Welcome, Dev! If you’re reading this, it’s very likely that you’re looking for the best Ark server hosting options on Reddit for 2021. And you’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best provider that suits your needs, budget, and preferences, and take your Ark gaming experience to the next level. Let’s dive in!
What Is Ark, And Why Do You Need A Server Host?
If you’re new to Ark, it’s a multiplayer survival game that takes place on an open-world environment filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures, from prehistoric dinosaurs to mythical beasts. To fully enjoy Ark, you need to play with other people on a server, preferably with good latency, speed, and uptime, and in a mod-friendly environment. That’s where server hosting comes in: it’s the process of renting or owning a dedicated server or hosting plan that allows you to customize your Ark game to your liking, invite your friends or community, and enjoy a smooth gaming experience without lags, crashes, or downtime.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Ark Server Hosting Provider
Not all Ark server hosting providers are created equal. Before you commit to any hosting plan, you need to consider several factors that impact your game performance, security, and overall satisfaction. Here are the most important ones:
Server Location
The closer the server location is to your physical location, the less latency and ping you’ll experience, leading to faster and smoother gameplay. Make sure the hosting provider has servers in the same region or country as you, or at least in a nearby location.
Hardware Specifications
The server hardware determines the speed, capacity, and stability of your Ark game. Look for hosting providers that offer high-end CPUs, RAM, SSDs, and bandwidth that can handle your player count, mods, and activities without bottlenecks or lag spikes. You can also ask for a custom configuration that suits your specific needs.
Uptime and Downtime
Uptime refers to the percentage of time the server is online and running without interruptions, while downtime is the opposite. You want a hosting provider with a high uptime guarantee (at least 99.9%) and a proactive approach to minimize downtime, such as automatic backups, hardware redundancy, and 24/7 monitoring and support.
Price and Value
Of course, you also need to consider your budget and the value you get from the hosting plan. Don’t always go for the cheapest option, as it may come with hidden costs, poor customer support, or limited features. Look for hosting providers that offer transparent and competitive pricing, flexible payment terms, and additional perks such as free migration, instant setup, and user-friendly control panels.
Customer Support
Speaking of customer support, it’s crucial to choose an Ark server hosting provider that has responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly support agents who can assist you with any issues or questions you may have, preferably via multiple channels such as live chat, phone, email, or ticket system. Check the reviews and testimonials of other customers to get a sense of the support quality.
The Top 5 Best Ark Server Hosting Providers On Reddit For 2021
Based on our research, experience, and user feedback, here are the top 5 best Ark server hosting providers on Reddit that fulfill the criteria we mentioned earlier:
Provider |
Server Locations |
Hardware Specs |
Uptime Guarantee |
Price Range |
Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HostHavoc |
USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia |
Intel i9-9900K, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps |
99.9% |
From $13.99/month |
24/7 live chat, email, phone |
SurvivalServers |
USA, Canada, Europe, Australia |
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, 128 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps |
99.99% |
From $14.95/month |
24/7 live chat, email, phone, Discord |
GameServers |
USA, Europe |
Intel Xeon E5-1650v3, 32 GB DDR4 RAM, SSDs, 1 Gbps |
99.99% |
From $13.95/month |
24/7 live chat, email, phone |
Nitrado |
Global |
Intel Core i7-7700K, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, SSDs, 1 Gbps |
99.9% |
From €7.99/month |
24/7 ticket system, Discord |
GTXGaming |
USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia |
Intel Xeon E5-1650v3, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps |
99.9% |
From £9.17/month |
24/7 live chat, email, phone, Discord |
Now, let’s dive deeper into each hosting provider, and see their pros, cons, features, and user reviews.
HostHavoc
HostHavoc is a popular hosting provider that offers various gaming servers, including Ark, with multiple locations worldwide, and affordable prices. They also have a user-friendly control panel, automatic mod installation, and DDoS protection.
Features
– 10+ server locations in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia
– Intel i9-9900K or Ryzen 9 3900X CPUs, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps
– Free automatic mod installation and update
– Full FTP access, Steam Workshop integration
– DDoS protection, automatic backups
Pros
– Affordable pricing, starting at $13.99/month
– Easy and fast setup, instant activation
– Flexible payment options, including Bitcoin
– User-friendly control panel, helpful knowledgebase
– Reliable and fast servers, no lag or crashes
Cons
– Limited server slots, only up to 100 players
– No free trial or money-back guarantee
– No phone support, only live chat and email
User Reviews
“I’ve been using HostHavoc for over a year now, and I’m very happy with their service. The server runs smoothly, the support is responsive, and the pricing is fair. I’ve never experienced any downtime or lag, and the mod installation is a breeze.” – Tom, Reddit user
SurvivalServers
SurvivalServers is another reliable and popular Ark server hosting provider that offers high-end hardware, low latency, and excellent customer support, with a focus on customizability and modding.
Features
– 4 server locations in North America, Europe, and Australia
– AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPUs, 128 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps
– Customizable game settings and mods, FTP access
– Automatic backups, plugin manager, Steam Workshop integration
– Free transfer, no hidden fees
Pros
– Top-tier hardware performance, zero lag or stuttering
– Easy and intuitive control panel, with mobile app support
– 24/7 technical support via live chat, email, phone, and Discord
– No overselling, each server is dedicated and isolated
– 72-hour money-back guarantee, free trial available
Cons
– Higher pricing compared to other providers, starting at $14.95/month
– Limited support for some mods and plugins
– Limited server slots, only up to 100 players
User Reviews
“SurvivalServers is the best hosting provider I’ve ever used. Their servers are powerful and fast, and they always respond to my tickets or chats within minutes. They also helped me set up some complex mods that other providers couldn’t handle. Highly recommended!” – Bob, Reddit user
GameServers
GameServers is a veteran hosting provider that has been around since 2004, offering a wide range of game servers, including Ark, with US and EU locations, and a simplified control panel.
Features
– 2 server locations in the US and Europe
– Intel Xeon E5-1650v3 CPUs, 32 GB DDR4 RAM, SSDs, 1 Gbps
– Easy and fast setup, instant activation
– Free custom control panel, FTP access, Steam Workshop integration
– Free 10-slot voice server, 5-day money-back guarantee
Pros
– Affordable pricing, starting at $13.95/month
– 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone
– High server performance and reliability, minimal downtime
– Customizable server settings and plugins, free backups
– Accepts multiple payment methods, including PayPal and credit cards
Cons
– Limited server slots, only up to 100 players
– No free trial or free migration
– No DDoS protection, may require extra fee or third-party service
User Reviews
“I’ve been using GameServers for a few months now, and I have no major complaints. The Ark server runs smoothly, and the support is helpful and prompt. The price is good, and the panel is easy to navigate.” – Alex, Reddit user
Nitrado
Nitrado is a German-based hosting provider that offers game servers in over 100 locations worldwide, with a focus on intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, full modding support, and mobile app integration.
Features
– 100+ server locations worldwide, with low latency and fast connectivity
– Intel Core i7-7700K CPUs, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, SSDs, 1 Gbps
– Customizable settings, mod support, FTP access
– Automatic backups, plugin manager, expert mode
– Mobile app, server banner, donation system
Pros
– User-friendly control panel, with one-click installation and setup
– 24/7 technical support via ticket system, phone, and Discord
– Affordable pricing, starting at €7.99/month
– Full access to server files and configuration
– Free trial available for some games, including Ark
Cons
– No live chat or email support
– Limited storage capacity, only up to 10 GB
– No phone support outside office hours
User Reviews
“Nitrado is amazing! Their console is so easy to use and intuitive, and the server runs flawlessly. They also offer a lot of customization options and mods, which is great for my Ark community. The app is also very handy, and the donation system is an added bonus.” – Sara, Reddit user
GTXGaming
GTXGaming is a UK-based hosting provider that offers various game servers, including Ark, with global locations, high performance, and feature-rich control panels.
Features
– 5+ server locations in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia
– Intel Xeon E5-1650v3 CPUs, 64 GB DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSDs, 1 Gbps
– Customizable settings and mods, FTP access, Steam Workshop integration
– Automatic backups, free migration, free web hosting, player stats
– Mobile app, Discord support, 10% discount for referrals
Pros
– Fast and reliable servers, with low latency and high FPS
– 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, phone, and Discord
– Affordable pricing, starting at £9.17/month
– DDoS protection included, free trial available
– 30-day refund policy, no cancellation fees
Cons
– Limited support for some mods and plugins
– Limited storage capacity, only up to 300 GB
– Some features require additional charges, such as MySQL database
User Reviews
“I’ve been using GTXGaming for my Ark server for months, and I’m very impressed with their service. The server runs smoothly, the ping is low, and the support is always friendly and helpful. The control panel is also great, with lots of useful features.” – John, Reddit user
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many players can join an Ark server?
The maximum number of players that can join an Ark server depends on the hosting provider and the server hardware specifications. Most providers offer server slots ranging from 10 to 100 players, while some can support hundreds of players. Make sure to check the hosting plan details before purchasing.
Q: Can I install mods on an Ark server?
Yes, you can install mods on an Ark server, either manually or automatically, depending on the hosting provider and the game version. Mods can enhance your game experience by adding new features, creatures, items, and mechanics, or changing the gameplay entirely. Make sure to check the compatibility and stability of the mods, and the hosting provider’s support for them.
Q: Can I change the settings of my Ark server?
Yes, you can change the settings of your Ark server, including the game mode, difficulty, PvP or PvE, tame speed, resource harvesting, and more. You can also adjust the server settings to suit your community’s preferences or playstyle, such as disabling certain creatures or items, increasing the player cap, or enabling admin commands. Most hosting providers offer a web-based control panel or a console that allows you to modify the settings easily.
Q: How much does it cost to host an Ark server?
The cost of hosting an Ark server varies depending on multiple factors, such as the hosting provider, the server location, the server hardware specifications, the number of player slots, the billing cycle, and the additional features or services. Generally, you can find hosting plans for Ark servers starting from $10 to $50 per month, with occasional discounts, promotions, or coupons. Make sure to compare the prices and features of different providers before making a decision.
Q: What is a dedicated server, and do I need one for my Ark server?
A dedicated server is a type of server that is solely dedicated to hosting your game server, without sharing resources or hardware with other users. Dedicated servers offer more power, stability, and control over your server environment, but they also require more technical skills and higher costs. Whether you need a dedicated server for your Ark server depends on your specific needs and goals. If you run a large, active, or modded community, or want to have full control over the server, a dedicated server may be an ideal choice. If you have a smaller budget or don’t need advanced features, a shared or VPS hosting plan can also work well.