Ark Survival Evolved Hosting a Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings, Dev! As a dedicated gamer and lover of Ark Survival Evolved, you must have experienced the frustration of playing on a laggy server with a bad connection. Thankfully, hosting your own dedicated server can solve this problem once and for all. In this article, we’ll be guiding you through the process of hosting an Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server, step by step.

What is a Dedicated Server?

Before we jump into the technicalities of hosting a dedicated server, let’s first discuss what it is. A dedicated server is a machine that is exclusively designed to host a particular game or website. It is a powerful computer that is connected to a high-speed internet connection that enables it to serve multiple clients simultaneously. When you host a dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved, you are in complete control of the rules, mods, and settings.

Advantages of a Dedicated Server

There are several advantages to hosting your own dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved:

Requirements for Hosting an Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server

Before we get started with hosting, there are some things you need to have:

Hardware Requirements

Ark Survival Evolved is a resource-intensive game, and hosting a server requires a powerful computer. Here are the basic requirements for hosting an Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server:

Software Requirements

Aside from the hardware requirements, you also need the following:

Steps for Hosting an Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

The first step is to install SteamCMD. SteamCMD is the official command-line tool for Steam that allows you to download and update game servers.

Here’s how to install SteamCMD:

1. Download the SteamCMD installer from the official Valve website.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your hard drive.
3. Open a command prompt window and navigate to the folder where SteamCMD is installed.
4. Type “steamcmd” and hit Enter to launch SteamCMD.

Step 2: Download and Install Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server

The next step is to download and install the Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server software. Here’s how:

1. Launch SteamCMD and log in to your Steam account.
2. Type the following command to download and install the server software:

app_update 376030 validate

3. Wait for the download and installation to complete. This may take some time depending on your internet speed.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

Once you have installed the server software, it’s time to configure your server. Here’s how:

1. Open the “ShooterGame” folder in the Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server directory.
2. Open the “Saved” folder, then open the “Config” folder.
3. Open the “WindowsServer” folder, then open the “Game.ini” file using a text editor such as Notepad.
4. Modify the settings according to your preferences. You can change game settings, server rules, and more.

Step 4: Launch Your Server

Once you have configured your server, it’s time to launch it. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Ark Survival Evolved Dedicated Server directory using the command prompt.
2. Type the following command to launch your server:

ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer -server -log

3. Wait for the server to start up. You can now invite your friends to join your server and start playing Ark Survival Evolved.

FAQs

Q: Can I run a dedicated server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can run a dedicated server on a virtual machine. However, it is not recommended as the performance may not be optimal.

Q: Can I rent a dedicated server instead of hosting my own?

A: Yes, you can rent a dedicated server from various hosting providers. This option is recommended if you don’t have the hardware requirements to host your own server.

Q: Can I use mods on my dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your dedicated server. You can download mods from the Steam Workshop and add them to your server.

Q: How many players can I host on my dedicated server?

A: The number of players you can host on your dedicated server depends on the hardware specifications and the internet connection speed. However, a dedicated server can usually host more players than a regular server.

Q: How do I update my dedicated server?

A: You can update your dedicated server by running the following command in SteamCMD:

app_update 376030

Conclusion

Hosting your own dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved can provide you with the best gaming experience. You can customize the settings, rules, and mods, and invite your friends to join. We hope this guide has helped you in setting up your own server. Happy gaming, Dev!