How to Host Player Dedicated Server Ark

Hello Dev, are you interested in hosting player dedicated servers for Ark: Survival Evolved? It can be a challenging task, but if you’re looking for a guide to help you through the process, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to host player dedicated servers for Ark, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process smoother. So, let’s dive in!

What is Ark: Survival Evolved?

Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular action-adventure survival game that was released in 2017. In the game, players must survive in a world filled with dangerous creatures, while also gathering resources, building structures, and taming dinosaurs. The game has both single-player and multiplayer modes, and to play the latter, you will need to host a server.

Single-Player vs Multiplayer

Before we get into hosting a server, it’s important to understand the differences between single-player and multiplayer modes. In single-player, you can play the game on your own, without anyone else joining in. In multiplayer, you can play with others, including your friends or other players from around the world.

While playing on an official server is an option, hosting your own dedicated server can provide you with more control over the game and the ability to customize your experience. With your own server, you can set your own rules, change the game settings, and even install mods.

Hosting Your Own Server

Prerequisites

Before you start hosting your own server, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet. First, you will need a computer with a minimum of 8GB RAM, a quad-core CPU, and a fast internet connection. You will also need to purchase and download the game from Steam.

Port Forwarding

The next step is to forward the required ports on your router. This will allow other players to join your server. To do this, you will need to access your router’s admin panel and configure port forwarding for TCP ports 7777, 27015, and 27020.

Downloading and Installing Ark Server Manager

The next step is to download and install Ark Server Manager. This is a free tool that can help you manage your server, including setting up mods and changing game settings. You can download it from the official website.

Setting Up Your Server

Once you have Ark Server Manager installed, it’s time to set up your server. Here are the steps:

Joining Your Server

Once your server is up and running, you can join it using the game’s server browser. Simply search for your server by name or IP address, and enter the password (if you set one).

Tips and Tricks

Automating Updates

One of the biggest headaches of hosting a server is keeping it up to date. Fortunately, you can use a tool like Ark Server Manager to automate the update process. Simply configure the tool to check for updates regularly, and it will download and install them for you.

Backing Up Your Server

Another important tip is to regularly back up your server. This will ensure that you don’t lose any progress or data in the event of a crash or other issue. You can use a tool like Ark Server Manager to create automatic backups, or you can manually back up the files to an external hard drive.

FAQs

Can I host a server for free?

While there are some free server hosting options available, we recommend hosting your own server to have more control over the game settings and experience.

How many players can join my server?

This will depend on the specifications of your computer and internet connection. However, we recommend limiting the number of players to 10-20 to ensure optimal performance.

Do I need to purchase the game to host a server?

Yes, you will need to purchase and download the game from Steam in order to host a server.

How do I install mods on my server?

You can install mods using the Ark Server Manager tool. Simply click on the “Mods” tab and search for the mod you want to install. Once you find it, click “Install” and it will be added to your server.

How can I make my server public?

To make your server public, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router and ensure that the server is visible in the game’s server browser. You can also advertise your server on forums or social media platforms to attract more players.

Hosting a player dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some technical know-how. We hope that this guide has helped you understand the process and provided you with some tips and tricks to make it easier. Good luck!