How to Host Ark Server for Friends PC

Hello Dev, welcome to this journal article on how to host an Ark server for your friends’ PC. This article will guide you through the process of setting up the server and ensure that you can easily play the game with your friends. Ark is an open-world survival game that involves a lot of exploration, crafting, and team play. Having your own server allows you to customize the game settings, invite your friends, and ensure a reliable connection.

What is Ark Server?

An Ark server is a computer program that allows you to host the game on your PC. By hosting your server, you can control the server settings, the number of players, and the mods allowed. This is a great option for players who want to have more control over their gaming experience and enjoy the game with friends.

Why Host Your Own Ark Server?

There are many benefits to hosting your own Ark server. First, you can customize the game settings to your liking. You can make the game more challenging or easier, depending on your preferences. You can also choose to allow or restrict certain mods, which can add more variety to the gameplay.

Second, hosting your own server allows you to invite friends to play with you. You can easily create a community of players who share your interests and want to play together.

Finally, hosting your own server ensures a reliable connection. You won’t have to worry about lag or connection issues when playing the game, which can be frustrating when playing on public servers.

Requirements for Hosting an Ark Server

Before you start hosting an Ark server for your friends’ PC, there are some requirements you need to meet:

Requirement	Description
Operating System	You need to have Windows 7 or later installed on your PC.
RAM	You need at least 8GB of RAM to run the server smoothly.
Processor	You need at least a quad-core processor to run the server.
Internet Connection	You need a stable internet connection with at least 10Mbps upload speed.

Steps to Host an Ark Server for Friends PC

Step 1: Download Steam and Ark Server

The first step to hosting an Ark server is to download Steam and the Ark Server program. Steam is a game distribution platform that allows you to download and install the game, while the Ark Server program allows you to host the game on your PC.

You can download Steam from their official website, and the Ark Server program from the Steam Store. Once you have downloaded both programs, install them on your PC.

Step 2: Set Up a Static IP Address

Before you start hosting your server, you need to set up a static IP address. This is necessary because your IP address can change every time you connect to the internet, and you need a fixed address for your friends to connect to your server.

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

• Open the Control Panel on your PC.
• Click on Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on Change adapter settings.
• Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
• Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click on Properties.
• Select Use the following IP address and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway provided by your internet service provider.
• Click on OK to save the changes.

Step 3: Configure Ark Server Settings

Once you have set up a static IP address, you need to configure the Ark Server settings. This includes selecting the game mode, map, server name, and other settings.

To configure the Ark Server settings, follow these steps:

• Open the Ark Server program from Steam.
• Click on the Configuration Editor tab.
• Select the game mode, map, and other settings you want to use.
• Click on Save to save the settings.

Step 4: Start the Ark Server

Once you have configured the server settings, you can start the Ark Server. This will allow your friends to connect to your server and start playing.

To start the Ark Server, follow these steps:

• Open the Ark Server program from Steam.
• Click on the Start Server tab.
• Wait for the server to start.

Step 5: Invite Your Friends

After starting the server, you can now invite your friends to play. You will need to provide them with your IP address and the server password (if you have one).

To invite your friends, follow these steps:

• Provide your friends with your static IP address.
• Ask them to open Steam and click on View in the top menu.
• Select Servers and then click on the Favorites tab.
• Click on Add a Server and enter your static IP address.
• Click on Connect to join your server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the recommended server settings for Ark?

The recommended server settings for Ark depend on your preferences. You can adjust the game settings to make the game more challenging or easier. Some popular settings include increasing the taming speed, harvesting rate, and experience gain.

Can I host an Ark server on a virtual private server (VPS)?

Yes, you can host an Ark server on a VPS. This allows you to have more control over the server and ensures a reliable connection. However, you will need to ensure that the VPS meets the minimum requirements for hosting an Ark server.

How many players can join my Ark server?

The number of players that can join your Ark server depends on your PC’s specifications and internet connection. You can adjust the maximum number of players in the server settings.

Can I use mods on my Ark server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Ark server. However, you will need to ensure that the mods are compatible with the server settings and the game version.

What do I do if my friends can’t connect to my server?

If your friends can’t connect to your server, there could be several reasons. First, ensure that your server is running and your PC is connected to the internet. Second, ensure that your friends are using the correct IP address and port number to connect. Finally, ensure that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the connection.

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark server for your friends’ PC can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to customize the game settings, invite your friends, and ensure a reliable connection. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily host an Ark server and enjoy the game with your friends.