ARK Host Xbox Server on PC: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev – if you’re interested in hosting an ARK Xbox server on your PC, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you through all the steps necessary to get your server up and running, from downloading the necessary software to configuring your settings and inviting friends to join. Let’s dive in!

Part 1: Getting Started

Before we get into the technical details, let’s go over a few basics. First of all, you’ll need a copy of the game – either on Steam or on Xbox – to host a server. You’ll also need to download and install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Downloading the Necessary Software

Once you have the game and the Insider Hub, you’ll need to download the Xbox Dev Mode app on your PC. This app is available for free on the Microsoft Store.

After downloading the app, you’ll also need to enable Developer Mode on your Xbox. To do this, go to Settings > System > Developer Options and toggle on the “Developer Mode” option.

Step 2: Setting up Your Xbox Live Account

To host a server, you’ll also need an Xbox Live account. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for a free account on the Xbox website. Make sure to verify your email address and set up any necessary security settings.

Step 3: Configuring Your Network Settings

Before you can start hosting a server, you’ll need to make sure that your network settings are properly configured. This will involve setting up port forwarding and assigning a static IP address to your PC.

For detailed instructions on how to do this, check out the section below on “Network Configuration.”

Part 2: Configuring Your ARK Server

Now that you have all the necessary software and accounts set up, it’s time to configure your server settings. This will involve downloading and using the ARK Server Manager tool.

Step 1: Downloading ARK Server Manager

To download the ARK Server Manager, simply go to the official website and click the “Download” button. Install the software and follow the prompts to set it up on your PC.

Step 2: Configuring Your Server Settings

Once you have ARK Server Manager installed, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This will involve setting up things like player limits, server name, and password protection.

You can access the server settings from within the ARK Server Manager tool. Make sure to save your changes before exiting the program.

Step 3: Starting Your Server

With your settings configured, it’s time to start your server. Simply click the “Start” button within the ARK Server Manager tool, and your server will begin running.

You can also use the “View Logs” button to check the status of your server and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Part 3: Inviting Players to Join

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to invite some friends to join in on the fun. There are a few ways to do this, depending on whether your friends are playing on Xbox or PC.

Step 1: Inviting Xbox Players

To invite Xbox players, you’ll need to use the Xbox Live party system. Simply create a party in the Xbox Insider Hub and invite your friends to join. Once everyone is in the party, they can join your server directly from within the game.

Step 2: Inviting PC Players

Inviting PC players is a bit more complicated, as they’ll need to manually enter your server information to join. You’ll need to provide them with your IP address and port number, as well as any necessary passwords or other details.

You can find your IP address by running the command prompt and typing “ipconfig” – your IP address should be listed under “IPv4 Address.”

Part 4: Network Configuration

As mentioned earlier, configuring your network settings is an important part of hosting an ARK server on your PC. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

Step 1: Set a Static IP Address

To set a static IP address, go to Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings and right-click on your network connection. Select “Properties” and then double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Select “Use the following IP address” and enter your desired IP address.

Step 2: Set Up Port Forwarding

To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to log in to your router’s admin panel and navigate to the port forwarding settings. Create a new rule for port 7777 (or whichever port you’re using for your ARK server) and make sure to use your PC’s static IP address as the target.

FAQs

With these tips and tools in hand, you should now be ready to host your very own ARK Xbox server on your PC. Have fun, and happy gaming!