How to Host a LAN Server on ARK

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on how to host a Local Area Network (LAN) server on ARK. You don’t need to be a tech-savvy person to set up a LAN server, and this guide will walk you through every step of the way. Whether you want to play with your friends or host a gaming event, setting up a LAN server is the way to go. Let’s dive in!

What is ARK?

ARK: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game that involves crafting, hunting, and taming prehistoric creatures. The game takes place on a mysterious island filled with all kinds of dangers and adventures. ARK is a popular game among gamers and can be enjoyed alone or with friends.

What is a LAN server?

A LAN server is a type of game server that allows you to host and play games with your friends over a local network. Setting up a LAN server is simple and doesn’t require an internet connection, which makes it an ideal choice for hosting gaming events or playing with friends.

How to Host a LAN Server on ARK

Step One: Install ARK

The first step to hosting a LAN server on ARK is to install the game on your computer. You can purchase the game online through platforms like Steam or Epic Games. Once you’ve purchased the game, you can download and install it on your computer.

Step Two: Port Forwarding

The next step is to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows your router to forward incoming data packets from the internet to a specific device on your network. In this case, you need to forward the ports used by ARK to your computer’s IP address.

Protocol	Port Range	Purpose
TCP	7777	Incoming connections
TCP	27015	RCon
UDP	7777	Broadcasting to LAN

To forward ports, you need to log in to your router’s admin panel and navigate to the port forwarding section. Once there, enter the required information, including the IP address of your computer and the ports used by ARK.

Step Three: Create a Server

Once you’ve completed port forwarding, it’s time to create a server. To create a server on ARK, follow these steps:

1. Open the game and click on the Host/Local option.
2. Choose the map you want to play on and the game mode.
3. Select the server settings, including the server name and password.
4. Start the server.

Once the server is up and running, your friends can join by connecting to your computer’s IP address. They’ll need to enter the game’s port number (7777) along with your IP address to join the server.

Step Four: Manage the Server

Managing your ARK server is essential for a smooth gaming experience. As the server host, you have access to a range of tools and settings that allow you to customize the game according to your preferences. Some of the most important server management tasks include:

• Kicking or banning players.
• Adjusting the server settings, such as the difficulty level and taming speed.
• Backing up the game files and data.

FAQ

Can I play ARK without an internet connection?

Yes, you can play ARK without an internet connection by hosting a LAN server.

How many players can join my ARK server?

The number of players who can join your ARK server depends on your computer’s hardware and internet speed. However, the game can support up to 100 players on a single server.

Can I customize the game settings on my server?

Yes, as the server host, you have access to a range of settings that allow you to customize the game according to your preferences.

Do my friends need to have ARK installed to join my server?

Yes, your friends need to have ARK installed on their computers to join your server.

Can I save my progress on a LAN server?

Yes, you can save your progress on a LAN server by using the game’s save feature.

That’s a wrap, Dev! You now have all the information you need to host a LAN server on ARK. We hope this guide was helpful and that you can now enjoy playing ARK with your friends. Good luck and have fun!