Ark Unofficial Server Hosting: Everything You Need to Know

Hey Dev, are you thinking of hosting your own Ark Survival Evolved server? With unofficial hosting, you have complete control over your server’s settings, maps, and mods. But before you dive in, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Ark unofficial server hosting and provide you with all the information you need to get started.

1. What is Ark Unofficial Server Hosting?

Ark Unofficial Server Hosting is a way to host your own server for Ark Survival Evolved. Unlike official servers, unofficial servers are run by individuals or communities and can be customized to suit the host’s preferences. This allows for unique gameplay experiences, custom maps, and mods that aren’t available on official servers.

Unofficial servers can be hosted on dedicated servers or on your own computer. You can choose to make your server public or private, and set your own rules and settings.

Hosting on a Dedicated Server

If you’re hosting on a dedicated server, you’ll need to rent or buy a server from a hosting provider. This gives you full control over the server’s resources and allows you to run multiple servers on the same machine.

Hosting on a dedicated server is ideal for larger communities or for hosting multiple servers. It requires more technical knowledge than hosting on your own computer, but there are plenty of hosting providers that offer support and manage the server for you.

Hosting on Your Own Computer

If you’re hosting on your own computer, you’ll need to have a powerful enough machine to handle the server’s resources. You’ll also need to ensure that your internet connection and router can handle the traffic.

Hosting on your own computer is ideal for smaller communities or for testing purposes. It requires less technical knowledge than hosting on a dedicated server, but you’ll need to manage the server yourself and ensure that it’s always running.

2. How to Host an Ark Unofficial Server

Step 1: Download the Dedicated Server Software

The first step to hosting an Ark Unofficial Server is to download the dedicated server software from the official website. This software is free to download and allows you to host your own server.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

Once you’ve downloaded the dedicated server software, you’ll need to configure the server settings. This includes setting the server name, password, map, difficulty, and other settings.

You can also choose to install mods and customize the game’s settings to your liking. These settings can be adjusted later on as well.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

If you’re hosting on your own computer, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server. This process varies depending on your router, but most routers have a guide on how to set up port forwarding.

Step 4: Start the Server

Once your settings are configured and port forwarding is set up, you can start the server. The dedicated server software should have an option to start the server from within the software.

3. Choosing a Hosting Provider

If you’re hosting on a dedicated server, there are plenty of hosting providers to choose from. When choosing a hosting provider, consider the following:

  • Price: Hosting prices can vary greatly depending on the provider and the resources you need.
  • Support: Look for a provider that offers support and manages the server for you.
  • Location: Choose a provider that has servers located close to your players for optimal performance.
  • Reviews: Look for reviews from other customers to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer service.
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4. Customizing Your Server

One of the benefits of hosting your own Ark server is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways you can customize your server:

Custom Maps

You can create or download custom maps to use on your server. These maps can offer unique gameplay experiences and can be tailored to your community’s preferences.

Mods

Mods can be installed on your server to add new content, features, or gameplay mechanics. There are thousands of mods available on the Steam Workshop, and you can even create your own mods.

Server Settings

You can adjust the server settings to create a unique gameplay experience. This includes adjusting the difficulty, taming speed, resource gathering rates, and more.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Question
Answer
Can I host an Ark Unofficial Server on my own computer?
Yes, you can host a server on your own computer if you have a powerful enough machine and a stable internet connection.
Do I need to buy the game to host a server?
Yes, you need to buy the game to host a server. Players who want to join your server also need to have the game.
Can I add mods to my server?
Yes, you can add mods to your server. There are thousands of mods available on the Steam Workshop.
Can I password-protect my server?
Yes, you can password-protect your server to control who can join.
How many players can join my server?
The number of players that can join your server depends on the resources available and the settings you choose. Most servers can handle up to 100 players.

6. Conclusion

Hosting an Ark Unofficial Server can be a rewarding experience that allows you to create a unique gameplay experience for yourself and your community. With the right knowledge and resources, you can create a server that runs smoothly and provides hours of entertainment.

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to get started with Ark Unofficial Server Hosting. Good luck and have fun!