How to Set Up an Ark Survival Evolved Host Dedicated Server

Hey Dev, are you a fan of Ark Survival Evolved and looking to set up your own dedicated server for you and your friends to play on? You’re in luck, because in this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to get your server up and running smoothly!

What is a Host Dedicated Server?

Before we dive into the details, let’s first define what a host dedicated server is. Essentially, it’s a server that’s hosted on your own computer or another device, as opposed to a server that’s hosted by a game company or rental server provider.

By hosting your own server, you have more control over the game settings and mods, and you can also invite specific players to join. However, keep in mind that hosting a server on your own device requires more technical knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone.

Requirements for Hosting an Ark Dedicated Server

Before you start setting up your server, there are a few important requirements you’ll need to meet:

Requirement
Minimum
CPU
2 GHz Dual Core
RAM
8GB
Storage
100GB free space
Internet Connection
Minimum 10 Mbps upload and download speeds

CPU

Your CPU should be at least 2 GHz Dual Core. This is to ensure that your server can handle multiple players and keep the game running smoothly.

RAM

You’ll need at least 8GB of RAM to host a dedicated server. Ark Survival Evolved is a memory-intensive game, and the more RAM you have, the smoother your server will run.

Storage

You’ll also need a minimum of 100GB of free space on your hard drive to install the game and any mods you want to use.

Internet Connection

Your internet connection is also a crucial factor in hosting a dedicated server. You’ll need a minimum upload and download speed of 10 Mbps to ensure that players can connect and play without lag or disconnections.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting Your Own Ark Server

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

The first step is to download and install SteamCMD, which is the tool that we’ll use to download and install the Ark server files.

You can download SteamCMD from the official website. Once downloaded, extract the contents to your desired installation directory, such as C:\SteamCMD\.

Step 2: Create a Steam Account and Purchase Ark Survival Evolved

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a Steam account and purchase Ark Survival Evolved. You can purchase the game on Steam for $49.99.

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

Before you start your server, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This includes selecting the map, setting the game mode, and configuring any mods you want to use.

You can configure the server settings by editing the following files:

  • GameUserSettings.ini – This file contains the game settings, such as the map, game mode, and difficulty.
  • Engine.ini – This file contains the server settings, such as the server name, password, and max players.
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Step 4: Start Your Server

Once your server settings are configured, you can start your server by running the following command in the SteamCMD console:

start “” “C:\ArkServer\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\ShooterGameServer.exe” “TheIsland?listen?SessionName=YOURSERVERNAME?ServerPassword=YOURPASSWORD?ServerAdminPassword=YOURADMINPASSWORD?MaxPlayers=YOURMAXPLAYERS?AllowCrateSpawnsOnTopOfStructures=true”

Replace YOURSERVERNAME, YOURPASSWORD, YOURADMINPASSWORD, and YOURMAXPLAYERS with your desired values.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it free to host an Ark server?

No, you’ll need to purchase the game on Steam and meet the minimum requirements for hosting a server.

2. Can I host a server on my own computer?

Yes, you can host a server on your own computer or another device. However, keep in mind that this requires technical knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone.

3. How many players can join my server?

This depends on the server settings and the specifications of your device. However, the maximum number of players that can join an Ark server is currently 150.

4. Can I install mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your server. You’ll need to download the mods from the Steam Workshop and configure them in the server settings.

5. Can I play on my own server?

Yes, you can play on your own server by connecting to the IP address or hostname of your server.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article and meeting the minimum requirements, you can set up your own server and invite your friends to join. Remember to regularly maintain and update your server to ensure that it runs smoothly and provides the best gaming experience for your players!