How to Host Ark Dedicated Server PC

Greetings Dev, welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to host your own Ark Dedicated Server on PC. In this post, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up and run an Ark server, as well as some tips to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Let’s get started!

Part 1: Downloading and Installing the Ark Server

The first step in setting up your own Ark server is to download and install the server software. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Ark Server Software

The server software can be downloaded from the official Ark website or through Steam. To download from the Ark website, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Ark website and click on “Server Hosting” in the top menu.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Download Ark Server” under the “Ark Server Manager” section.
3. Choose the version of the software you want to download and click on the download link.

If you want to download through Steam, follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and go to the “Library” page.
2. Click on “Tools” at the bottom of the page.
3. Scroll down until you find “Ark Dedicated Server” and double-click on it.
4. Click on “Install” and wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 2: Installing the Server Software

Once you have downloaded the server software, follow these steps to install it:

1. Extract the contents of the downloaded file to a location on your computer.
2. Run the “ArkServer.bat” file to start the server.
3. Wait for the server to set up.

Step 3: Setting Up the Server Configuration

Now that the server is installed, you need to configure it with the settings you want. Follow these steps:

1. Open the “Game.ini” file in the server’s directory.
2. Edit the settings as desired, following the instructions provided in the file.

Part 2: Configuring Your Ark Server

Now that your server is up and running, you need to configure it to ensure that it works properly. In this section, I will provide some tips to help you set up your server for optimal performance.

Tip 1: Set Up Proper Admin Controls

One of the most important things you can do when setting up your Ark server is to set up proper admin controls. This will allow you to manage your server efficiently and keep it running smoothly. Follow these steps:

1. Open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in the server’s directory.
2. Edit the settings as desired.
3. Save the file and restart the server.

Tip 2: Ensure Adequate Resources

It is important to ensure that your server has adequate resources to run properly. This includes CPU and RAM resources, as well as disk space. Follow these steps to ensure adequate resources:

1. Check the requirements for the server software and ensure that your computer meets them.
2. Allocate more RAM to the server if necessary.
3. Clean up unused files on your computer to free up disk space.

Tip 3: Set Up Proper Backups

It is important to set up proper backups for your Ark server to ensure that your data is not lost in case of a disaster. Follow these steps:

1. Set up automatic backups of your server data.
2. Create a backup of your server data before making any major changes.
3. Store your backups in a secure location.

Part 3: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about hosting an Ark server:

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

A. The cost of hosting an Ark server varies depending on the hosting provider and the resources you require. It can range from a few dollars per month to hundreds of dollars per month.

Q. How many players can play on my Ark server?

A. The number of players that can play on your Ark server depends on the resources available on your computer and the settings you choose. You can set a maximum player count in the server configuration files.

Q. Do I need a powerful computer to host an Ark server?

A. You don’t necessarily need a powerful computer to host an Ark server, but it will run better on a computer with better specs. The minimum requirements are listed on the Ark website.

Conclusion

That’s it Dev! You now have all the information you need to host your own Ark Dedicated Server on PC. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your server runs smoothly and provides an enjoyable experience for you and your players.