Host Ark Server on PC: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Greetings Dev! Are you a gaming enthusiast looking for ways to host your own Ark server on your PC? Or perhaps you’re a gamer who wants to play with friends online without the worry of potential hackers or performance issues from public servers. Regardless of your reasons, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to host your own Ark server on your PC.

Table of Contents

Requirements	Installation	Port Forwarding	Server Settings	Mods
Backups	Admin Commands	Troubleshooting	FAQ	Conclusion

Requirements

Before we begin, it’s important to note the requirements for hosting an Ark server on your PC. You will need:

• A PC with at least 8GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, and a 64-bit operating system.
• A reliable internet connection with at least 5Mbps upload and download speeds.
• The latest version of Steam and the Ark game client installed on your PC.
• Basic knowledge of PC administration and networking.

If you meet these requirements, then you’re ready to proceed with hosting your own Ark server on your PC.

Installation

The first step in hosting your own Ark server on your PC is to download and install the Ark Server Manager. This is a third-party program that simplifies the process of setting up and managing your server. Here’s how to install it:

1. Download the Ark Server Manager from the official website.
2. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program.
3. Once installed, run the Ark Server Manager and click on the “New Server” button to create a new server.
4. Configure the server settings to your preference, then click “Save and Start”.
5. The program will begin downloading and installing the necessary files for your server.
6. Once the installation is complete, your server will automatically start up and be ready for players to connect.

Port Forwarding

In order for players to connect to your Ark server, you will need to forward the necessary ports on your router. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your router’s configuration page. This can typically be done by entering your router’s IP address in a web browser.
2. Locate the port forwarding section in your router’s settings.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule for the ports used by your Ark server. By default, these are ports 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP).
4. Enter your PC’s local IP address as the destination for the port forwarding rule.
5. Save your changes and restart your router.

Once port forwarding is set up correctly, players should be able to connect to your Ark server using your public IP address and the appropriate port number.

Server Settings

Now that your Ark server is up and running, it’s time to configure the server settings to your preference. Here are some of the most important settings you should be aware of:

Map

The map setting determines which map your server will use. By default, this is “The Island”, but other maps such as “Scorched Earth” and “Ragnarok” can be selected as well.

Difficulty

The difficulty setting determines the level of the wild dinos on your server. A higher difficulty level means tougher dinos, while a lower difficulty level makes them easier to defeat.

Max Players

This setting determines the maximum number of players that can be on your server at once. Consider your PC’s hardware and internet connection when selecting this number.

Taming Speed

The taming speed setting determines how quickly players can tame dinos. A higher number means taming is faster, while a lower number makes it take longer.

Harvest Amount

This setting determines how much resource players receive when gathering materials. A higher number means more resources, while a lower number gives less resources.

Mods

If you want to add extra content to your Ark server, you can install mods. Mods are modifications made by the Ark community that add new creatures, items, and features to the game. Here’s how to install mods on your server:

1. Find the mod you want to install on the Ark Steam Workshop.
2. Subscribe to the mod and wait for it to download.
3. In the Ark Server Manager, click on the “Mods” button and add the mod to your server’s mod list.
4. Save your changes and restart your server for the mod to take effect.

Backups

It’s always a good idea to keep backups of your Ark server in case anything goes wrong. Here’s how to create a backup of your server:

1. In the Ark Server Manager, click on the “Backup” button.
2. Select the server you want to back up, then click “Create Backup”.
3. The program will create a backup of your server and save it to a specified location.

You can also schedule regular backups to ensure that your server is always protected against crashes or data loss.

Admin Commands

If you’re the server admin, you can use admin commands to control your server and assist players. Here are some useful admin commands:

cheat fly

This command allows you to fly around the map as if you were in spectator mode.

cheat god

This command makes you invincible and immune to damage.

cheat summon [creature name]

This command summons a creature of your choice to your location.

Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing issues with your Ark server, here are some common solutions:

Unable to connect to server

Check that your port forwarding is set up correctly and that your server is running. Make sure that your firewall is not blocking the ports used by your server.

Server crashes or freezes

Make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements for hosting an Ark server. Check that your server settings are not too demanding for your hardware. Consider upgrading your PC’s hardware if necessary.

FAQ

Can I host an Ark server on my laptop?

Yes, as long as your laptop meets the minimum requirements for hosting an Ark server.

How many players can join my server?

This depends on your server’s maximum player setting and your PC’s hardware and internet connection. A higher maximum player setting means more players can join.

Can I use mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your server using the Ark Server Manager.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You now know how to host your own Ark server on your PC. With the right hardware, settings, and mods, you can create a unique gaming experience for you and your friends. Remember to keep backups of your server and troubleshoot any issues that come up. Happy gaming!