Ark: How to Host Server for Friends

Welcome, Dev, to our guide on how to host an Ark server for your friends. Ark is a popular survival game that can be played with friends in the same virtual world. By hosting a server, you can have more control over the game experience, and play with your friends anytime you want.

What is Ark?

Ark is a survival game where players are stranded on an island full of prehistoric creatures. You start with nothing and must gather resources, build shelter, and tame dinosaurs to survive. The game has both single-player and multiplayer modes, but playing with friends can be more fun and challenging.

What are the benefits of hosting a server for friends?

Hosting a server for friends gives you more control over the game settings, such as the difficulty level, experience points, and resource gathering rates. You can also set the rules for your own game, such as no killing other players or no stealing their resources. Additionally, hosting a server allows you to play with your friends at any time, without having to rely on the official server availability.

What are the requirements for hosting a server?

Hosting a server requires a computer with good hardware specs, a stable internet connection, and the Ark server software installed. You also need to configure your router to allow incoming connections to the server, and set up port forwarding to redirect the traffic to the correct computer. However, hosting a server can be done on a dedicated hosting platform or through a third-party service.

How to Host an Ark Server for Friends

Step 1: Download and Install Ark Server Software

The first step to hosting an Ark server is to download and install the Ark server software. You can download it from the Steam library or from the official Ark website. Once downloaded, run the installation and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

Before you start the server, you need to configure the server settings according to your preference. The server settings can be accessed through the server configuration file or through the Ark server manager tool. You can adjust the settings for game mode, difficulty level, experience points, and many other parameters.

Step 3: Forward Ports on Your Router

You need to forward the ports used by the Ark server on your router to allow incoming connections to the server. The default ports used by Ark are 27015 and 7777, but you can use other ports if needed. Consult your router’s manual or search online for instructions on how to forward ports.

Step 4: Start the Server

Once you have configured the server settings and forwarded the ports on your router, you can start the server. You can start it from the Ark server manager tool or through the command line. Make sure to test the server connectivity by connecting to it from a different computer or device.

Step 5: Invite Your Friends to Join

Now that your server is up and running, you can invite your friends to join. They need to enter the server IP address and port number in the Ark game client to connect to your server. You can also provide them with a server password to restrict access to your game.

FAQ

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark server for friends can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your own server and invite your friends to play with you. Remember to configure the server settings according to your preference, and to forward the ports on your router to allow incoming connections. Have fun surviving and taming dinosaurs!