Hosting Your Own Ark Survival Evolved Server for Free

Hello Dev, have you been looking for ways to play Ark Survival Evolved on your own dedicated server without having to pay a monthly fee? Well, you’re in luck! This article will guide you through the process of setting up your own server on your PC for free, allowing you to enjoy the game with your friends without worrying about connection issues or interruptions. So, let’s get started!

What is Ark Survival Evolved?

Ark Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer game that involves surviving in a world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The game has gained a huge following due to its engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and diverse selection of creatures.

Game Modes

There are several game modes in Ark Survival Evolved, including:

Why Host Your Own Server?

Hosting your own server allows you to have full control over the game environment. You can set the rules, password protect the server, and customize the game experience to your liking. Additionally, hosting on your own PC means that you can avoid monthly server fees and the potential for lag or connection issues.

System Requirements

Before you start hosting your own server, make sure that your PC meets the following requirements:

Setting Up Your Server

Step 1: Downloading the Game Files

The first step is to download the game files from Steam. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to the “Library” tab
2. Search for “Ark Survival Evolved” in the search bar
3. Click on “Ark Survival Evolved” in the search results
4. Click on “Install” to start downloading the game files

Step 2: Creating a SteamCMD Account

Next, you’ll need to create a SteamCMD account to download the necessary server files. Here’s how:

1. Download and install SteamCMD from the official website
2. Open SteamCMD and enter the following command: “login anonymous”
3. Enter the following command to create a new directory for your server files: “force_install_dir C:\ark_server” (replace “C:\ark_server” with the directory of your choice)
4. Enter the command “app_update 376030 validate” to download the server files

Step 3: Configuring Your Server

Now that you have the server files downloaded, it’s time to configure your server. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the “C:\ark_server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” directory
2. Open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in a text editor
3. Set the necessary settings, such as the server name, password, and game mode
4. Save the changes and close the file

Step 4: Starting Your Server

Finally, it’s time to start your server so that you can play with your friends. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the “C:\ark_server\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64” directory
2. Open the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file
3. Enter the following command in the console window: “start /high ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=YOURSESSIONNAME?ServerPassword=YOURPASSWORD -server -log” (replace “YOURSESSIONNAME” and “YOURPASSWORD” with the appropriate values)

FAQ

Can I host my server without downloading the game?

No, you need to have the game files downloaded in order to host your own server.

Do I need a powerful PC to host my own server?

You don’t need an extremely powerful PC, but you should meet the minimum requirements listed above.

Can I customize the game settings on my server?

Yes, you have full control over the game settings when you host your own server.

Can I password protect my server?

Yes, you can set a password for your server so that only those with the password can join.

Can I play with my friends on the server?

Yes, once your server is up and running, you can invite your friends to join by sharing your IP address and password (if applicable).

Conclusion

Setting up your own Ark Survival Evolved server is a great way to have full control over the game environment and avoid monthly server fees. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up your own server and start playing with your friends. Happy surviving!