Welcome, Devs! If you’re looking for a way to host your very own ARK server, look no further. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to set up and run a private ARK server that you and your friends can enjoy. Whether you’re new to hosting servers or an experienced developer, this guide will provide all the information you need to get started. Let’s dive in!
1. Choose Your Server Hosting Provider
The first step in hosting a private ARK server is to choose a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers to choose from, each with different features and pricing plans. It’s important to do your research and choose a provider that meets your needs and budget.
Some popular hosting providers for ARK servers include:
Hosting Provider |
Features |
Pricing |
|---|---|---|
Host Havoc |
Automatic backups, DDoS protection, mod support |
Starting at $14.99/month |
Survival Servers |
24/7 support, instant setup, custom server settings |
Starting at $13.50/month |
Nitrado |
Easy-to-use control panel, automatic updates, cross-server clustering |
Starting at €0.99/month |
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, you’ll need to sign up for an account and select the plan that best suits your needs. Most hosting providers offer a variety of plans with different amounts of RAM, CPU, and storage space. Be sure to choose a plan that can handle the number of players you expect to have on your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I host an ARK server on my own computer?
A: Yes, you can host an ARK server on your own computer. However, this requires a lot of technical knowledge and may not be the most reliable option. We recommend using a hosting provider for the best performance and support.
Q: Can I switch hosting providers after I’ve set up my server?
A: Yes, you can switch hosting providers at any time. However, you’ll need to set up your server again on the new hosting provider’s platform.
2. Install the ARK Server Software
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider and set up your account, you’ll need to install the ARK server software on your server. Most hosting providers offer an easy-to-use control panel that allows you to install the software with a few clicks.
To install the ARK server software manually, follow these steps:
- Download the ARK server software from Steam.
- Create a new folder on your server and name it something like “ARKServer”.
- Extract the downloaded files to the new folder.
- Open the “ShooterGame” folder and locate the “Server” folder.
- Create a new text file in the “Server” folder and name it “start.bat”.
- Edit the “start.bat” file and add the following code:
start ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?SessionName=YOURSERVERNAME?ServerPassword=YOURPASSWORD?ServerAdminPassword=YOURADMINPASSWORD?MaxPlayers=20?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?listen"
Replace “YOURSERVERNAME” with the name you want to give your server, “YOURPASSWORD” with a password of your choice, “YOURADMINPASSWORD” with an admin password of your choice, and “MaxPlayers=20” with the maximum number of players you want to allow on your server.
Save the “start.bat” file and run it to start your ARK server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install mods on my ARK server?
A: Yes, you can install mods on your ARK server. Most hosting providers offer a mod installation tool in their control panel, or you can install mods manually by adding them to the “Mods” folder in your server directory.
Q: Can I configure server settings like XP rates and taming speed?
A: Yes, you can configure server settings like XP rates and taming speed. Most hosting providers offer an easy-to-use configuration tool in their control panel, or you can edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in your server directory.
3. Set Up Your Server Settings
Once your ARK server is up and running, you’ll need to configure your server settings to create the gameplay experience you want. This includes settings like XP rates, taming speed, and difficulty.
To configure your server settings, follow these steps:
- Open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in your server directory.
- Edit the settings to your liking.
- Save the file.
- Restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Here are some examples of server settings you can configure:
Setting Name |
Default Value |
Description |
|---|---|---|
DifficultyOffset |
1.0 |
The overall difficulty of the game. Higher values make the game more difficult. |
XPMultiplier |
1.0 |
The rate at which players gain XP. Higher values make players level up faster. |
TamingSpeedMultiplier |
1.0 |
The rate at which players can tame creatures. Higher values make taming faster. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change server settings while my server is running?
A: Yes, you can change server settings while your server is running. However, you’ll need to restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Q: Are there any recommended server settings for beginners?
A: It depends on your playstyle and preferences. We recommend experimenting with different settings to find what works best for you.
4. Invite Your Friends and Play!
Now that your private ARK server is set up and configured, it’s time to invite your friends and start playing. Share your server information with your friends, including the server name, IP address, and password (if you set one).
To join your server, your friends will need to open ARK and select “Join ARK” from the main menu. From there, they can search for your server using the server name or IP address.
Once your friends have joined, you’re ready to start playing! Enjoy your private ARK server and all the adventures it has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I set up admin privileges for my server?
A: To set up admin privileges for your server, follow these steps:
- Open the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in your server directory.
- Add the following lines to the file:
AdminPassword=YOURADMINPASSWORDServerAdmins=YOURSTEAMID64
Replace “YOURADMINPASSWORD” with an admin password of your choice, and “YOURSTEAMID64” with your Steam ID in 64-bit format. You can find your Steam ID by going to your Steam profile and clicking “Copy Steam ID” in the “Edit Profile” section.
Save the file and restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Q: How do I update my ARK server to the latest version?
A: Most hosting providers will automatically update your ARK server to the latest version. If you’re hosting your server manually, you’ll need to download the latest version from Steam and replace the files in your server directory.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Devs! You’ve now learned how to host a private ARK server. By choosing a hosting provider, installing the ARK server software, configuring your server settings, and inviting your friends, you can create your very own ARK adventure. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started. Happy gaming!