Ark Survival Evolved: How to Host Your Server

Welcome, Dev! Are you looking to create your own Ark Survival Evolved server? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about hosting your own server, including the benefits, requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to set it up.

Why Host Your Own Server?

Hosting your own server on Ark Survival Evolved allows you to have full control over the game settings, including the number of players, the difficulty level, and the resources available. It also provides a more stable gaming experience for you and your friends or community.

Additionally, hosting your own server allows you to install mods and custom maps, adding new content and challenges to the game. It can also save you money in the long run, as renting a server can quickly add up in cost.

The Requirements

Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

The first step is to download and install SteamCMD, which is a command-line tool used to install and update dedicated servers for games on the Steam platform.

To download SteamCMD, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official SteamCMD website (https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD).
2. Click the link to download the tool for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
3. Extract the contents of the downloaded file to a new folder on your computer.

Step 2: Install the Ark Survival Evolved Server

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, you need to use it to install the Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server. Here’s how:

1. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
2. Navigate to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD.
3. Enter the following command: ./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir /path/to/server +app_update 376030 validate +quit (replace /path/to/server with the folder where you want to install the server files).
4. Wait for the download and installation process to complete.

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

Once the server files are installed, you need to configure your server settings. This involves creating a new configuration file and editing it with your desired settings. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the /path/to/server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ folder.
2. Copy the file named GameUserSettings.ini to a new file named GameUserSettings.ini.backup (to keep a backup of the original file).
3. Create a new file named GameUserSettings.ini in the same folder.
4. Edit the new GameUserSettings.ini file with your desired server settings (such as server name, password, player count, difficulty level, and more). You can find a full list of server settings on the official Ark Survival Evolved wiki (https://ark.gamepedia.com/Server_Configuration).
5. Save the file and close it.

Step 4: Start Your Server

With your server files installed and your configuration settings saved, you’re ready to start your server. Here’s how:

1. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
2. Navigate to the /path/to/server/ folder.
3. Enter the following command: ./ShooterGameServer.
4. Wait for the server to start up and display the message “Server is Ready”. Your server is now running and ready to accept players!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can I host on my server?

The number of players you can host on your server depends on several factors, including your internet connection speed, computer hardware, and server settings. It’s recommended to start with a small number of players and gradually increase as you monitor the server’s performance.

Can I install mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your Ark Survival Evolved server by following the instructions provided by the mod’s creator. Generally, you need to download the mod files and upload them to the /path/to/server/ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ folder.

How do I connect to my own server?

To connect to your own server, you need to use the game’s console command to connect to the server’s IP address. Here’s how:

1. Open the game’s console by pressing the tilde (~) key.
2. Type the following command: open IP_ADDRESS:PORT_NUMBER (replace IP_ADDRESS with your server’s IP address and PORT_NUMBER with the port number you set up in your router’s port forwarding settings).
3. Press Enter to connect to your server.

Can I use a hosting service instead of hosting my own server?

Yes, there are many hosting services available that allow you to rent a server for Ark Survival Evolved. These services typically offer easy setup and management, as well as support for mod installation and customization.

However, be aware that renting a server can quickly add up in cost, especially if you plan to host a large number of players. Hosting your own server can save you money in the long run, but requires more technical knowledge and setup time.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark Survival Evolved server can provide many benefits, including full control over game settings, stability, and mod support. With the step-by-step guide and FAQ provided in this article, you should have all the information you need to get started. Happy hosting!