Hello Dev, are you ready to learn about self-hosting an ARK server? In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about self-hosting an ARK server. Whether you are a seasoned server administrator or a first-time server owner, this guide is for you. Our goal is to help you set up and manage your own ARK server with ease.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hardware Requirements
- Software Requirements
- Port Forwarding
- Server Installation
- Server Configuration
- Backups
- Adding Mods
- Admin Commands
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer game where players must survive on an island filled with ancient creatures. While players can join existing servers to play the game, some players prefer to host their own private servers. Self-hosting an ARK server means that you have complete control over the server settings and can customize the game to your liking.
In this guide, we will cover everything from hardware and software requirements to server installation and configuration. We will also discuss how to add mods and use admin commands, as well as provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve any issues you may encounter.
Hardware Requirements
Before you start self-hosting an ARK server, you need to make sure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements. The minimum requirements for hosting an ARK server are as follows:
Minimum Requirements |
Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|
OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or later |
OS: 64-bit Windows 10 or later |
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better |
Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K/AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better |
RAM: 8 GB |
RAM: 16 GB |
Storage: 60 GB |
Storage: 60 GB + |
Bandwidth: 100 Mbps |
Bandwidth: 100 Mbps + |
If you plan on hosting a server with a large number of players, you may need to increase your hardware specs accordingly.
Software Requirements
In addition to meeting the hardware requirements, you also need to make sure that your software is up to date. Here are the software requirements for hosting an ARK server:
- SteamCMD
- Notepad++ or another text editor
- ARK Server Manager (optional but recommended)
Consult the official ARK wiki for installation instructions on SteamCMD and Notepad++.
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is necessary if you want your server to be accessible from the internet. You will need to forward the appropriate ports in your router’s settings. The default ports for an ARK server are:
- TCP: 27015
- UDP: 7777, 7778, 27015
Check your router’s manual for specific instructions on how to forward ports.
Server Installation
Once you have everything set up, it’s time to install the ARK server software. Here’s how:
- Download and install SteamCMD.
- Create a new folder for your server. This folder will contain all of your server files.
- Open SteamCMD and run the following command:
login anonymous - Run the following command to install the ARK server software:
app_update 376030 validate - Wait for the installation to complete.
By default, the server files will be located at C:\steamcmd\ARKServer\.
Server Configuration
Now that you have the server software installed, it’s time to configure the server settings. The server configuration files are located in the ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer folder. Open the following files in a text editor:
Game.iniGameUserSettings.iniServerSettings.ini
Here are some of the key settings you may want to adjust:
Server Name and Password
You can change the name of your server and set a password in the Game.ini file:
[ServerSettings]ServerName=My ARK ServerServerPassword=MyPasswordDifficulty Settings
You can adjust the difficulty of your server by changing the following settings in the Game.ini file:
[ServerSettings]DifficultyOffset=1.0OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0The DifficultyOffset setting determines the overall difficulty of the game. The higher the value, the more difficult the game will be. The OverrideOfficialDifficulty setting determines the maximum level of wild dinosaurs.
Player and Dinosaur Levels
You can adjust the level caps for players and dinosaurs in the GameUserSettings.ini file:
[ServerSettings]MaxPlayerLevel=105MaxDinoLevel=150Taming Speeds
You can adjust the taming speeds in the Game.ini file:
[ServerSettings]TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0Harvesting Rates
You can adjust the harvesting rates in the Game.ini file:
[ServerSettings]HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0Consult the official ARK wiki for a comprehensive list of server settings.
Backups
Regular backups are important to ensure that you don’t lose any progress or data if something goes wrong with your server. Here are some backup options:
- Manually copy the server files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
- Use a backup plugin such as ARK Server Manager.
- Configure your server to automatically backup at regular intervals.
Adding Mods
Mods can enhance the gameplay experience on your server. Here’s how to add mods:
- Find the mods you want to install on the Steam Workshop.
- Subscribe to the mods.
- Launch the game and wait for the mods to download.
- Add the mods to your server’s mod list by editing the
GameUserSettings.inifile:
[ServerSettings]ActiveMods=1234567890,0987654321Replace 1234567890,0987654321 with the mod IDs you want to add, separated by commas.
Admin Commands
As the server owner, you have access to a number of admin commands that can help you manage your server. Here are some of the most useful commands:
cheat fly– Allows you to fly.cheat god– Makes you invincible.cheat teleport– Teleports you to a specified location.cheat kill– Kills the player or dinosaur you are looking at.cheat destroyall– Destroys all creatures in a specified radius.
Consult the official ARK wiki for a comprehensive list of admin commands.
Troubleshooting
Running a server can be challenging, and you may encounter issues from time to time. Here are some common issues and solutions:
The server isn’t showing up in the server list.
Make sure that your server is properly configured for online play and that the necessary ports are forwarded in your router’s settings.
The server is laggy.
Try reducing the number of active players or lowering the graphics settings on your server. You may also want to consider upgrading your hardware.
The server won’t start or crashes frequently.
Check the server logs for error messages and consult the official ARK wiki for troubleshooting tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dedicated server and a non-dedicated server?
A dedicated server is a separate machine that is used only for hosting the game server, while a non-dedicated server is hosted on the same machine that the game is running on. A dedicated server is generally more stable and can support more players, but it’s also more expensive to set up.
Can I run multiple servers on the same machine?
Yes, you can run multiple servers on the same machine by configuring each server to use a different set of ports.
Do I need to buy the game to run a server?
No, you do not need to buy the game to run a server. The game server software is available for free on SteamCMD.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully learned how to self-host an ARK server. With this guide, you should now have the knowledge and confidence to set up and manage your own private ARK server. Remember to regularly back up your data and stay up to date with the latest server updates and patches. Happy gaming!