Hosting Your Own ARK Survival Evolved Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, if you’re an ARK Survival Evolved enthusiast, you might not be too happy with the hosting options available. Whether you want to customize the server to your liking or play with friends and family, hosting your own ARK server is the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your own ARK server so that you can enjoy a personalized gaming experience. So, let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure that your computer meets the following requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)	Windows 10 (64-bit)
Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Intel Core i5-4670K/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or better
8 GB RAM	16 GB RAM
NVIDIA GTX 660 2 GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2 GB or better	NVIDIA GTX 1060 6 GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB or better

You’ll also need the following software:

• SteamCMD (Steam Console Client)
• Notepad++ or any other text editor
• Firewall configuration knowledge
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client such as FileZilla

Setting Up the Server

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own ARK server. Follow these steps:

1. Installing SteamCMD

The first step is to download and install SteamCMD from Valve’s website. This program will help you download ARK’s dedicated server files.

2. Downloading ARK Server Files

Once you have installed SteamCMD, open it in the command prompt or terminal and type the following command:

login anonymousforce_install_dir C:\ark_server\app_update 376030 validateexit

Please note that you can change the directory to any location on your computer. These commands will download ARK’s server files in that directory.

3. Configuring Settings

Before starting the server, navigate to the following directory:

C:\ark_server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\

Edit the configuration files with Notepad++ or any other text editor. Make sure you edit the following files:

• GameUserSettings.ini
• Game.ini

You can find more information on the settings you can edit on the ARK dedicated server wiki.

4. Starting the Server

Navigate back to the SteamCMD and enter the following command:

start C:\ark_server\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword?MaxPlayers=20"

You can change the server name, password, and maximum player capacity according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does it cost to host an ARK server?

The cost of hosting an ARK server varies depending on the hosting provider you choose. However, hosting your own server can save you money in the long run.

2. How many players can join my server?

You can set the maximum players in the configuration files. We recommend starting small and increasing the capacity as you become more comfortable with hosting your own server.

3. Can I customize the server settings?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of hosting your own ARK server is the ability to customize the settings to your liking. Edit the configuration files to suit your preferences.

4. How do I join my own server?

You can join your own server by launching ARK Survival Evolved on Steam and selecting “Join ARK” then “Unofficial Servers”. Your server should appear in the list of servers.

5. Can I play with mods on my server?

Yes, you can play with mods on your server. You can find more information on how to install mods on the ARK dedicated server wiki.

Conclusion

Hosting your own ARK server can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you have greater control over the settings, but you’ll also be able to play with friends and family without any restrictions. Follow our guide and start hosting your own ARK server today!