How to Host a Server in Ark PC: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! If you’re looking to host your own Ark PC server, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, from setting up your server to managing it once it’s live. Whether you’re a seasoned server admin or a newcomer to the world of Ark, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Part 1: Setting up Your Server

Before you can host an Ark PC server, you’ll need to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)	OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better	Processor: Intel Core i7-4770/AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM	Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better	Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better

Once you’ve confirmed that your computer meets the requirements, you’ll need to download the Ark Dedicated Server tool from the Steam client.

Step 1: Downloading the Ark Dedicated Server Tool

To download the Ark Dedicated Server tool, follow these steps:

1. Open the Steam client and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Click on the Tools tab.
3. Search for “Ark Dedicated Server” and select it.
4. Click the Install button.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.

Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to set up a few configuration files before you can start your server.

Step 2: Configuring Your Server Settings

To configure your server settings, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the folder where the Ark Dedicated Server tool is installed.
2. Open the folder named “ShooterGame”.
3. Open the folder named “Saved”.
4. Open the folder named “Config”.
5. Open the file named “WindowsServer”.
6. Modify the settings in this file to your liking. Here are a few key settings you may want to adjust:

Setting	Description	Default Value
ServerName	The name of your server as it will appear in the server list.	My ARK Server
MaxPlayers	The maximum number of players allowed on your server at once.	70
ServerPassword	The password required to join your server. Leave blank for no password.	None

Once you’ve configured your settings, save the file and close it.

Step 3: Starting Your Server

To start your server, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the folder where the Ark Dedicated Server tool is installed.
2. Double-click on the file named “ShooterGameServer.exe”.
3. Wait for the server to start up. This may take a few minutes.
4. Your server should now be live and accessible to players!

Part 2: Managing Your Server

Now that your server is live, it’s important to know how to manage it. Here are a few key tasks you’ll need to perform on a regular basis:

Task 1: Updating Your Server

As new updates and patches are released for Ark, you’ll need to update your server to ensure it remains compatible with the game. Here’s how to update your server:

1. Open the Steam client and navigate to the Library tab.
2. Click on the Tools tab.
3. Search for “Ark Dedicated Server” and select it.
4. Right-click on “Ark Dedicated Server” and select Properties.
5. Click on the Local Files tab.
6. Click on the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
7. Wait for the update to complete.

Task 2: Backing Up Your Server

It’s always a good idea to back up your server regularly to ensure that you don’t lose any progress in the event of a crash or other issue. Here’s how to back up your server:

1. Navigate to the folder where your server files are stored.
2. Copy the entire folder and paste it in a different location.
3. Your server backup is now complete!

Task 3: Managing User Permissions

As the server admin, you have the ability to manage user permissions and regulate who can do what on your server. Here’s how to manage user permissions:

1. Navigate to the folder where your server files are stored.
2. Open the file named “GameUserSettings.ini”.
3. Scroll down to the section titled “[ServerSettings]”.
4. Find the line that reads “AdminPassword=”. Enter a password of your choosing.
5. Save the file and restart your server.
6. When you join your server, type “enablecheats [password]” into the console to enter admin mode.
7. You can now use various commands to manage user permissions and perform other admin tasks.

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I host an Ark PC server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can host an Ark PC server on a virtual machine. However, be aware that performance may be impacted depending on the resources allocated to the VM.

Q2: How many players can join my server?

A: The maximum number of players you can have on your server depends on the settings you configure. By default, the maximum is 70.

Q3: Can I run mods on my server?

A: Yes, you can run mods on your server. Simply subscribe to them in the Steam Workshop and they will automatically download and install on your server.

Q4: Can I adjust the server settings after it’s been launched?

A: Yes, you can adjust the server settings at any time by modifying the appropriate files and restarting your server.

Q5: How do I connect to my own server?

A: To connect to your own server, simply launch Ark and select “Join Ark” from the main menu. Your server should appear in the server list.

That’s it for our guide on how to host a server in Ark PC! We hope you found this helpful and informative. If you have any further questions or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ark community for help. Happy hosting!