Ark Server Hosting Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Hello Dev, welcome to our comprehensive guide on hosting an Ark server. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Ark server hosting, from setting up the server to troubleshooting common issues. By the end of this guide, you will have all the knowledge you need to host your own Ark server successfully. Let’s get started!

What is Ark: Survival Evolved?

Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular survival game that is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices. The game is set on an island filled with prehistoric creatures, and players must gather resources, build structures, and tame dinosaurs to survive. Ark also features a multiplayer mode where players can join or host servers to play with others.

How to Purchase Ark: Survival Evolved

To play Ark: Survival Evolved, you first need to purchase the game. You can buy the game on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox Live, PlayStation Store, or the App Store/Google Play Store. The standard edition usually costs around $60, but keep an eye out for sales, as the game often goes on discount.

Minimum System Requirements for Ark: Survival Evolved

OS	Processor	Memory	Graphics	Storage
Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	8 GB RAM	NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	60 GB available space
macOS 10.12 Sierra	Intel Core i5-2400S @ 2.5 GHz or better	8 GB RAM	NVIDIA or ATI card with 2 GB VRAM	60 GB available space
Linux Ubuntu 14.04	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	8 GB RAM	NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	60 GB available space

Keep in mind that these are the minimum system requirements, and you may need a more powerful computer to run the game smoothly.

Why Host Your Own Ark Server?

There are several benefits to hosting your own Ark server instead of playing on someone else’s server:

• You have complete control over the server settings and can customize the game to your liking.
• You can invite friends to play with you and set up your own community.
• You can save your progress and pick up where you left off anytime.
• You can avoid the lag and issues that are common on public servers.

How to Host an Ark Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Port Forwarding

The first step in hosting your own Ark server is to set up port forwarding on your router. This allows incoming traffic to reach your server and enables players to connect to it. To set up port forwarding, follow these steps:

1. Find your router’s IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing “ipconfig”. Look for the “Default Gateway” address.
2. Type the default gateway address into your web browser and log in to your router.
3. Look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section in your router’s settings.
4. Create a new port forwarding rule for port 7777 and 27015 (UDP and TCP) and forward them to your computer’s local IP address. You can find your local IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing “ipconfig”. Look for the “IPv4 Address” address.
5. Save the changes and restart your router.

Step 2: Download and Install Ark Server Manager

Ark Server Manager is a free third-party tool that simplifies the process of setting up and managing an Ark server. Follow these steps to download and install Ark Server Manager:

1. Go to the Ark Server Manager website and download the latest version of the software.
2. Extract the files from the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
3. Run the “ASM.exe” file to launch Ark Server Manager.

Step 3: Configure Ark Server Settings

Once you have launched Ark Server Manager, follow these steps to configure your server settings:

1. Click “Create New Server” in the top-left corner of the window.
2. Enter a name for your server and select the map you want to use. You can also choose to use mods or enable crossplay.
3. Under “Server Settings”, configure the settings to your liking, such as the difficulty level, taming speed, and resource respawn rate.
4. Under “Admin Management”, enter your Steam ID or use the “Add Admin” button to grant admin privileges to other players.
5. Click “Save and Start” to launch your server.

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

To connect to your server, follow these steps:

1. Launch Ark: Survival Evolved on your computer.
2. Click “Join Ark” and select “Unofficial Servers”.
3. Enter your server’s IP address and port number (default is 7777) in the “Filter” field.
4. Click “Refresh” and you should see your server in the list. Click “Join” to connect to your server.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

My Server is Not Showing Up in the Server List

If your server is not showing up in the server list, try the following solutions:

• Make sure you have configured port forwarding correctly and that your server is running.
• Try refreshing the server list or using the “Direct Connect” feature to connect to your server.
• Make sure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the game or server.

My Server is Lagging or Crashing

If your server is experiencing lag or crashes, try the following solutions:

• Lower the number of players or increase the server’s RAM allocation.
• Disable mods or reduce the number of active mods.
• Restart the server or your computer.

FAQs

How Many Players Can My Server Handle?

The number of players your server can handle depends on several factors, such as your computer’s specifications, your internet connection speed, and the server’s settings. As a general rule, a mid-range computer with 16GB RAM should be able to handle 10-20 players, while a high-end computer with 32GB RAM could handle up to 50 players.

Can I Backup My Server’s Data?

Yes, Ark Server Manager allows you to create backups of your server’s data, such as player profiles and world saves. You can also set up automatic backups to ensure your data is always safe.

Can I Customize the Game or Add Mods?

Yes, Ark Server Manager allows you to customize the game settings and add mods to your server easily. There are many mods available on Steam Workshop that can enhance your gameplay experience.

How Do I Update My Server?

To update your server, simply download the latest version of Ark Server Manager and run it. The software will automatically detect any updates and prompt you to update your server.

That’s it for our Ark server hosting guide. We hope that you found this guide useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy hosting!