ARK Host Server and Play: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on hosting an ARK server and playing it with your friends. ARK: Survival Evolved is a multiplayer game that features survival elements, prehistoric creatures, and base-building mechanics. It has quickly become one of the most popular games in the gaming community. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of hosting your own ARK server and playing it with your friends. Let’s begin!

Part 1: Hosting an ARK Server

Before you can start playing ARK with your friends, you need to host your own server. Hosting an ARK server requires some technical knowledge, but it’s not too difficult if you follow the steps carefully.

Step 1: Choose Your Server Hosting Provider

The first thing you need to do is choose a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers that offer ARK server hosting, but not all of them are created equal. Some providers are more reliable than others, while some are more expensive than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider:

Factor	Description
Price	How much does the hosting provider charge?
Reliability	How stable is the hosting provider’s network?
Server Location	Where are the hosting provider’s servers located?
Support	How responsive is the hosting provider’s customer support?

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose a hosting provider that suits your needs. Some popular hosting providers for ARK include:

• Survival Servers
• Nitrado
• Host Havoc
• GTXGaming

Step 2: Configure Your Server Settings

Once you have chosen a hosting provider, you need to configure your server settings. This includes setting the server name, password, map, and other settings. The exact settings you need to configure depend on your preferences and the type of server you want to host. Here are some common settings to configure:

• Server Name
• Password
• Map
• Difficulty
• Taming Speed
• XP Multiplier
• Gather Multiplier

You can configure these settings using the hosting provider’s control panel or through the configuration files that come with the server.

Step 3: Install Mods (Optional)

If you want to add mods to your server, you need to install them. Mods are user-generated content that can add new creatures, items, and mechanics to the game. To install mods, you need to:

1. Download the mods from a trusted modding site, such as the Steam Workshop.
2. Upload the mods to your server using the hosting provider’s FTP client.
3. Enable the mods in your server’s configuration files.

Part 2: Playing ARK with Friends

Now that you have hosted your own ARK server, it’s time to play it with your friends. There are several ways to play ARK with friends, including:

• Joining a Friend’s Server
• Inviting Friends to Your Server
• Playing Split-Screen on Console

Joining a Friend’s Server

If your friend has already hosted an ARK server, you can join their server using the in-game server browser. Here’s how:

1. Open ARK: Survival Evolved.
2. Select “Join ARK” from the main menu.
3. Select “Unofficial PC Sessions”.
4. Use the search bar to find your friend’s server.
5. Select the server and click “Join”.

Inviting Friends to Your Server

If you have hosted your own ARK server, you can invite your friends to join your server. Here’s how:

1. Give your friends your server’s IP address and port number.
2. Open ARK: Survival Evolved.
3. Select “Join ARK” from the main menu.
4. Select “Unofficial PC Sessions”.
5. Click the “Favorites” tab.
6. Click “Add a Server”.
7. Enter your server’s IP address and port number.
8. Click “Add this address to favorites”.
9. Click your server in the server list and click “Join”.

Playing Split-Screen on Console

If you’re playing ARK on console, you can play split-screen with your friends. Here’s how:

1. Connect a second controller to your console.
2. Open ARK: Survival Evolved.
3. Press “Start” on the second controller.
4. Select “Join a Game”.
5. Select your character or create a new one.
6. Join your friend’s server or your own server.

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play ARK on my own without hosting a server?

A: Yes, you can play ARK in singleplayer mode. This allows you to play the game without other players, but you still have to host the game on your own computer.

Q: Can I use mods on a server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on a server. However, all players who want to join the server need to have the same mods installed.

Q: Can I rent a dedicated server for ARK?

A: Yes, you can rent a dedicated server for ARK from a hosting provider. This allows you to have full control over the server and its settings.

Q: Can I transfer my character from one server to another?

A: Yes, you can transfer your character from one server to another using the in-game transfer system. However, not all servers allow character transfers.

Q: How many players can play on a server?

A: The number of players that can play on a server depends on the server’s hardware and internet connection. Most servers can handle up to 100 players.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev, on hosting your own ARK server and playing it with your friends. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. Happy gaming!