How to Host a Local ARK Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on how to host a local ARK server. If you’re an avid player of the popular survival game ARK: Survival Evolved, you might want to take control of your own server to customize your gameplay experience. Having your own local server also allows you to play with your friends and family without the latency issues that come with public servers.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with 20 consecutive headings to guide you through the process of hosting your own local ARK server. We’ve included tables and FAQs to give you all the information you need to get started. Let’s dive into it!

Choose the Right Hardware for Your Server

The first step in hosting your own local ARK server is to make sure that your hardware can handle it. ARK is a demanding game that requires a lot of processing power and memory, so you’ll need a powerful computer or dedicated server. Here are some hardware requirements that you should consider:

Component	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
CPU	Intel Core i5-2500K or equivalent	Intel Core i7-3770K or equivalent
RAM	8GB	16GB
Storage	120GB SSD	240GB SSD

Make sure you have a stable internet connection with upload speeds of at least 5Mbps. You’ll also need to open some ports on your router to allow incoming traffic to your server. We’ll talk more about port forwarding in a later section.

Choose Your ARK Server Software

Once you’ve got the hardware, you’ll need to choose your ARK server software. There are two main options:

1. ARK Server Manager

ARK Server Manager is a free and open-source tool that makes it easy to set up and manage your ARK server. It includes an intuitive graphical interface and supports mods and plugins. Here’s how to install it:

1. Download the latest version of ARK Server Manager from the official website.
2. Extract the files to a folder on your computer.
3. Open the folder and run ARK Server Manager.exe.
4. Follow the setup wizard to configure your server settings.
5. Start your server from the main menu.

2. SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and manage your own game servers. It’s free and can be used to host ARK servers. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install SteamCMD from the official website.
2. Open SteamCMD and log in to your Steam account.
3. Enter the following command to download the ARK server files: app_update 376030 validate
4. Wait for the download to complete.
5. Enter the following command to start your server: .\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPassword"

Configure Your Server Settings

Now that you’ve installed your ARK server software, it’s time to configure your server settings. Here are some settings you might want to consider:

1. Server Name and Description

Choose a name and description that will help people find your server. You can also set a password to restrict access to your server.

2. Game Settings

You can customize your gameplay experience by changing the game settings. For example, you can adjust the difficulty, tame speed, and harvest amount.

3. Mods and Plugins

You can install mods and plugins to enhance your server’s features. ARK Server Manager makes it easy to install and manage mods and plugins.

Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is the process of opening ports on your router to allow incoming traffic to your server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your router’s web interface.
2. Navigate to the port forwarding section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for port 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP).
4. Save your changes and restart your router.

Connect to Your Server

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

1. Open ARK: Survival Evolved on your computer.
2. Click on the Join Ark button.
3. Enter the IP address of your server in the server address field.
4. Enter the port number (7777 by default) in the port field.
5. Click the Connect button to join your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to host a local ARK server?

The cost of hosting a local ARK server depends on your hardware and internet connection. You’ll need a powerful computer or dedicated server, as well as a stable internet connection with upload speeds of at least 5Mbps. You’ll also need to pay for electricity and internet service. ARK Server Manager and SteamCMD are both free to use.

2. Can I run an ARK server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can run an ARK server on a virtual machine. However, you’ll need to make sure that your virtual machine has enough resources to handle the game, and that your host machine has a stable internet connection with enough upload speed.

3. How many players can I have on my server?

You can have as many players as your hardware and internet connection can handle. However, keep in mind that ARK is a demanding game that requires a lot of processing power and memory. Make sure to adjust your server settings and choose a server hardware that can handle your desired number of players.

4. Can I use mods and plugins on my local ARK server?

Yes, you can use mods and plugins to customize your local ARK server. ARK Server Manager makes it easy to install and manage mods and plugins.

5. How do I update my ARK server?

To update your ARK server, you’ll need to download and install the latest version of the game files. ARK Server Manager and SteamCMD both have built-in update mechanisms that make this process easy.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev, you’ve now learned how to host your own local ARK server! Follow these steps and you’ll be able to customize your gameplay experience and play with your friends and family on your own personal server. Remember to choose the right hardware, configure your server settings, and open up the necessary ports. Enjoy your game!