As a Dev, you know how important it is to have a reliable and powerful hosting server for your ARK PC game. With so many hosting providers out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that suits your needs. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about hosting server ARK PC, from the basics to the advanced features, to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
1. What is a Hosting Server for ARK PC?
A hosting server for ARK PC is a remote computer or a dedicated server that you rent or purchase to host your ARK PC game. It allows you to play the game with your friends or a community of players without having to worry about hardware limitations or internet connectivity issues. Hosting your own server gives you more control over the game settings, mods, and customizations, and can provide a better gaming experience compared to playing on public servers.
There are two types of hosting servers for ARK PC: self-hosted and third-party hosted. Self-hosted servers are hosted on your own computer or a dedicated server that you manage, while third-party hosted servers are hosted by a hosting provider that manages the server for you. Depending on your requirements and technical skills, you can choose the one that’s best for you.
1.1 Self-Hosted Servers
Self-hosted servers can be a good option if you have the technical skills and resources to manage a server. You need to have a powerful computer or a dedicated server that meets the minimum system requirements for ARK PC, a reliable internet connection, and the ability to configure the server settings, mods, and customizations. Self-hosting can give you more control over the server, but it also requires more maintenance and troubleshooting.
1.2 Third-Party Hosted Servers
Third-party hosted servers are a good option if you don’t have the technical skills or resources to manage a server. Hosting providers offer different plans and pricing options that suit different needs and budgets. They take care of the server management, maintenance, updates, backups, and security, so you can focus on playing the game. Third-party hosting can save you time and effort, but it also comes with some limitations and restrictions.
2. How to Choose the Right Hosting Server for ARK PC?
Choosing the right hosting server for ARK PC can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as the server location, the server specifications, the server software, the server support, the server uptime, and the server pricing. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
2.1 Server Location
The server location can affect the game latency, the connection speed, and the player experience. It’s recommended to choose a server location that’s close to your geographic region or your target audience. Some hosting providers offer multiple server locations to choose from.
2.2 Server Specifications
The server specifications determine the performance, the stability, and the capacity of the server. It’s recommended to choose a server that meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for ARK PC, and has a good CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth. Some hosting providers offer customizable server configurations to suit different needs.
2.3 Server Software
The server software determines the features, the compatibility, and the accessibility of the server. It’s recommended to choose a server that supports the latest version of ARK PC, and has a user-friendly control panel, mod manager, file manager, and FTP access. Some hosting providers offer one-click installations of ARK PC and popular mods.
2.4 Server Support
The server support determines the quality, the responsiveness, and the availability of the technical support. It’s recommended to choose a hosting provider that offers 24/7 support via multiple channels, such as live chat, phone, email, and ticket system. Some hosting providers offer personalized support from ARK PC experts.
2.5 Server Uptime
The server uptime determines the reliability, the availability, and the performance of the server. It’s recommended to choose a hosting provider that offers a high uptime guarantee, such as 99.9%, and has a proactive monitoring and backup system to prevent and recover from downtime. Some hosting providers offer compensation for downtime.
2.6 Server Pricing
The server pricing determines the affordability, the value, and the flexibility of the server. It’s recommended to choose a hosting provider that offers transparent and competitive pricing, without any hidden fees or contracts, and has different plans and billing cycles to choose from. Some hosting providers offer free trial or money-back guarantee.
3. How to Set Up a Hosting Server for ARK PC?
Setting up a hosting server for ARK PC can be a complex process, especially if you’re new to server administration. It involves several steps, such as installing the server software, configuring the server settings, adding mods, and customizing the game files. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
3.1 Choose a Hosting Provider
Choose a hosting provider that meets your requirements and sign up for their service. Some hosting providers offer one-click installations of ARK PC and popular mods, which can save you time and effort. Make sure to read their terms of service and privacy policy carefully.
3.2 Install the Server Software
Install the server software provided by the hosting provider, either via one-click installation, FTP, or console access. Make sure to choose the latest version of ARK PC and the corresponding server software, and follow the installation wizard. Some hosting providers offer preconfigured server templates for different game modes.
3.3 Configure the Server Settings
Configure the server settings via the control panel or the .ini files, depending on the hosting provider. You can adjust the game settings, such as the difficulty, the day/night cycle, the resource respawn rate, and the taming speed, to your liking. You can also add custom mods via the mod manager or the FTP access.
3.4 Customize the Game Files
Customize the game files via the file manager or the FTP access, depending on the hosting provider. You can add custom maps, skins, scripts, and plugins, and modify the game code to add new features or fix bugs. Make sure to backup the game files regularly to prevent data loss.
3.5 Launch the Server and Connect to It
Launch the server via the control panel or the console access, and wait for it to start. Then, connect to the server via the game client using the server IP address or hostname, and the port number. You can invite your friends or advertise your server to attract more players.
4. Hosting Server ARK PC FAQ
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
Q: What is the minimum system requirements for ARK PC hosting? |
A: The minimum system requirements for ARK PC hosting are Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit), Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB, and 60 GB storage. |
Q: How many players can join a hosting server for ARK PC? |
A: The number of players that can join a hosting server for ARK PC depends on the server specifications, the game settings, and the server load. Generally, a server can support up to 100 players or more. |
Q: How to add mods to a hosting server for ARK PC? |
A: You can add mods to a hosting server for ARK PC via the mod manager or the FTP access provided by the hosting provider. Make sure to choose the mods that are compatible with the server software and the game version, and follow the installation instructions. |
Q: How to backup a hosting server for ARK PC? |
A: You can backup a hosting server for ARK PC via the backup and restore feature provided by the hosting provider, or by manually copying the game files to a local or remote storage. Make sure to backup the server regularly to prevent data loss in case of server failure or error. |
Q: How to troubleshoot a hosting server for ARK PC? |
A: You can troubleshoot a hosting server for ARK PC by checking the server logs, the network settings, the firewall settings, the game files, and the server configuration. You can also contact the hosting provider’s support team for assistance. |
Hosting server ARK PC can be a rewarding experience for Devs who want to create their own gaming community and customize their gameplay. With the right hosting provider, server specifications, and server management skills, you can enjoy a seamless and fun ARK PC game with your friends and fans. We hope this guide has been helpful to you, and wish you good luck on your hosting journey!