How to Host an Ark Server for Your Friends

Greetings Dev! If you’re reading this article, chances are you want to host an Ark server for your friends. Hosting your own server allows you to customize the game settings, play with your friends without any lag, and have complete control over the server rules. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own Ark server and help you get started.

1. Understand the Basics of Ark Server Hosting

Before you dive into hosting your own Ark server, it’s important to understand the basics. An Ark server is a dedicated server that runs the Ark: Survival Evolved game where multiple players can connect and play together. To host an Ark server, you’ll need a powerful computer or a dedicated server, a fast internet connection, and the Ark game files. In addition, you’ll need to have some knowledge of server configurations and settings.

If you’re new to server hosting, it’s recommended to start with a simpler game or a smaller server to get familiar with the process. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to hosting an Ark server for your friends.

2. Choose Your Hosting Option

When it comes to hosting an Ark server, you have a few different options:

Option	Pros	Cons
Host on your own computer	Free, easy to set up	Limited resources, requires leaving your computer on 24/7
Use a hosting provider	Dedicated resources, 24/7 uptime, support	Costs money, limited customization options
Rent a dedicated server	Full control over server, dedicated resources	Expensive, requires technical knowledge

Each option has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your needs and budget the most.

3. Install and Set Up the Ark Server Software

The next step is to install and set up the Ark server software. This process may vary depending on your hosting option, but the general steps are as follows:

Step 1: Download the Ark server software

You can download the Ark server software from the official website or from Steam. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system.

Step 2: Extract the files

Extract the files from the downloaded archive to a folder on your computer or server.

Step 3: Edit the server configuration files

Open the configuration files located in the server folder using a text editor. The most important files are:

• GameUserSettings.ini: for game settings such as difficulty, taming speed, and harvesting rate.
• Game.ini: for more advanced settings such as dinosaur spawns, resource respawn rate, and world size.
• ServerSettings.ini: for server-specific settings such as server name, password, and player caps.

Edit these files to your liking and save them.

Step 4: Run the server software

Run the Ark server software located in the server folder. This will start the server and allow players to connect.

4. Share the Server Details with Your Friends

Once your server is up and running, it’s time to share the server details with your friends. You can do this by giving them the server IP address, port number, and any required password. Your friends can then join the server through the Ark game client by selecting “Join Ark” and entering the server details.

FAQs

Q: Can I host an Ark server on my home internet connection?

A: Yes, you can host an Ark server on your home internet connection if your internet speed is fast enough and your computer has enough resources. However, keep in mind that hosting a server requires leaving your computer on 24/7, which may not be convenient or cost-effective in the long run.

Q: Do I need to buy multiple copies of the game to host a server for my friends?

A: No, you don’t need to buy multiple copies of the game to host a server for your friends. You can use the same game files for both the server and the client.

Q: Can I customize the Ark server settings?

A: Yes, you can customize the Ark server settings to your liking by editing the configuration files. You can change things like difficulty, taming speed, resource spawn rates, and more.

Q: Can I run mods on my Ark server?

A: Yes, you can run mods on your Ark server. You’ll need to download the mods from the Steam Workshop and install them on the server. Keep in mind that some mods may conflict with each other or cause instability.

Q: Can I host a private Ark server for just me and my friends?

A: Yes, you can host a private Ark server for just you and your friends by setting a password and sharing it only with your friends. This way, only players who know the password can join the server.