Hosting an Ark Server on PC

Welcome, Dev, to this article on how to host an Ark server on your PC. Ark: Survival Evolved is a multiplayer survival game that has become increasingly popular, allowing players to roam freely in a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Whether you want to host a server for yourself and your friends or start your own server, this article will guide you through the process.

System Requirements

The first step to hosting an Ark server is making sure your PC meets the system requirements. While hosting a server doesn’t require a high-end gaming computer, you will need a computer with a decent processor and enough RAM to run both the server and your game client.

Here are the minimum system requirements to host an Ark server:

Component	Minimum
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320
RAM	8 GB
Hard Drive	60 GB of free space
Operating System	Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)

If your computer meets these requirements, let’s move on to the next step.

Downloading and Setting Up the Server

The next step is downloading and setting up the server. You can download the Ark Dedicated Server from the Steam Client or from the Ark Survival Evolved website. Once downloaded, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New Folder

Create a new folder where you want your server to be located. For example, create a folder named “ArkServer” on your desktop. This is where all your server files will be stored.

Step 2: Extract the Server Files

Extract the downloaded server files into the folder you just created. You might need to use an extractor program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to do this.

Step 3: Run the Server Configuration File

Open the folder where you extracted the server files and locate the file called “ShooterGameServer”. Run this file to start the server configuration process.

Step 4: Configure the Server

When you run the server configuration file for the first time, it will create a new file called “GameUserSettings.ini”. This file is where you can configure your server settings. Here are some important settings to consider:

• ServerName: The name of your server
• ServerPassword: The password for your server (if you want to make it private)
• MaxPlayers: The maximum number of players allowed on your server
• ServerAdminPassword: The password for the server admin (you)
• DifficultyOffset: The difficulty of the game (higher number means harder game)
• BattleEye: Choose whether or not to enable BattleEye anti-cheat software

Step 5: Start the Server

Once you have finished configuring your server, save the GameUserSettings.ini file and start the server by running “ShooterGameServer” again.

Port Forwarding

If you want to host a public server that anyone can join, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows traffic from the internet to access your server. The process for setting up port forwarding varies depending on your router, but here are the general steps:

• Log in to your router’s administration page
• Find the port forwarding section
• Add a new port forwarding rule for port 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP/UDP)
• Enter the IP address of the computer running the server

Make sure to save your changes and restart your router if necessary.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a powerful computer to host an Ark server?

A: While you don’t need a high-end gaming computer, you will need a computer with a decent processor and enough RAM to run both the server and your game client.

Q: How many players can join my server?

A: The maximum number of players allowed on your server depends on your server settings. The default maximum is 70 players.

Q: Can I change the in-game settings from the server configuration file?

A: Yes, you can change most in-game settings from the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Q: Can I run the server and play the game on the same computer?

A: Yes, you can run the server and play the game on the same computer, but it might impact your game performance.

Q: How do I join my own server?

A: Start the game and click “Join Ark” from the main menu. In the server list, click “Add a server”. Enter your IP address and the server port (default is 7777) and click “Find Games”. Your server should show up in the list. Click “Join” to connect to your server.

Q: How do I make my server private?

A: Set a password for your server in the server configuration file. Only players with the password can join your server.

That’s it, Dev! You can now host your own Ark server and jump into the prehistoric world with your friends. Good luck and have fun!