Host Your Own ARK Server on PC

Hey there Dev! Are you tired of playing ARK: Survival Evolved on someone else’s server? If you’re looking to host your own server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up and managing your very own ARK server on your PC. Let’s get started!

1. System Requirements

The first thing you’ll need to consider is whether your PC is capable of handling an ARK server. Here are the minimum requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Intel Core i7-4770/AMD FX-9590 or better
8 GB RAM	16 GB RAM
NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better

If your PC meets the minimum requirements, you should be able to run a server with a small number of players. However, if you plan on hosting a server with a large number of players or mods, we recommend going with the recommended requirements.

2. Installing SteamCMD

The next step is to download and install SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line tool used for installing and updating Steam games, including ARK: Survival Evolved. Here’s how to install it:

Step 1: Create a new folder

Create a new folder on your PC where you’ll store the SteamCMD files. For example, C:\steamcmd.

Step 2: Download SteamCMD

Download the SteamCMD installer from the official website.

Step 3: Extract the files

Extract the files from the downloaded SteamCMD installer to the folder you created in step 1.

Step 4: Run SteamCMD

Open the command prompt and navigate to the folder where you installed SteamCMD. Type the following command to run SteamCMD:

steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\arkserver +app_update 376030 validate +quit

This will install ARK: Survival Evolved to the C:\arkserver folder.

3. Port Forwarding

In order for other players to connect to your ARK server, you’ll need to forward a port on your router. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Find your IP address

Open the command prompt and type ipconfig. Find the IPv4 Address, which should look something like this: 192.168.1.100.

Step 2: Login to your router

Open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. This is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Enter the username and password to login to your router.

Step 3: Forward the port

Find the port forwarding settings on your router’s administration page. Create a new port forwarding rule with the following settings:

• Service Type: TCP/UDP
• Port Range: 7777-7778
• Local IP Address: [your PC’s IP address]
• Local Port: 7777-7778

Save the settings and restart your router.

4. Configuring Your Server

Now that you’ve installed the game and forwarded a port, it’s time to configure your server. Here’s how:

Step 1: Stop the server

If the server is already running, stop it by opening the command prompt and typing CTRL + C.

Step 2: Edit the configuration files

Navigate to the C:\arkserver\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer folder. Open the GameUserSettings.ini file and edit the following settings:

• ServerAdminPassword=[your admin password]
• ServerPassword=[your server password]
• MaxPlayers=[maximum number of players]
• ServerRegion=[your region]

You can also configure other settings, such as the server name, server message, and server rates.

Step 3: Start the server

Open the command prompt and navigate to the C:\arkserver folder. Type the following command to start the server:

ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=[your session name]?ServerPassword=[your server password]?ServerAdminPassword=[your admin password]?MaxPlayers=[maximum number of players]?ServerRegion=[your region] -server -log

5. Joining Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to join it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find your public IP address

Open your web browser and go to a website like https://www.whatismyip.com. Your public IP address will be displayed on the page.

Step 2: Start ARK: Survival Evolved

Start ARK: Survival Evolved on your PC.

Step 3: Connect to your server

Click on the “Join ARK” button, then select “Unofficial” from the server list. Enter your server’s IP address and port number (e.g. 123.456.789.0:7777) and click “Connect.”

FAQ

Q: Can I run an ARK server on a Mac?

A: Yes, you can run an ARK server on a Mac. However, the process is slightly different and beyond the scope of this article.

Q: How many players can join my server?

A: The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on your PC’s hardware and internet connection. We recommend starting with a small number of players and gradually increasing as you monitor your server’s performance.

Q: Can I use mods on my server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your server. However, keep in mind that some mods may be incompatible with each other and can cause conflicts. It’s important to test your server thoroughly after adding any mods.

Q: How do I update my server?

A: To update your server, run SteamCMD and type the command app_update 376030. This will download the latest update for ARK: Survival Evolved.

Q: Can I run multiple servers on one PC?

A: Yes, you can run multiple servers on one PC. However, keep in mind that each server will require its own set of resources (CPU, RAM, etc.) and may affect the performance of your PC.

Q: How do I backup my server data?

A: To backup your server data, navigate to the C:\arkserver\ShooterGame\Saved folder and copy the entire folder to another location on your PC or to an external hard drive.

Q: How do I restore my server data from a backup?

A: To restore your server data from a backup, navigate to the location where you saved the backup and copy the entire folder to the C:\arkserver\ShooterGame\Saved folder, overwriting any existing files.

That’s it Dev! You’re now the proud owner of your very own ARK: Survival Evolved server. We hope you found this article helpful. Happy gaming!