How to Host a Free ARK Server

Greetings Dev! Are you looking to host a free ARK server? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to host a free ARK server.

Section 1: System Requirements

Before we dive into the process, let’s first discuss the system requirements to host an ARK server. The following are the minimum system requirements:

System Requirements	Minimum
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8GB
Storage	100GB
Network Speed	Upload speed: 10 Mbps or higher, Download speed: 20 Mbps or higher

Make sure your system meets the requirements to ensure the server runs smoothly.

Section 2: Installing SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam games. Here is how you can install SteamCMD:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

Go to the official SteamCMD website and download the SteamCMD.zip file.

Step 2: Extract the SteamCMD.zip file

Extract the contents of the SteamCMD.zip file to a folder of your choice.

Step 3: Open Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box.

Step 4: Navigate to the SteamCMD folder

Type “cd” followed by the path of the SteamCMD folder. For example, if the SteamCMD folder is located in the Downloads folder, type “cd Downloads/SteamCMD”.

Step 5: Install ARK

Type the following command to install ARK: “app_update 376030 validate”. This will install the latest version of ARK on your system.

Section 3: Configuring the Server

Now that you have installed ARK, it’s time to configure the server. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the Server Files

Navigate to the ARK server files by going to the SteamCMD folder, then steamapps\common\ARKSurvivalEvolved\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer.

Step 2: Open the GameUserSettings.ini File

Open the GameUserSettings.ini file using a text editor. This file contains all the server settings.

Step 3: Configure the Server Settings

Configure the server settings to your liking. You can change the server name, password, and other settings. Refer to the ARK Server Settings webpage for a list of available settings.

Step 4: Save the GameUserSettings.ini File

Save the GameUserSettings.ini file and close it.

Section 4: Starting the Server

Now that you have configured the server, it’s time to start it. Here is how:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Navigate to the Server Files

Type “cd” followed by the path of the server files. For example, if the server files are located in the Downloads folder, type “cd Downloads/ARKServer”.

Step 3: Start the Server

Type the following command to start the server: “ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=?ServerPassword=?ServerAdminPassword=“

Section 5: Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while hosting your ARK server, refer to the following Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: I can’t connect to the server. What should I do?

A1: Make sure your server is running and your firewall is not blocking the connection. Check if the server is visible in the server browser.

Q2: The server crashes frequently. What should I do?

A2: Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Check if there are any conflicting software or processes running in the background.

Q3: I can’t change the server settings. What should I do?

A3: Make sure you have opened the GameUserSettings.ini file using a text editor. Also, make sure you have saved the file after making changes.

Q4: The server is not showing up in the server browser. What should I do?

A4: Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Check if your network is properly configured for hosting a server.

Conclusion

Hosting a free ARK server is not as complicated as it may seem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can host your own ARK server in no time. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions. Good luck and have fun!