Host Ark Server Linux: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Greetings Dev and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to host your Ark server on Linux. With its excellent performance and stability, Linux has become a popular choice for hosting game servers. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about hosting Ark servers on Linux, from setting up the server to managing mods and troubleshooting common issues.

Chapter 1: Getting Started

In this chapter, we will cover the basic requirements for hosting an Ark server on Linux and the steps to set up the server.

Requirements

Before you get started, ensure you have the following:

System Requirements	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	2 GHz Dual-Core	4 GHz Quad-Core
RAM	4 GB	8 GB
Storage	20 GB	40 GB
Operating System	Linux (64-bit)	Linux (64-bit)

Ensure that your server meets the above requirements before proceeding with the installation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ark Server on Linux

Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up your Ark server on Linux:

Step 1: Create a steam user

Create a dedicated steam user account to manage the server files. Use the following command to create a new user:

sudo adduser steam

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool used to download and install game server files. Use the following command to install SteamCMD:

sudo apt-get install steamcmd

Step 3: Download and Install Ark Server Files

Use SteamCMD to download and install the Ark server files by running the following command:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/steam/arkserver +app_update 376030 validate +quit

Step 4: Configure the Server

Configure the server by editing the ‘GameUserSettings.ini’ and ‘Game.ini’ files located in the /home/steam/arkserver/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ directory.

Step 5: Start the Server

Start the server by running the following command:

cd /home/steam/arkserver/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ && ./ShooterGameServer’

Your server should now be up and running.

Chapter 2: Managing Mods

In this chapter, we’ll explore how to manage mods on your Ark server.

How to install mods

Step 1: Find the mod IDs

Find the mod IDs you wish to install from the Steam Workshop.

Step 2: Install the mods

Install the mods by adding their IDs to the mod list in the GameUserSettings.ini file.

How to remove mods

Step 1: Remove the mod IDs

Remove the mod IDs from the mod list in the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Step 2: Delete the mod files

Delete the mod files from the /home/steam/arkserver/ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ directory.

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you may face while hosting an Ark server on Linux and their solutions:

Issue #1: Unable to connect to the server

Solution: Check if the server is running and if the port forwarding is correctly set up on your router.

Issue #2: Server crashes on startup

Solution: Check if the server is configured correctly and all required mods are installed.

Issue #3: High latency on the server

Solution: Check if the server is experiencing any performance issues or if the server specs meet the recommended requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I host an Ark server on my personal computer?

Yes, you can host an Ark server on your personal computer. However, it’s recommended to use a dedicated server for better performance and stability.

Q2. How many players can join my Ark server?

The number of players that can join your Ark server depends on the server specs and bandwidth. The recommended limit is 100 players.

Q3. How do I update my Ark server?

You can update your Ark server using SteamCMD by running the following command:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/steam/arkserver +app_update 376030 validate +quit

Q4. Can I use mods on my Ark server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Ark server. Follow the steps in Chapter 2 to install and manage mods on your server.

Q5. How do I backup my Ark server files?

You can backup your Ark server files by copying the /home/steam/arkserver/ directory to another location on your PC or a cloud storage service.

Q6. How do I restore my Ark server files?

You can restore your Ark server files by copying the backup directory to the /home/steam/ directory and running the server with the correct parameters.

Q7. How do I access the server console?

You can access the server console by opening the terminal and entering the following command:

screen -r Ark

This will open the server console.

That’s it Dev! We hope this guide has been helpful to you in hosting an Ark server on Linux. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.