Can You Host an Ark Server and Play?

Hello Dev, if you’re a fan of Ark: Survival Evolved and you want to have more control over your own game, hosting your own server may be the way to go. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hosting your own Ark server and playing the game all in one place.

What is Ark: Survival Evolved?

Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game that features dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and other elements. The game is set on an island where players must survive by collecting resources, building structures, and battling dangerous creatures.

What are the benefits of hosting your own Ark server?

Hosting your own Ark server gives you more control over the game, including the ability to choose who you play with, the tweaks and modifications that can be made, and more. You can also customize the game to your liking, making it more or less difficult depending on your preferences.

Another benefit of hosting your own server is the ability to play with friends and family without having to worry about public servers or random players interfering with your gameplay. It can also be a great way to bond with others who share your love of Ark: Survival Evolved.

How to Host an Ark Server

There are a few ways to host an Ark server, including through third-party hosting services, dedicated servers, and on your own computer. Each of these options has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choose the one that works best for you.

Third-Party Hosting Services

One of the easiest ways to host an Ark server is to use a third-party hosting service. These services usually offer pre-configured servers and take care of all the server maintenance and updates for you.

Some popular third-party hosting services for Ark: Survival Evolved include:

Hosting Service	Price	Features
Survival Servers	$13.50/month	24/7 support, automatic updates, mod support
Nitrado	€10.00/month	Web interface, mod support, full access to server files
GTX Gaming	$14.00/month	Instant setup, DDoS protection, mod support

Dedicated Servers

Another option is to rent a dedicated server. This gives you complete control over the server and allows you to customize it to your liking. However, it can be more expensive and requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain.

Some popular dedicated server providers for Ark: Survival Evolved include:

Provider	Price	Features
Host Havoc	$17.00/month	24/7 support, instant setup, mod support
GTX Gaming	$25.00/month	Automatic backups, DDoS protection, mod support
Survival Servers	$17.50/month	Web interface, mod support, instant setup

Hosting on Your Own Computer

Finally, it’s possible to host an Ark server on your own computer. This is the cheapest option and gives you complete control over the server, but it can be more challenging to set up and maintain.

To host an Ark server on your own computer, you’ll need to:

• Download the Ark Dedicated Server software from the Steam Tools section of your Steam library
• Set up port forwarding on your router to allow incoming traffic to your computer
• Configure the server settings to your liking
• Invite friends to join your game

Playing Ark: Survival Evolved

Once you’ve set up your Ark server, it’s time to start playing the game. You can join your own server by selecting it from the server list in the game menu.

Playing on your own server gives you more freedom to customize the game to your liking. You can tweak the settings to make it easier or harder, adjust the rules, and even add mods to enhance the gameplay experience.

FAQ

Can I run an Ark server on my home computer?

Yes, you can run an Ark server on your home computer, but you’ll need to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements and has a stable internet connection. Keep in mind that running a server can use up a significant amount of resources and may affect your computer’s performance.

What are the system requirements for hosting an Ark server?

According to the official Ark Wiki, the minimum system requirements for hosting an Ark server are:

• Windows 7/8/8.1/10 64-bit
• Quad-core Intel or AMD processor, 2.5 GHz or faster
• 8 GB RAM
• 50 GB free HDD space
• Broadband internet connection

Can I play on my own Ark server with friends?

Yes, you can invite friends to play on your own Ark server. Simply share the server IP address and password with them, and they can join your game.

Can I play Ark: Survival Evolved without hosting my own server?

Yes, you can play Ark: Survival Evolved without hosting your own server by joining public servers or playing on single-player mode. However, hosting your own server gives you more control over the game and allows you to customize it to your liking.

Are there any risks to hosting my own Ark server?

Hosting your own server can be risky if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Make sure to keep the server software up to date, use strong passwords, and only invite trusted players to join your game.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark server can be a great way to take your gameplay to the next level. Whether you choose to use a third-party hosting service, rent a dedicated server, or host on your own computer, there are plenty of options available.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to hosting your own Ark server and playing the game exactly how you want to.