Ark Survival Evolved: How to Host a Private Server

Welcome, Dev! If you’re a fan of Ark Survival Evolved, you might want to host your own private server to play with friends or family. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to host your own private server. You don’t have to be a tech expert to do it. So, let’s dive in!

1. Why Host a Private Server?

If you’re tired of playing with strangers and want to play with people you know, hosting a private server is the perfect solution. You can customize the game settings, invite only the people you want, and have complete control over the environment.

Moreover, hosting a private server can be cheaper than renting a server from a provider, and you can play the game without worrying about lag, downtime, or connectivity issues.

2. What You Need to Host a Private Server

Before we start, let’s make sure you have everything you need to host a private server. You’ll need:

3. Setting Up the Private Server

Step 1: Install the Ark Server Manager Tool

To install the Ark Server Manager tool, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Ark Server Manager website and download the latest version.
2. Extract the files to a new folder on your computer.
3. Double-click on the Ark Server Manager executable file to launch it.

Step 2: Create a New Server Profile

Now that you have the tool installed, it’s time to create a new server profile. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “New” button on the top left corner of the tool.
2. Enter a name for your server, such as “My Private Ark Server”.
3. Choose the game mode, map, and other settings you want.
4. Click on the “Save” button to create the profile.

Step 3: Launch the Server

Now that you have the server profile ready, it’s time to launch the server. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “Start” button on the top left corner of the tool.
2. Wait for the server to launch and check if there are any errors.
3. Connect to your server through the game client by choosing “Join Ark” and entering the server IP address and port.

4. Customizing the Private Server

Now that your server is up and running, you can customize it to your liking. Here are some things you can do:

Changing Game Settings

You can change the game settings by editing the server profile. Here are some things you can change:

• Taming speed
• XP multiplier
• Harvest amount
• Player stats
• Dino stats

Installing Mods

You can install mods to enhance your gameplay experience. Here’s how:

1. Download the mod files from a reputable website or the Steam Workshop.
2. Extract the files to the “Mods” folder in your server folder.
3. Add the mod ID to the “ActiveMods” field in the server profile.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues while hosting your private server, here are some common solutions:

Port Forwarding

If players can’t connect to your server, it’s likely that the port is not forwarded correctly. Check your router settings and make sure that the port is open for incoming connections.

Firewall Settings

If players can’t connect to your server, it’s possible that your firewall is blocking the connection. Add an exception for the game and the tool in your firewall settings.

Server Crashes

If the server crashes frequently, try reducing the game settings, updating the server manager tool, or reinstalling the server files.

6. FAQ

Q: How many players can join my private server?

A: It depends on your computer specs and internet connection. Generally, a server can handle up to 100 players, but it may lag or crash if the load is too high.

Q: Do I need a dedicated server to host a private server?

A: No, you can host a private server on your own computer. However, a dedicated server may provide better performance and stability.

Q: Can I transfer my single player game to a private server?

A: Yes, you can. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your single player game folder and copy the “Saved” folder.
2. Paste the “Saved” folder into your server folder.
3. Edit the server profile and change the “ServerMap” field to the name of the single player map you want to transfer.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve successfully hosted your own private server for Ark Survival Evolved. We hope this guide was helpful and that you enjoy your custom gaming experience with your friends and family. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.