How to Host Local Server ARK

Hello Dev! Are you interested in hosting your own ARK server? This can be a great way to enjoy the game with your friends, and it also gives you more control over your game environment. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of hosting a local server for ARK, step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to start playing on your own perfectly customized ARK server!

Choosing Your Hardware

Before we get started, it’s important to make sure you have the right hardware for hosting your ARK server. Here are a few things to consider:

1. A powerful enough CPU – Running an ARK server requires a lot of processing power, so make sure your CPU is up to the task. We recommend at least an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor.

2. Plenty of RAM – Again, ARK servers can be resource-intensive, so make sure you have enough RAM to keep things running smoothly. We recommend at least 8GB, but 16GB is even better.

3. Fast Internet Connection – You’ll need a fast and reliable internet connection for hosting your server.

4. Sufficient Storage – ARK servers can take up a lot of storage space as players join and server files grow. Consider having at least 50 GB of unused storage on your hard drive.

Setting Up Your Server

Now that you’ve got your hardware in order, it’s time to set up your server. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

The first thing you need to do is download the SteamCMD tool. This is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update Steam game servers. Download it from the official Valve website (https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD).

Step 2: Create a New Steam Account

If you don’t already have a Steam account, create a new account that you will use exclusively for running your ARK server. This will make managing your game server much easier.

Step 3: Install ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server

Now that you’ve got SteamCMD and a new account set up, it’s time to install the ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server. Here’s how:

Command	Description
login anonymous	Log in to the SteamCMD tool
force_install_dir C:\ark_server\	Set up the directory where your server files will be stored
app_update 376030 validate	Download and install the ARK server files

Step 4: Configure Your Server

With your server installed, it’s time to configure it according to your preferences. Here are some things you can adjust:

Server Settings

You can adjust various server settings in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file. Here are some of the most important settings you may want to change:

• Server Name
• Server Password
• Difficulty Level (0-1)
• Player XP Multiplier
• Taming Speed Multiplier
• Harvest Amount Multiplier
• Day Cycle Speed Multiplier
• Night Time Speed Multiplier
• Allow Third-Person Camera
• Minimum Players for Tribe Activation
• Server Crosshair

Make sure to save any changes you make to the file.

Admin Password

You can give yourself administrator access by creating an “AdminPassword.txt” file in the “ShooterGame/Saved” folder. Add your preferred password to the file and save it.

Port Forwarding

You may need to set up port forwarding if you want people outside of your local network to be able to connect to your ARK server. This process varies depending on your router, but you can find instructions online or contact your ISP for help.

Starting Your Server

Now that your server is set up and configured, it’s time to start it up! You can launch your server by running the following command in the command prompt:

“start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?QueryPort=27015?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=myserverpassword?ServerAdminPassword=myadminpassword -server -log”

Make sure to replace “MyServer” with your desired server name, “myserverpassword” with your desired server password, and “myadminpassword” with your desired admin password.

FAQs

1. How can I connect to my ARK server?

To connect to your server, launch ARK: Survival Evolved and go to the “Join ARK” menu. Change the “Session Filter” option to “Unofficial PC Sessions.” Your server should show up in the list, and you can join by clicking on it.

2. Can I host multiple servers on one machine?

Yes, you can host multiple servers on one machine. Just make sure to adjust the SteamCMD and server file directories for each individual server.

3. How can I change my server settings?

To change your server settings, open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file and adjust the desired settings. Make sure to save the file before launching your server.

4. Can I run mods on my server?

Yes, you can run mods on your server. Just make sure to download and install the mods you want in the “ShooterGame/Content/Mods” folder. Then add the mod IDs to your server’s “GameUserSettings.ini” file, under the “ActiveMods” setting.

5. What if my server crashes?

If your server crashes, you can try restarting it using the same command prompt command as before. You can also check the server’s log files in the “ShooterGame/Saved” folder to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

Hosting your own ARK server can be a fun way to play the game with friends and customize your experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your own perfectly tailored server in no time. Good luck and happy hosting!