How to Host a Server on Ark with Friends: A Beginner’s Guide for Dev

As an avid gamer, you might be wondering how to host a server on Ark with friends. Hosting a server allows you to play with your friends in a private game world, free from the constraints of the public servers. It can also be a fun way to explore the game and experiment with different settings. This guide will walk you through the process of hosting an Ark server step-by-step, even if you have no technical experience. Let’s get started!

Setting up an Ark Server

The first step in hosting an Ark server is to set up the server software. Ark servers can run on Windows or Linux, but for this guide, we’ll focus on setting up a server on Windows. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Get the Server Software

Server Software	Link
Ark Server Manager	Download

The easiest way to get the Ark server software is to download the Ark Server Manager. This software provides a user-friendly interface for setting up, managing, and configuring your server. You can download the Ark Server Manager from the link above.

Step 2: Install the Server Software

After downloading the Ark Server Manager, you’ll need to install it on your Windows machine. Here’s how:

1. Double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation process.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. Once the installation is complete, launch the Ark Server Manager.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed the Ark Server Manager!

Step 3: Configure Your Server

Now that you’ve installed the server software, it’s time to configure your server. Here are the most important settings you’ll need to adjust:

• Server Name: This is the name that will appear in the server browser.
• Max Players: This is the maximum number of players that can join your server.
• Map: This is the game world that your server will run on.
• Password: If you want to keep your server private, you can set a password here.

Once you’ve adjusted these settings, click the “Save” button to save your changes.

Step 4: Start Your Server

With your server configured, it’s time to start it up! Here’s how:

1. Click the “Start” button in the Ark Server Manager.
2. Wait for the server to start up. This may take a few minutes.
3. Once the server is up and running, you’ll see a message in the Ark Server Manager indicating that the server is ready.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully set up and started your Ark server!

Connecting to Your Server

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

Step 1: Find Your Server IP Address

The first thing you’ll need to do is find your server’s IP address. Here’s how:

1. Open the Ark Server Manager.
2. Click the “Copy IP Address” button to copy your server’s IP address to your clipboard.

You can also find your server’s IP address in the server settings in the Ark Server Manager.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

Now that you have your server’s IP address, it’s time to connect to it. Here’s how:

1. Open Ark on your computer.
2. Click the “Join Ark” button.
3. Enter your server’s IP address in the “Server Name” field.
4. Enter the server’s port number (default is 27015) in the “Server Port” field.
5. Click “Connect.”

That’s it! You should now be connected to your Ark server!

FAQ

Q. How many players can join my Ark server?

A. The maximum number of players that can join your Ark server depends on your hardware and internet connection. However, the default maximum is 100 players.

Q. Can I run an Ark server on Linux?

A. Yes, Ark servers can run on Linux. However, the setup process is slightly different than on Windows.

Q. Can I modify the game settings on my server?

A. Yes, you can modify a wide range of game settings on your server, including difficulty, dino spawns, and resource rates.

Q. How do I update my Ark server?

A. To update your Ark server using the Ark Server Manager, simply click the “Update” button in the software. The latest version of the server software will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Q. Can I use mods on my Ark server?

A. Yes, you can use mods on your Ark server. The Ark Server Manager makes it easy to install and manage mods.

Q. How do I back up my Ark server?

A. To back up your Ark server using the Ark Server Manager, simply click the “Backup” button in the software. The server data will be saved to a backup file that you can restore at any time.

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark server with your friends can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the Ark Server Manager, it’s easy to set up and manage your server, even if you have no technical experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and start hosting your own private Ark server today!