Greetings, Devs! Are you a huge fan of ARK: Survival Evolved and want to play with your friends in your own custom world? Or perhaps you’re looking to create a server for your own community? Either way, the process of hosting your own ARK server can be a bit daunting. But worry not, as we have you covered! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your own ARK server step-by-step. Let’s dive in!
1. Introduction to ARK Server Hosting
ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer game where players can explore, tame, and survive in a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and other creatures. The game is available on various platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile. However, playing on an official server can be limiting, and players might want to create their own server to customize the gameplay experience.
Hosting your own ARK server can offer several benefits, including:
- Full control over the server settings, including rates, mods, and difficulty
- The ability to play with your friends in your own custom world
- The opportunity to create a community around your server
If you’re ready to take the first step towards hosting your own ARK server, let’s move on to the next section.
2. Selecting Your Server Hardware
The first step in hosting your own ARK server is to select your server hardware. You can either choose to host your server on your own computer or rent a server from a hosting provider. Hosting on your own computer can be cheaper but might not be suitable for larger communities. On the other hand, renting a server can offer better performance and reliability but can be more expensive.
If you decide to host on your own computer, make sure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for hosting an ARK server. The minimum requirements for hosting an ARK server are:
Component |
Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
CPU |
Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better |
RAM |
8GB or more |
Storage |
100GB or more |
Bandwidth |
10Mbps or more |
If you’re not sure about your hardware, you can use online tools like CanIRunIt to see if your computer meets the requirements for hosting an ARK server.
If you decide to rent a server, make sure to choose a reliable hosting provider that offers good support and performance. Some popular hosting providers for ARK servers include Host Havoc, Nitrado, and Survival Servers.
3. Setting Up Your ARK Server
Once you have your hardware set up, it’s time to install the ARK server software. You can download the ARK server software from the Steam client under the “Tools” section.
After downloading the server software, you will need to create a new folder on your computer to store the server files. Then, extract the server files into the new folder.
Next, you will need to configure your server settings. The server settings can be found in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file located in the “ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” folder. You can modify the settings to your liking, including server rates, difficulty, and mods.
3.1 Server Rates
Server rates determine the speed of certain actions in the game, such as gathering resources, taming creatures, and leveling up. Here are some recommended server rates:
Rate |
Recommended Value |
|---|---|
Harvest Amount |
2-5x |
Taming Speed |
5-10x |
XP Multiplier |
1-3x |
You can modify the server rates by changing the values in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file under the “[ServerSettings]” section.
3.2 Difficulty Level
The difficulty level determines the level of creatures that spawn in the game. The higher the difficulty, the higher the level of the creatures. You can modify the difficulty level by changing the value in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file under the “[ServerSettings]” section. The default value is 0.2, and higher values will result in higher level creatures.
3.3 Mods
Mods can add new content, features, and gameplay mechanics to your server. To install mods, you will need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and add them to the “ActiveMods” list in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file under the “[ServerSettings]” section. Make sure to restart the server after adding or removing mods.
4. Port Forwarding Your Server
After setting up your server, you will need to forward the necessary ports to allow players to connect to your server. You can find the required ports in the “ServerSettings.ini” file under the “[ServerSettings]” section.
To forward the ports, you will need to access your router’s settings and create a new port forwarding rule. The steps to do this might vary depending on your router, but the general steps are as follows:
- Open your router’s settings page by typing its IP address into your web browser.
- Navigate to the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
- Create a new port forwarding rule for TCP and UDP protocols with the required ports.
- Enter the IP address of your server computer as the destination IP.
- Save the changes and restart your router.
5. Running Your ARK Server
After setting up your server and port forwarding, it’s time to run your ARK server. You can run the server by double-clicking the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file in the server folder.
After starting the server, you can connect to it by launching ARK: Survival Evolved and selecting “Join ARK” from the main menu. Enter your server’s IP address and port number, and you should be able to connect to your server.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
6.1 Can I change the server settings after starting the server?
Yes, you can modify the server settings at any time by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” file and restarting the server.
6.2 Can I run mods on my server?
Yes, you can install mods on your server by subscribing to them on the Steam Workshop and adding them to the “ActiveMods” list in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.
6.3 Can I host a dedicated server on my Xbox or PlayStation?
Yes, you can host a dedicated server on your Xbox or PlayStation by using the “Play as a Dedicated Server” option in the game settings. However, the process is different from hosting a server on a PC, and you will need to refer to the official ARK Wiki for detailed instructions.
6.4 Can I rent a server instead of hosting on my own computer?
Yes, there are several hosting providers that offer ARK server hosting, including Host Havoc, Nitrado, and Survival Servers. Make sure to choose a reliable provider that offers good support and performance.
6.5 How many players can join my server?
The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on your hardware and internet connection. To support more players, you will need a higher-end computer and a faster internet connection. The recommended number of players for a mid-range server is around 20-30 players.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Devs! You have now successfully hosted your own ARK server. We hope that this guide has been helpful in your journey towards creating your own custom world. Remember to keep your server up-to-date with the latest game patches and mods to provide the best experience for your players. Happy surviving!