Greetings Dev, if you are looking for a comprehensive guide on how to host a server in Ark Survival Evolved, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to set up your own server so that you and your friends can enjoy the game together. With our guide, you will be able to customize your server settings, create your own rules and play with whoever you want. Let’s get started!
1. Decide on the Server Type
Before anything else, you need to decide on the type of server you want to host. There are two types of servers – dedicated and non-dedicated. A dedicated server is a separate machine, while a non-dedicated server is hosted on your own machine. There are pros and cons to both, so choose carefully.
Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is a separate machine solely dedicated to hosting your Ark Survival Evolved game. This type of server is more expensive, but it is more powerful and can handle more players. It can also run 24/7, so your friends can join the game whenever they want.
Before setting up a dedicated server, you will need to have access to a powerful machine with a good internet connection. You will also need to rent a server from a hosting provider or set up your own dedicated server at home. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Rent a Server from a Hosting Provider
If you are not familiar with server administration or don’t have a powerful machine, the easiest way to host a dedicated server is to rent a server from a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers out there, and some of them specialize in hosting Ark Survival Evolved servers.
Hosting Provider |
Features |
Price |
|---|---|---|
Survival Servers |
Custom control panel, 24/7 support, instant setup, mod support |
Starting from $9.99/month |
Nitrado |
User-friendly control panel, automatic backups, mod support, crossplay |
Starting from €7.99/month |
GameServers.com |
Custom control panel, instant setup, free trial, mod support |
Starting from $14.95/month |
Step 2: Install the Dedicated Server Software
Once you have rented a server, you will need to install the dedicated server software. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your server’s control panel.
- Select Ark Survival Evolved from the list of games.
- Click on the Install button.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up a dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved. Now you can customize your server settings and invite your friends to join.
Non-Dedicated Server
A non-dedicated server is hosted on your own machine, which means that your machine will act as both the client and the server. This type of server is less expensive, but it is less powerful and can only handle a limited number of players. Also, you will need to keep your machine running all the time if you want your friends to be able to join the game.
Step 1: Install Ark Survival Evolved
If you haven’t already done so, you will need to install the Ark Survival Evolved game on your machine. You can purchase the game on Steam or the Epic Games Store.
Step 2: Set Up Port Forwarding
If you are hosting a non-dedicated server, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router so that your friends can connect to your server. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your router’s control panel.
- Find the Port Forwarding section.
- Add a new port forwarding rule for port 7777 and 27015.
- Enter your machine’s IP address.
Note: The specific steps for port forwarding may vary depending on your router model. Consult your router’s manual for more information.
Step 3: Host a Non-Dedicated Server
Once you have installed the game and set up port forwarding, you can host a non-dedicated server. Follow these steps:
- Launch the game and start a single-player session.
- Press Tab on your keyboard to open the console.
- Type “open YOURIPADDRESS:7777” (replace YOURIPADDRESS with your machine’s IP address).
- Press Enter to start the server.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up a non-dedicated server for Ark Survival Evolved. Now you can invite your friends to join your game.
2. Customize Your Server Settings
Now that you have set up your server, it’s time to customize your server settings. You can adjust various settings to make the game more enjoyable for you and your friends.
Step 1: Open the Server Settings
To open the server settings, follow these steps:
- Launch the game and start your server.
- Press Tab on your keyboard to open the console.
- Type “admincheat enablecheats” to enable cheats.
- Type “admincheat showmyadminmanager” to open the server settings.
Step 2: Adjust the Server Settings
There are many server settings that you can adjust, such as the player limit, the difficulty level, and the tame speed. Here are some of the most common settings:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
Server Name |
The name of your server. |
Player Limit |
The maximum number of players allowed on the server. |
Difficulty Level |
The level of difficulty of the game. Higher difficulty means stronger enemies and better loot. |
Tame Speed |
The speed at which creatures can be tamed. |
Harvest Amount |
The amount of resources gained from harvesting. |
Once you have adjusted the settings, click on the Save button to apply the changes.
3. Install Mods
If you want to enhance your Ark Survival Evolved experience, you can install mods. Mods are user-created modifications that can add new creatures, items, and features to the game. Installing mods is easy and can be done through the Steam Workshop.
Step 1: Browse the Steam Workshop
To browse the Steam Workshop, follow these steps:
- Launch the Steam client and navigate to the Workshop tab.
- Type “Ark Survival Evolved” in the search bar.
- Browse the list of mods and subscribe to the ones you like.
Step 2: Enable Mods on Your Server
To enable mods on your server, follow these steps:
- Launch the game and start your server.
- Press Tab on your keyboard to open the console.
- Type “admincheat enablecheats” to enable cheats.
- Type “admincheat enablemods MODID” (replace MODID with the ID of the mod you want to enable).
- Repeat step 4 for each mod you want to enable.
- Restart the server to apply the changes.
Note: You can find the ID of a mod by looking at its URL in the Steam Workshop.
4. FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to host a server in Ark Survival Evolved?
A: The cost of hosting a server in Ark Survival Evolved depends on the type of server you choose and the hosting provider you use. A dedicated server can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per month, while a non-dedicated server is free if you host it on your own machine.
Q: How many players can I have on my server?
A: The number of players you can have on your server depends on the type of server you choose and the machine specifications. A dedicated server can handle more players than a non-dedicated server. The player limit is adjustable in the server settings.
Q: Can I customize the game rules on my server?
A: Yes, you can customize the game rules on your server. You can adjust various settings such as the difficulty level, the tame speed, and the harvest amount in the server settings.
Q: Can I play with mods on my server?
A: Yes, you can play with mods on your server. You can find and subscribe to mods in the Steam Workshop.
Q: Can I transfer my character and items from one server to another?
A: Yes, you can transfer your character and items from one server to another if the servers are set up for crossplay. To transfer your character and items, go to an Obelisk or a Supply Drop and select “Transfer to Another Server”.
Q: Can I rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider and play on it at the same time?
A: Yes, you can rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider and play on it at the same time. However, keep in mind that hosting and playing on the same machine can cause performance issues.
Q: Can I run a dedicated server on my own machine?
A: Yes, you can run a dedicated server on your own machine. However, keep in mind that your machine will need to meet certain specifications to handle the server load.
That’s it for our guide on how to host a server in Ark Survival Evolved. We hope you found this guide helpful and that you are now ready to set up your own server. Have fun!