Hosting an Ark Server for Free: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello, Dev! Are you looking for a way to host an Ark server without spending a dime? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting an Ark server for free. We’ll discuss the best hosting options, the required specifications, and the necessary steps to set up the server. Let’s get started!

Section 1: Best Hosting Options for Free Ark Servers

If you want to host an Ark server for free, you have several options to choose from. However, not all hosting options are created equal. Here’s a list of the best hosting options:

1. Host Havoc

Host Havoc is a hosting provider that offers free Ark servers. They provide you with a 10-slot server with 1GB of RAM for free. You can also upgrade to a paid plan if you need more slots or RAM.

The server is easy to set up, and Host Havoc provides you with a control panel that allows you to manage your server. However, the free server has limited resources, so you may experience lag or downtime if you have many players on your server.

2. Survival Servers

Survival Servers is another hosting provider that offers free Ark servers. They provide you with a 10-slot server with 1GB of RAM for free. You can also upgrade to a paid plan if you need more slots or RAM.

Survival Servers provides you with a control panel that allows you to manage your server. You can install mods, change server settings, and more. However, the free server has limited resources, so you may experience lag or downtime if you have many players on your server.

3. GameServers.com

GameServers.com also offers free Ark servers. They provide you with a 10-slot server with 1GB of RAM for free. You can also upgrade to a paid plan if you need more slots or RAM.

The server is easy to set up, and GameServers.com provides you with a control panel that allows you to manage your server. However, the free server has limited resources, so you may experience lag or downtime if you have many players on your server.

4. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a free tier that includes an EC2 instance with 750 hours of usage per month for one year. You can use this instance to host your Ark server for free.

However, setting up an EC2 instance can be complicated if you’re not familiar with AWS. You need to create an AWS account, launch an EC2 instance, and configure the instance.

Section 2: Required Specifications for Free Ark Servers

Before you choose a hosting provider, make sure your computer meets the required specifications to host an Ark server. Here are the minimum specifications:

1. Operating System

You can host an Ark server on Windows or Linux. However, you need to make sure your computer meets the minimum specifications for the operating system.

2. Processor

The minimum processor requirement is Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320. However, the recommended processor is Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-8350.

3. RAM

The minimum RAM requirement is 8GB, but 16GB is recommended. The more RAM you have, the smoother your server will run.

4. Storage

The minimum storage requirement is 20GB. However, the amount of storage you need depends on the size of your map, mods, and player data.

Section 3: Steps to Set Up a Free Ark Server

Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider and made sure your computer meets the required specifications, it’s time to set up your free Ark server. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a Server Location

Choose a location for your server. The closer the location is to you and your players, the faster your server will run.

2. Install SteamCMD

Download and install SteamCMD, which is a command-line tool used to install and update dedicated game servers.

3. Install the Ark Server

Use SteamCMD to install the Ark server on your computer. You need to enter a Steam login and password and download the server files.

4. Configure the Server

Configure the server settings, such as server name, map, difficulty level, and game mode. You can also install mods and adjust player settings.

5. Start the Server

Launch the server and invite your friends to play. You can also publish your server to the Ark server list to attract more players.

FAQ

That’s it, Dev! You now know how to host an Ark server for free. We hope this article was helpful. Happy gaming!