Hosting Ark Server: The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Greetings, Devs! By landing on this page, it’s quite clear that you are one of those enthusiasts who love playing Ark: Survival Evolved game. But, have you ever thought about hosting your own Ark Server? If yes, then this guide is for you! In this comprehensive article, we will take you through all the necessary steps to set up your own dedicated server using Ark Server Manager, and other vital tips and FAQ to help you optimize your server’s performance. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Ark Server

The first and foremost thing to understand before setting up your server is to understand the basics of the Ark Server. In simple terms, an Ark server is a dedicated server that hosts the Ark: Survival Evolved game. It enables multiple players to join and play the game with each other on the same map but with different settings, such as mods and difficulty levels.

The hosting of the Ark server is done through third-party hosting providers, such as Nitrado, Host Havoc, Gportal, and many more. However, if you want complete control over the server settings, mods, and customization, then setting up your own dedicated server is the best option.

The Benefits of Hosting Your Own Ark Server

Hosting your own Ark server provides various benefits, including:

Setting Up Your Own Dedicated Ark Server

Now that you know the benefits of hosting your own Ark server, it’s time to set up your own dedicated server. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Downloading and Installing Ark Server Manager

The first step towards setting up your own dedicated server is to install the Ark Server Manager. This is a tool that will help you to manage your server, mods, and settings more easily. Follow these simple steps to install it:

1. Visit https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/ to download the Ark Server Manager.
2. Once downloaded, extract the files to a folder of your choice.
3. Double click on the ASM.exe file to launch the Ark Server Manager.

Step 2: Creating a New Server Profile

After installing the Ark Server Manager, the next thing is to create a new server profile. This profile will help you customize the server’s settings, such as the map, difficulty, mods, and many more. Follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the “New” button under the “Profiles” tab.
2. Enter a name for your server profile and click “OK”.
3. Choose the settings you want to customize, such as the map, difficulty, mods, and many more.
4. Click “Save” to save your server profile.

Step 3: Port Forwarding Your Router

The next step is to port forward your router. This is a vital step that enables players to access your server remotely. Follow these steps to port forward your router:

1. Login to your router’s admin panel using your web browser.
2. Locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule by entering the following details:
   • Service name: Ark Server
   • External port: 7777
   • Internal port: 7777
   • Internal IP address: Your computer’s IP address
   • Protocol: TCP/UDP
4. Save your changes and restart your router.

Step 4: Starting Your Server

Now that you have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to launch your server. Follow these steps to start your server:

1. Click on the “Instances” tab in the Ark Server Manager.
2. Select your server profile from the list.
3. Click on the “Start” button to launch your server.
4. Wait for a few minutes as the server starts up.
5. Click on the “Join” button to join your own server.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to host an Ark server?

The cost of hosting an Ark server depends on the hosting provider you choose. Renting a server from a hosting provider can range anywhere from $10-$30 per month, whereas hosting your own server can cost as little as $5 per month, depending on your hardware and internet connection.

2. Can I host an Ark server on my PC?

Yes, you can! Hosting an Ark server on your PC is the best option for those who want complete control over the server settings, mods, and customization. However, hosting on your PC may cause performance issues if you don’t have a powerful computer and a stable internet connection.

3. Do I need to open any ports for my server to work?

Yes, you need to open port 7777 (TCP/UDP) in your router’s firewall settings. This is a vital step that enables players to access your server remotely.

4. How many players can join my server?

The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on the hardware resources of your server. However, the game supports up to 70 players per map.

5. How do I install mods on my server?

To install mods on your server, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Mods” tab in the Ark Server Manager.
2. Select the mod you want to install from the list.
3. Click on the “Install” button to install the mod.
4. Restart your server for the mod to take effect.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Ark server is a great way to experience the game with full control over the server settings, mods, and customization. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you set up your own dedicated server using Ark Server Manager and optimize its performance. If you have any more questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below!