ARK: How to Host a Non-Dedicated Server on Your PC

Welcome, Dev! If you’re interested in hosting a non-dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up and host your very own server on your PC.

Step 1: Installing ARK on Your PC

The first step to hosting your own server is to install the game on your PC. If you already have ARK installed, you can skip to the next step. If not, you can purchase the game on Steam or download it from the Epic Games Store.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the game, make sure it’s up to date with the latest patches and updates.

Checking for Updates

To check for updates, open Steam and go to your library. Right-click on ARK and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu. Then, click on the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

If there are any updates available, Steam will download and install them automatically. This may take some time depending on the size of the update and your internet speed.

System Requirements

Before you host a server, make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for ARK. The recommended system requirements are as follows:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit	OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K/AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 or better	Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better
Storage: 60 GB available space	Storage: 60 GB available space

Step 2: Setting Up Your Server

Now that you have ARK installed and up to date, it’s time to set up your server. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam

Make sure Steam is open and logged in to your account.

2. Launch ARK

Launch ARK from your library. Once the game is loaded, click on “Host/Local” and then click on “Host Dedicated Server.”

3. Configure Your Server Settings

On the “Host Game” screen, you’ll see a number of settings that you can configure:

• Session Name
• Map
• Max Players
• Server Password
• Server Admin Password
• Enable PVP

Configure these settings to your liking. If you’re not sure what to choose, you can leave them at their default values.

4. Start Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server settings, click on “Start Dedicated Server.” Your server will start up and you’ll be able to connect to it from the game’s main menu.

Step 3: Connecting to Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to connect to it. Here’s how:

1. Open ARK

Open ARK from your library.

2. Click on “Join ARK”

From the game’s main menu, click on “Join ARK.”

3. Select “Unofficial”

On the server browser screen, select “Unofficial” from the “Session Filter” drop-down menu.

4. Find Your Server

Scroll through the list of servers until you find your server. It should have the same name that you entered in the “Session Name” field when setting up your server.

5. Connect to Your Server

Double-click on your server to connect to it. If you set a password for your server, you’ll need to enter it here.

FAQ

Q: Can I run a non-dedicated server and play on the same PC?

A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that running both the server and the game on the same PC may affect performance.

Q: Can I customize the settings for my non-dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can. When setting up your server, you’ll see a number of settings that you can customize to your liking.

Q: How many players can join my non-dedicated server?

A: The maximum number of players that can join your non-dedicated server is 8.

Q: Do I need a powerful PC to host a non-dedicated server?

A: While a powerful PC will provide better performance, you don’t need a top-of-the-line PC to host a non-dedicated server. As long as your PC meets the minimum system requirements for ARK, you should be able to host a server.

Q: Can I use mods with my non-dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can. When setting up your server, you’ll see an option to enable “Use Mods.” Check this box and select the mods you want to use.

Conclusion

Hosting a non-dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved is a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. With the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to set up and host your very own server in no time.