Ark Host a Non Dedicated Server

Hey there, Dev! If you’re interested in hosting a non dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about hosting your own non dedicated server, including how to set it up, configure it, and troubleshoot common issues. So, let’s get started!

What is a Non Dedicated Server?

Before we dive into the details of hosting a non dedicated server, let’s first define what it is. In Ark: Survival Evolved, a non dedicated server is a server that is hosted by one of the players in the game, rather than a dedicated server that is hosted by a third-party. Non dedicated servers are limited in the number of players that can join and the distance that players can travel from the host player.

Benefits of Hosting a Non Dedicated Server

There are many benefits to hosting your own non dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved. Some of these include:

Setting Up a Non Dedicated Server

Setting up a non dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved is a fairly simple process, but it does require a bit of technical know-how. Here are the steps to set up your own non dedicated server:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

The first step to setting up a non dedicated server is to download SteamCMD, which is a command-line interface for Steam that allows you to install and update game servers.

Step 2: Create a New Folder

Next, create a new folder on your computer where you want to store the server files. For example, you could create a folder called “ArkServer” on your desktop.

Step 3: Install the Server Files

Using SteamCMD, install the server files to the folder you created in Step 2. The command to install the server files is:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir PATH_TO_SERVER_FOLDER +app_update 376030 validate +quit

Replace “PATH_TO_SERVER_FOLDER” with the path to the folder you created in Step 2.

Step 4: Configure the Server Settings

Once you’ve installed the server files, you’ll need to configure the server settings to your liking. This includes things like difficulty levels, resource rates, and more. The server settings can be found in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file located in the “ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” folder.

Step 5: Start the Server

Finally, start the server by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file located in the “ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64” folder. You can start the server with the following command:

ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?SessionName=YOUR_SESSION_NAME?MaxPlayers=YOUR_MAX_PLAYERS?listen?ServerPassword=YOUR_SERVER_PASSWORD"

Replace “YOUR_SESSION_NAME” with the name you want to give your server, “YOUR_MAX_PLAYERS” with the maximum number of players you want to allow, and “YOUR_SERVER_PASSWORD” with the password you want to use to protect your server.

Configuring a Non Dedicated Server

Once you’ve set up your non dedicated server, you can start configuring it to your liking. Here are some of the key settings you can configure:

Difficulty Levels

Difficulty levels determine the level of the creatures on the server. You can set the difficulty level in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file by changing the value of “OverrideOfficialDifficulty”. The higher the value, the tougher the creatures will be.

Resource Rates

Resource rates determine how quickly resources regenerate on the server. You can set the resource rates in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file by changing the values of “HarvestAmountMultiplier”, “ResourceRespawnPeriodMultiplier”, and “ResourceNoReplenishRadiusPlayers”.

Stat Multipliers

Stat multipliers determine how much experience you gain, how much damage you deal, and how much health you have. You can set the stat multipliers in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file by changing the values of “ExperienceMultiplier”, “PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player”, “TamedDinoDamageMultiplier”, and more.

FAQ

How many players can join a non dedicated server?

Non dedicated servers are limited in the number of players that can join. The maximum number of players that can join a non dedicated server is 8.

How far can players travel from the host player?

Players are limited in how far they can travel from the host player. The maximum distance that players can travel from the host player is 250 meters.

Can I password protect my non dedicated server?

Yes, you can password protect your non dedicated server. To do so, include the following command when starting the server:

ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?SessionName=YOUR_SESSION_NAME?MaxPlayers=YOUR_MAX_PLAYERS?listen?ServerPassword=YOUR_SERVER_PASSWORD"

Replace “YOUR_SERVER_PASSWORD” with the password you want to use to protect your server.

Can I customize the server settings?

Yes, you can customize the server settings to your liking. The server settings can be found in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file located in the “ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” folder.

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 will depend on the size of the map and the number of players you want to allow on the server. It’s recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU.

What are the disadvantages of hosting a non dedicated server?

Non dedicated servers are limited in the number of players that can join and the distance that players can travel from the host player. In addition, non dedicated servers may experience lag and other performance issues if the host computer isn’t powerful enough.

Conclusion

Hosting a non dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you’re looking to build a community of players who share your interests and playstyle. With the right knowledge and tools, setting up and configuring your own non dedicated server is a simple process that can provide hours of entertainment. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of hosting a non dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved. Good luck and have fun!