ARK: Survival Evolved – How to Host a Non Dedicated Server

Greetings, Dev! If you’re a fan of ARK: Survival Evolved and want to enjoy the game with friends, then hosting a non-dedicated server is the way to go. This guide will walk you through the steps required to set up your own non-dedicated server and enjoy the game with your friends. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: System Requirements

Before you start setting up your non-dedicated server, you need to ensure that your system meets the requirements necessary to run the game. Here are the minimum requirements:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)	OS: Windows 10 (64-bit version)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K/AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better
Memory: 8GB RAM	Memory: 16GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better

Is it possible to host a non-dedicated server on a Mac?

No, unfortunately, ARK: Survival Evolved only supports non-dedicated servers on Windows-based systems at this time.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing ARK: Survival Evolved

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to purchase ARK: Survival Evolved and download it onto your system. The game is available on Steam and costs $49.99 at the time of writing this article.

How much space does ARK: Survival Evolved take up on my hard drive?

ARK: Survival Evolved requires approximately 100 GB of available space on your hard drive.

Step 3: Configuring Your Non-Dedicated Server

Now that you have ARK: Survival Evolved installed on your system, it’s time to configure your non-dedicated server.

What is a non-dedicated server?

A non-dedicated server is a way of hosting a multiplayer game that allows you to play with friends without having to rent or purchase a server. Non-dedicated servers are hosted from a player’s own computer and have a maximum player count of 8.

How do I set up a non-dedicated server?

Here are the steps required to set up your non-dedicated server:

Step 3.1: Launch ARK: Survival Evolved and Create a Character

The first step is to launch the game and create a character. You can do this by selecting ‘Single Player’ from the main menu and creating a new character.

Step 3.2: Start your Non-Dedicated Server

After creating your character, select ‘Host/Local’ from the main menu and then select ‘Host Non-Dedicated Server’. This will start your non-dedicated server.

Step 3.3: Configuring Your Non-Dedicated Server Settings

Once your non-dedicated server has started, you can configure your server settings by selecting ‘Options’ from the main menu and then selecting ‘Host Settings’. This will bring up a menu where you can adjust various settings, such as player count, difficulty level, and more.

Step 3.4: Inviting Players to Your Non-Dedicated Server

After configuring your server settings, you can invite players to join your non-dedicated server. To do this, select ‘Escape’ to open the menu and then select ‘Session List’. This will bring up a list of available servers. Select your non-dedicated server from the list and then invite your friends to join you.

Step 3.5: Launching Your Non-Dedicated Server

Once you’ve invited players to your non-dedicated server, you can launch the game by selecting ‘Continue’ from the main menu. This will launch your non-dedicated server and allow you and your friends to play together.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Your Non-Dedicated Server

If you encounter any issues while setting up or running your non-dedicated server, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

Step 4.1: Ensure your System Meets the Requirements

Make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running ARK: Survival Evolved.

Step 4.2: Check Your Internet Connection

Make sure that your internet connection is stable and that you have a strong signal. A weak connection can cause lag and other issues.

Step 4.3: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Ensure that your firewall and antivirus settings are not blocking ARK: Survival Evolved or your non-dedicated server.

Step 4.4: Update Your Drivers and Software

Make sure that your drivers and software are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can cause issues with ARK: Survival Evolved.

Step 4.5: Verify the Integrity of Your Game Files

Verify the integrity of your game files by right-clicking on the game in your Steam library and selecting ‘Properties’. Select the ‘Local Files’ tab and then select ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’. This will ensure that your game files are not corrupt.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has helped you to set up your own non-dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved. Playing with friends on your own server can be a lot of fun and can enhance your overall gaming experience. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, be sure to consult the FAQ section above or consult the ARK: Survival Evolved community for further assistance. Have fun!