a server? |
No, you do not need to have the game installed to host a server. However, you will need a copy of the game to configure your server settings. |
Conclusion
Hosting your own ARK: Survival Evolved server can be a rewarding experience. You have complete control over the server settings, can install mods, and can invite your friends to play on your server. Just remember to choose the right hosting provider, set up your server correctly, and optimize your server settings for the best possible gaming experience.