How to Host an Ark Server for Free

Hello Dev! Are you tired of paying for Ark server hosting? Well, you’re in luck because in this article we’ll show you how to host an Ark server for free. That’s right, you won’t have to spend a single penny. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Downloading the Required Files

The first step in hosting your own Ark server is to download the necessary files. You can do this from the official Ark website. Once you’ve downloaded the files, you’ll need to extract them to a folder on your computer.

Next, you’ll need to download the SteamCMD tool. This can also be found on the official Ark website. Once downloaded, extract the files to the same folder where you extracted the Ark server files.

Now, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Configuring the Server Settings

Before you can start your server, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This can be done by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file. This file can be found in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder.

Open the GameUserSettings.ini file in a text editor and make the necessary changes. You can configure things like server name, password, max players, and more.

Once you’ve made your changes, save the file and close it. You’re now ready to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Starting the Server

Now comes the fun part, starting your Ark server. To do this, open the command prompt and navigate to the folder where you extracted the Ark server files.

Next, type “steamcmd.exe” and hit enter. This will open the SteamCMD tool. Once it’s open, type “login anonymous” and hit enter. This will log you into SteamCMD with an anonymous account.

Next, type “force_install_dir ” and hit enter. Replace “” with the path to the folder where you extracted the Ark server files.

Once you’ve done that, type “app_update 376030 validate” and hit enter. This will download and install the Ark server files.

Finally, type “start \ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\ShooterGameServer.exe ?SessionName=?MaxPlayers=?listen?ServerPassword=” and hit enter. Replace “” with the path to the folder where you extracted the Ark server files, “” with the name of your server, “” with the maximum number of players you want to allow, and “” with the password you set in the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Your server should now be up and running! You can connect to it by opening Ark and searching for your server name in the server list.

Step 4: Port Forwarding

If you want others to be able to connect to your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. The process for doing this varies depending on your router, so consult your router’s manual or do a Google search for instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to host an Ark server?

A: Hosting an Ark server can cost anywhere from a few dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month depending on the size and requirements of the server. However, in this article we’ve shown you how to host an Ark server for free!

Q: Can I host an Ark server on my own computer?

A: Yes, you can host an Ark server on your own computer. However, keep in mind that running a server can be resource-intensive and may slow down your computer.

Q: How many players can I have on my server?

A: The maximum number of players you can have on your server depends on the settings you configure in the GameUserSettings.ini file. By default, it’s set to 70.

Q: Can I customize the server settings?

A: Yes, you can customize the server settings by editing the GameUserSettings.ini file. You can change things like the server name, password, max players, and more.

Q: How do I update my server?

A: To update your server, simply repeat Step 3. SteamCMD will automatically download and install any updates.

Q: Can I run mods on my server?

A: Yes, you can run mods on your server. However, the process for doing so is beyond the scope of this article.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark server can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can host your own server for free and enjoy playing with your friends. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Happy hosting!