How to Host Dedicated Server on ARK

Hello Dev, are you looking to host your own dedicated server on ARK? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Hosting your own server can give you full control over your gaming experience and allow you to play with friends on a private server. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own dedicated server on ARK.

1. Understanding the Requirements

Before we get started, let’s go over the requirements for hosting a dedicated server on ARK:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit	OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i7-4770/AMD FX-8350 or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 120 GB available space	Storage: 120 GB available space

Ensure that your system meets these requirements before proceeding with the setup.

2. Downloading and Installing Steam and ARK

The first step in setting up your own dedicated server on ARK is to download and install Steam and ARK on your system:

Step 1:

Download and install Steam from the official website (https://store.steampowered.com/about/).

Step 2:

Purchase and download ARK: Survival Evolved from the Steam Store.

3. Setting up the Server Files

Once you have installed ARK on your system, it’s time to set up the server files:

Step 1:

Launch ARK and click on the ‘Host/Local Play’ option.

Step 2:

Click on the ‘Create Procedural ARK’ option and select the map you want to use.

Step 3:

Set the server settings according to your preferences, such as difficulty level, player limit, and so on.

Step 4:

Click on the ‘Host Dedicated Server’ option and wait for the server files to be generated.

4. Configuring the Server Settings

After setting up the server files, it’s time to configure the server settings:

Step 1:

Navigate to the ‘ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer’ folder where the server files are located.

Step 2:

Edit the ‘GameUserSettings.ini’ file to modify the server settings according to your preferences.

Step 3:

You can also modify other server settings by editing the ‘Game.ini’ and ‘Scalability.ini’ files.

5. Setting up Port Forwarding

Port forwarding allows external connections to access your server. Here’s how you can set up port forwarding for your server:

Step 1:

Login to your router’s web interface using your browser.

Step 2:

Find the ‘Port Forwarding’ or ‘Virtual Server’ option.

Step 3:

Add a new rule for the ARK server, using the default port number 7777.

Step 4:

Save the changes and exit the router interface. You can now access your server from the internet using your public IP address.

6. Running the Server

You’re now ready to start your ARK server:

Step 1:

Navigate to the ‘ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64’ folder where the server files are located.

Step 2:

Run the ‘ShooterGameServer.exe’ file to launch the server.

Step 3:

Wait for the server to initialize and become accessible.

FAQ

1. Can I run the ARK server on a dedicated hosting service?

Yes, you can use a dedicated hosting service to run your ARK server. Check with the hosting provider for compatibility and requirements.

2. How do I add mods to my ARK server?

You can add mods to your ARK server by subscribing to them through the Steam Workshop. They will automatically be downloaded and added to your server.

3. How do I update my ARK server?

You can update your ARK server by stopping the server, downloading the latest version from Steam, and replacing the old files with the new ones.

4. How do I backup my ARK server?

You can backup your ARK server by copying the entire ‘ShooterGame’ folder to a different location.

5. How do I join my own ARK server?

You can join your own ARK server by launching ARK and choosing ‘Join ARK’ from the main menu. Enter your public IP address and port number to connect to your server.

That’s it, Dev! You should now have a fully functional dedicated server on ARK. Enjoy your gaming experience with friends on your very own private server.