Ark How to Host Dedicated Server and Play

Greetings, Dev! Are you interested in hosting your own dedicated server for Ark: Survival Evolved? It’s a great way to play with friends and enjoy a more customized experience. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to host and play on your own Ark dedicated server. Let’s get started!

What is a Dedicated Server?

Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is a type of server that is entirely dedicated to one user or group of users, rather than being shared by different users as in shared hosting. By hosting your own dedicated server, you have full control over the server and can modify it to your liking.

Why Host Your Own Server?

Hosting your own server provides certain advantages over playing on a public server. Here are some benefits:

Advantages	Disadvantages
You have complete control over the server settings.	You need to have a fast and stable internet connection.
You can customize the game settings and mods.	You need to have a powerful computer to run the server.
You can play with your friends without strangers joining in.	You need to maintain the server yourself.

What You Need to Host a Dedicated Server?

Before we get into the technical details, let’s go through the tools and software you will need to host a dedicated server for Ark.

• A powerful computer to run the server
• A fast and stable internet connection
• The Ark Server Manager software
• The Ark game client installed on your computer

Setting Up the Server

In this section, we will guide you through the process of setting up the server.

Step 1: Download and Install Ark Server Manager

The Ark Server Manager is a tool that makes it easy to set up, manage, and maintain an Ark dedicated server. You can download it from the official website https://www.arkservermanager.com/.

Step 1.1: Download .Net framework

Before you install Ark Server Manager, you need to download and install .Net framework from the official Microsoft website https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system.

Step 1.2: Install Ark Server Manager

After you have installed .Net framework, you can proceed to install the Ark Server Manager. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed the software, run it from the shortcut on your desktop.

Step 2: Set Up Your Server Settings

After launching the Ark Server Manager, you will see a screen with different tabs. The first tab is the settings tab, where you can configure the server settings.

Step 2.1: General Settings

In the general settings, you can set the server name, description, and password. You can also enable PvP, set the maximum number of players, and enable cross-play. Make sure to save your changes when you are done.

Step 2.2: Server Settings

In the server settings, you can configure various settings such as the day/night cycle, player damage, and taming speed. You can also enable mods and configure the difficulty settings. Make sure to save your changes when you are done.

Step 2.3: Advanced Settings

In the advanced settings, you can configure more advanced settings such as the harvest amount, experience gain, and resource respawn rate. You can also configure the server IP address and port number. Make sure to save your changes when you are done.

Step 2.4: Backup Settings

In the backup settings, you can configure the automatic backup settings for your server. It’s important to create regular backups to prevent data loss in case of server issues. Make sure to save your changes when you are done.

Step 3: Start Your Server

After you have configured your server settings, you can start your server by clicking the “Start” button in the Ark Server Manager. The server will start up and you can connect to it using the game client. By default, the server will use the same IP address and port number as your computer, but you can configure this in the advanced settings.

Playing on Your Server

Now that you have set up your server, you can start playing on it with your friends. Here are some tips to get started.

Tip 1: Customize the Settings

One of the benefits of hosting your own server is that you can customize the game settings to your liking. You can adjust the difficulty, the taming speed, and many other settings to make the game more challenging or easier as you prefer.

Tip 2: Use Mods

You can also use mods to enhance your gameplay experience. There are many mods available on the Steam Workshop that add new features, creatures, and items to the game. Be sure to check them out and see which ones you like.

Tip 3: Play with Friends

Playing with friends is always more fun than playing alone. Invite your friends to join your server and explore the world of Ark together. You can also use voice chat software such as Discord to communicate with each other.

FAQ

Q1: Can I play on my own server?

A: Yes, you can play on your own server. You can connect to your server using the game client and play just like you would on a public server.

Q2: Do I need a powerful computer to host a dedicated server?

A: Yes, you need a powerful computer to host a dedicated server. The server software is resource-intensive, so you need a computer with a fast processor, lots of RAM, and a good internet connection.

Q3: How do I update my server?

A: You can use the Ark Server Manager to update your server to the latest version. Simply click the “Check for Updates” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Q4: Can I transfer my character to a different server?

A: Yes, you can transfer your character to a different server using the in-game transfer system. Simply go to an obelisk or terminal and select the option to transfer to another server.

Q5: Can I run other applications on my server?

A: Yes, you can run other applications on your server as long as they don’t interfere with the Ark server software. Be sure to check the system requirements for any additional software you want to run.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has been helpful in setting up your own Ark dedicated server. Have fun playing and don’t forget to explore the vast world of Ark: Survival Evolved!