ARK: How to Host a Private Server

Greetings, Dev! If you’re reading this article, you’re likely interested in hosting a private server for ARK: Survival Evolved. Perhaps you’re tired of dealing with lag on public servers or want to play a custom mod with your friends. Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to host your very own ARK server.

System Requirements

Before we get started, let’s go over some basic system requirements for hosting an ARK server. First and foremost, you’ll need a computer with a strong CPU and plenty of RAM. The more players you want to host, the more resources you’ll need. Additionally, you’ll want a fast and stable internet connection with a minimum of 10 Mbps upload and download speeds. Finally, make sure your computer is running a 64-bit operating system.

Here’s a breakdown of the minimum and recommended system requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
CPU: 2 GHz Dual-Core	CPU: 3 GHz Quad-Core
RAM: 8 GB	RAM: 16 GB or more
Storage: 60 GB	Storage: 120 GB or more
Internet: 10 Mbps	Internet: 20 Mbps or more

Choosing a Hosting Provider

If you don’t have a computer that meets the system requirements, you can always opt for a hosting provider. There are a variety of hosting services that specialize in ARK servers, such as Survivalservers.com and Gportal.com. These services provide a convenient way to host a server without the hassle of setting up everything yourself. In this guide, we’ll focus on setting up a server on your own computer.

Step 1: Downloading and Installing SteamCMD

The first step in hosting an ARK server is to download and install SteamCMD, which is a command-line utility used to install and update Steam games. You can download SteamCMD from the official website at https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD. Once downloaded, extract the contents to a folder on your computer.

When SteamCMD is installed, you’ll need to log in with your Steam account. Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the folder where SteamCMD is installed. Type the following command:

steamcmd +login <username> <password>

Replace <username> and <password> with your Steam account information. After logging in, you’ll see a Steam> prompt.

Step 2: Installing and Configuring ARK Dedicated Server

Now that SteamCMD is installed and you’re logged in, it’s time to install the ARK dedicated server. Type the following command at the Steam> prompt:

app_update 346110 validate

This will download and install the ARK dedicated server on your computer.

Once the download is complete, you’ll need to create a batch file to launch the server. Open Notepad or your favorite text editor and paste the following code:

@echo off
echo Starting Server...
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=<server name>?ServerPassword=<password> -server -log

Replace <server name> with the name you want your server to have and <password> with the password you want players to use to join your server. Save the file as start.bat in the same folder where ShooterGameServer.exe is located.

Before launching the server, you’ll need to configure some basic settings. Open the file named Game.ini in the folder ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer. You can adjust various game settings in this file, such as the rates for XP and gathering resources. Here are a few settings you might want to change:

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
bUseSingleplayerSettings=true
DifficultyOffset=1.0
bShowMapPlayerLocation=true

Save the file after making any changes.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

In order for other players to join your server, you’ll need to port forward your router. This is a process that varies depending on your specific router, so you’ll need to refer to your router’s documentation or a website like portforward.com for specific instructions. In general, you’ll need to access your router’s settings page and find the port forwarding section. You’ll need to forward port 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP) to the local IP address of the computer hosting the server.

Step 4: Launching the Server

Now that everything is configured, it’s time to launch your ARK server! Double-click the start.bat file you created earlier. You’ll see a console window appear with information about the server. Once the server finishes loading, players can connect to your server by typing the server’s IP address (which you can find by Googling “what’s my IP address”) and the port number (7777 by default) in the game’s server browser.

FAQ

Can I host an ARK server on a virtual private server (VPS)?

Yes, you can host an ARK server on a VPS. However, keep in mind that not all VPS providers allow game servers on their servers. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure the VPS meets the system requirements for hosting an ARK server.

How many players can my ARK server support?

The number of players your ARK server can support depends on the resources of your computer or hosting provider. Typically, a server hosted on a home computer can support around 10-20 players, while a dedicated hosting provider can support up to 100 players or more.

How do I update my ARK server?

To update your ARK server, simply run SteamCMD again and type the following command:

app_update 346110 validate

This will download and install any available updates for the ARK dedicated server.

Can I use mods on my ARK server?

Yes, you can use mods on your ARK server. You’ll need to download the mods you want to use from the Steam Workshop and add them to the Mods folder located in ShooterGame\Content. You’ll also need to add the mod IDs to the ActiveMods= section in the GameUserSettings.ini file located in ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer.

What if I encounter issues with my ARK server?

If you encounter issues with your ARK server, there are a number of resources available to help you troubleshoot. You can check the official ARK wiki for information on common issues and how to fix them. You can also visit the ARK forums or Reddit community for help from other players.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve now successfully set up your own ARK server. Hosting your own server gives you complete control over the game and lets you play with friends in a lag-free environment. If you encounter issues, don’t be discouraged – there are plenty of resources available to help you. We hope this guide has been helpful in your journey to becoming a server host.