Hello Dev, welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to host a dedicated server for your Ark Survival Evolved game. Setting up a dedicated server can be a daunting task for first-timers, but we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will take you through the process step-by-step so that you can have a stable and reliable server up and running in no time.
What is a Dedicated Server?
Before we dive into the technical details of setting up a dedicated server, let’s first define what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is a single machine that is exclusively used to host a game server. Unlike hosting a game server on your own computer, a dedicated server allows for more players, greater stability, and better performance when playing Ark Survival Evolved.
What are the Benefits of Hosting a Dedicated Server?
There are several benefits of hosting a dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved:
| Benefits of Hosting a Dedicated Server |
|---|
| More players |
| Greater stability |
| Better performance |
| Customizable settings |
| Ability to install mods |
When you host a dedicated server, you have complete control over the game settings, including player limits, difficulty levels, and resource rates. You can also install mods to enhance your gameplay experience. Additionally, hosting a dedicated server ensures that the game runs smoothly without any lag or downtime, even with a large number of players.
System Requirements
Before you start setting up a dedicated server, make sure that your system meets the following requirements:
| System Requirements |
|---|
| 64-bit operating system (Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10) |
| Quad-core Intel or AMD processor |
| 8 GB RAM |
| 100 GB storage space |
| Dedicated internet connection |
It’s important to note that hosting a dedicated server requires a powerful machine, especially if you plan on hosting a large number of players. Additionally, you will need to ensure that your internet connection is stable and provides enough bandwidth to support multiple players.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Dedicated Server
Step 1: Download SteamCMD
The first step in setting up a dedicated server is to download SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line tool that is used to install and update Steam games, including Ark Survival Evolved. To download SteamCMD, follow these steps:
- Go to the official SteamCMD website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD
- Click on the “Windows” link to download the SteamCMD installer for Windows.
- Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install SteamCMD.
Step 2: Create a Steam Account
To host a dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved, you will need to create a Steam account if you don’t already have one. Follow these steps to create a new Steam account:
- Go to the official Steam website: https://store.steampowered.com/
- Click on the “Join Steam” button in the top-right corner of the page.
- Enter your email address and choose a strong password.
- Enter your date of birth and click on the “Create Account” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup process.
Step 3: Install Ark Survival Evolved
Once you have created a Steam account, you will need to install Ark Survival Evolved on your computer. Follow these steps to install the game:
- Open Steam and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Library” tab and select “Games” from the drop-down menu.
- Search for “Ark Survival Evolved” and select it from the search results.
- Click on the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings
Before you can start your dedicated server, you will need to configure your server settings. These settings determine various aspects of the game, such as the number of players, difficulty level, and resource rates. To configure your server settings, follow these steps:
- Open Notepad or any other text editor.
- Enter the following commands, replacing the values with your desired settings:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
?ServerName=MyServer |
Sets the name of your server |
?ServerPassword=MyPassword |
Sets the password for your server |
?Port=7777 |
Sets the port number for your server |
?MaxPlayers=20 |
Sets the maximum number of players allowed on your server |
?DifficultyOffset=1.0 |
Sets the difficulty level of the game |
?TamingSpeedMultiplier=2.0 |
Sets the taming speed multiplier |
?HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0 |
Sets the harvest amount multiplier |
- Save the file as “GameUserSettings.ini”.
- Move the file to the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer
Step 5: Start the Dedicated Server
Now that you have configured your server settings, you are ready to start your dedicated server. To start your server, follow these steps:
- Open Steam and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Library” tab and select “Tools” from the drop-down menu.
- Search for “Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” and select it from the search results.
- Click on the “Install” button to install the dedicated server files.
- Once the installation is complete, go to the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64
- Right-click on “ShooterGameServer.exe” and select “Create shortcut”.
- Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties”.
- In the “Target” field, add the following command at the end:
?server?GameServerPort=7777?MaxPlayers=20?listen?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword
- Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
- Double-click on the shortcut to start your dedicated server.
Step 6: Join Your Dedicated Server
Now that your dedicated server is up and running, you can join it from within the game. Follow these steps to join your server:
- Open Ark Survival Evolved.
- Click on the “Join” button.
- Enter the IP address and port number of your server.
- Enter the password for your server (if you set one).
- Click on the “Connect” button to join your server.
FAQ
1. Can I host a dedicated server on my own computer?
Yes, you can host a dedicated server on your own computer. However, hosting a dedicated server requires a lot of resources, so make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
2. How many players can I host on my dedicated server?
The number of players you can host on your dedicated server depends on your system’s resources. Generally, you can host up to 20-30 players on a dedicated server with a decent system.
3. Can I install mods on my dedicated server?
Yes, you can install mods on your dedicated server. To install mods, follow these steps:
- Download the mod files from the Steam Workshop.
- Move the mod files to the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Content\Mods
- Add the mod ID to the following file:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Content\Mods\modlist.txt
4. Can I change my server settings after I have started my dedicated server?
Yes, you can change your server settings at any time by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” file and restarting your dedicated server.
5. How do I update my dedicated server?
To update your dedicated server, follow these steps:
- Open Steam and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Library” tab and select “Tools” from the drop-down menu.
- Search for “Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” and select it from the search results.
- Click on the “Update” button to update the dedicated server files.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully set up a dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved. Hosting a dedicated server can be a challenging task, but with the help of this guide, you should now have a stable and reliable server up and running. Don’t forget to customize your server settings and install mods to enhance your gameplay experience. If you have any further questions, feel free to refer to our FAQ section or leave a comment below.