Host Ark Server PS4 for Dev: Everything You Need to Know

Greetings Dev! If you are a fan of the action-adventure survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved, you must be longing to set up your own Ark server on PS4. It can be a challenging task, especially if you are a beginner in hosting game servers. But worry not, we are here to guide you through the process step by step. In this article, we will cover everything from the basics of Ark servers to the setup process and frequently asked questions. So, let’s dive in!

What is an Ark server?

Before we get into the details of how to host Ark server on PS4, let’s first understand what is an Ark server. In simple terms, an Ark server is a dedicated game server that allows players from all over the world to connect and play together in a shared world environment. Players can create their own tribes, tame dinosaurs, and battle against other tribes in a vast open-world setting.

Hosting an Ark server on PS4 means that you can create your own private server and invite your friends or other players to join your tribe. It gives you full control over the game settings, mods, and who can access your server. Moreover, hosting your own Ark server can provide a lag-free gaming experience with better performance and stability compared to playing on official servers.

Requirements for hosting Ark server on PS4

Before you start hosting your own Ark server on PS4, there are a few things you need to have in place. Here are the requirements:

Steps to host Ark server on PS4

Step 1: Set up a static IP address

The first step in hosting an Ark server on PS4 is to set up a static IP address for your console. A static IP address is a permanent IP address assigned to your console by your internet service provider.

To set up a static IP address, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your PS4 console.
2. Select Network Settings.
3. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
4. Select Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable depending on your connection type.
5. Select Custom.
6. Select Manual for IP Address Settings.
7. Enter the required information, including the static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS settings.
8. Save the settings and exit.

Step 2: Forward ports on your router

After setting up the static IP address, the next step is to forward the necessary ports on your router. Port forwarding allows incoming traffic from the internet to pass through your router to your PS4 console. Without port forwarding, your Ark server will not be accessible to other players outside your local network.

To forward ports on your router, follow these steps:

1. Access your router’s settings page by typing the IP address in a web browser.
2. Login to the router using the administrator username and password.
3. Locate the port forwarding settings.
4. Add a new port forwarding rule for the PS4 console.
5. Enter the required information, including the protocol, port numbers, and IP address of the PS4 console.
6. Save the settings and exit.

Step 3: Install and configure Ark server software

After completing the above steps, you can now proceed to install and configure the Ark server software on your PS4 console. Here’s how:

1. Go to the PlayStation Store and search for Ark: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server.
2. Download and install the server software.
3. Launch the server software and select Host Dedicated Server.
4. Enter the server name, password, and game mode settings.
5. Select the map you want to play on.
6. Customize the game settings, such as taming speed, XP multiplier, and resource respawn rate.
7. Save the settings and start the server.
8. Invite your friends or other players to join your server using the server name and password.

FAQs about hosting Ark server on PS4

1. Can I host an Ark server on my PC and play on PS4?

No, you cannot cross-play between PC and PS4 versions of Ark at this time.

2. Can I customize the game settings on my Ark server?

Yes, you have full control over the game settings on your Ark server, including taming speed, XP multiplier, and resource respawn rate.

3. How many players can join my Ark server?

The maximum number of players that can join an Ark server on PS4 is 70.

4. Can I add mods to my Ark server?

No, mods are not available for the PS4 version of Ark servers at this time.

5. Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to host an Ark server on PS4?

No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to host an Ark server on PS4. However, your friends or other players who join your server may need a subscription to play online.

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark server on PS4 can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have a group of dedicated players to share the adventure with. However, it requires a bit of technical know-how and patience to get it up and running smoothly. By following the steps outlined in this article and referring to the FAQs, you should have no trouble hosting your own Ark server on PS4. Good luck and happy gaming!