Ark Non Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking to host a non-dedicated server for Ark, then you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and running a non-dedicated server for Ark. From choosing the right hosting provider to optimizing your server settings, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started.

What is a Non-Dedicated Server?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up your server, let’s first define what a non-dedicated server is. A non-dedicated server is a type of server where the host (that’s you) also plays the game. This means that the server will only be available when you’re playing Ark. When you log off, the server will go offline. This makes non-dedicated servers a great option for small groups of friends who want to play Ark together.

Advantages of Non-Dedicated Servers

There are several advantages to hosting a non-dedicated server. For one, it’s a cost-effective solution for playing with a small group of friends. You don’t need to pay for a dedicated server or worry about setting up complicated hosting configurations.

Another advantage is that you have complete control over the server settings. You can adjust the settings to suit your play style and preferences. Plus, you can easily make changes to the server settings in real-time as you play.

Finally, non-dedicated servers are a great option for players who want to play Ark with their friends but don’t want to join a public server. You can control who joins your server and ensure that only your friends have access to it.

Disadvantages of Non-Dedicated Servers

Of course, there are some disadvantages to hosting a non-dedicated server. One of the biggest drawbacks is that the server is only available when you’re playing Ark. This means that your friends can’t play on the server when you’re not around.

Another disadvantage is that the server performance can suffer if your computer isn’t powerful enough. If you have an older computer or a slow internet connection, you may experience lag or latency issues when playing on a non-dedicated server.

Finally, since you’re also playing the game, you may find it difficult to manage the server while also playing. You’ll need to balance playing the game with managing the server, which can be challenging.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

The first step in setting up your non-dedicated server is choosing a hosting provider. There are several hosting providers that offer non-dedicated server hosting for Ark, including Nitrado, Survival Servers, and Host Havoc.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a hosting provider, there are several factors you should consider. One of the most important factors is server location. You’ll want to choose a provider that has servers located near you and your friends to minimize latency and lag issues.

Other factors to consider include pricing, customer support, server performance, and server configuration options. Be sure to read reviews and compare different providers to find the one that best meets your needs.

Setting Up Your Server

Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, it’s time to set up your server. The exact process will vary depending on the provider you choose, but the basic steps are as follows:

1. Choose your server location.
2. Select your Ark server version.
3. Choose your server configuration settings.
4. Configure your server settings using the hosting provider’s control panel.
5. Invite your friends to join your server.

Optimizing Your Server Settings

Once your server is up and running, you’ll want to optimize your server settings to get the best performance and gameplay experience. Here are some tips for optimizing your non-dedicated server settings:

Max Players

The first setting you’ll want to adjust is the maximum number of players. Since non-dedicated servers are designed for small groups of friends, you’ll want to set the maximum number of players to the number of friends you plan on playing with.

Taming Speed

You can also adjust the taming speed to make taming creatures faster or slower. This can be helpful if you and your friends prefer a faster or slower pace for taming.

Gathering Rates

You can adjust the gathering rates to make resource gathering faster or slower. This can be helpful if you and your friends prefer a more or less challenging gameplay experience.

Difficulty Level

You can adjust the difficulty level to make the game easier or more challenging. This setting affects the level of creatures you’ll encounter in the game.

Other Settings

Finally, there are several other settings you can adjust to customize your gameplay experience. These include settings for experience gain, health and damage multipliers, and weather effects. Experiment with different settings to find the setup that works best for you and your friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about hosting a non-dedicated server for Ark:

What is the difference between a non-dedicated server and a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a type of server where the host does not play the game. The server is always online and can support more players than a non-dedicated server. However, dedicated servers are more expensive and require more technical knowledge to set up.

Do I need a powerful computer to host a non-dedicated server?

You don’t need a super powerful computer to host a non-dedicated server, but having a faster computer will definitely help. If you have an older computer or a slow internet connection, you may experience lag or latency issues when playing on a non-dedicated server.

How many players can join my non-dedicated server?

The maximum number of players that can join your non-dedicated server will depend on the hosting provider and the server settings. Most non-dedicated servers are designed for small groups of friends, typically between 2-10 players.

Can I customize the server settings?

Yes, you can customize the server settings to suit your play style and preferences. You can adjust settings like the max number of players, taming speed, gathering rates, and difficulty level.

Can I password protect my server?

Yes, you can password protect your server to ensure that only your friends have access to it.

Conclusion

Setting up and running a non-dedicated server for Ark can be a fun and cost-effective way to play Ark with your friends. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can create a customized gameplay experience that’s tailored to your preferences. Good luck, and happy gaming!