How to Host an ARK Server for Friends PC

Hello Dev, welcome to a comprehensive guide on how to host an ARK server for your friends’ PC. ARK is a popular game that allows players to survive in a world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. While the game can be played solo, it’s even more fun when you play with friends. However, hosting your own server can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can set up your own ARK server for your friends.

Understanding ARK Server Hosting

Setting up an ARK server requires a bit of technical knowledge, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. When you host a server, you’re essentially running the game on your computer and allowing other players to connect to it via the internet. This means you’ll need a powerful computer and a fast internet connection to ensure your server runs smoothly.

Before you get started, there are a few things you should know:

System Requirements

Hosting an ARK server requires a powerful computer with plenty of RAM and a fast CPU. You’ll also need a fast internet connection with plenty of bandwidth to ensure the server runs smoothly. Here are the recommended system requirements:

Component	Recommended
CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
RAM	8 GB or more
Internet Connection	10 Mbps upload/download speed or more

Choosing a Hosting Provider

If your computer doesn’t meet the recommended system requirements, you can still host an ARK server by choosing a hosting provider. You’ll pay a monthly fee to rent a server, but it’s a convenient option if you don’t have a powerful computer or fast internet connection.

When choosing a hosting provider, make sure they offer ARK server hosting and have good reviews from other users. You’ll also want to look for providers that offer customer support and easy-to-use control panels.

Understanding Server Settings

When you host an ARK server, you’ll have access to a variety of settings that determine how the game plays. These settings include things like player stats, resource spawn rates, and game difficulty. You can customize these settings to create a unique gameplay experience for you and your friends.

Setting Up a Server

Now that you have a basic understanding of ARK server hosting, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps to set up your own ARK server for your friends:

Step 1: Download and Install Steam

ARK is a game that’s available on Steam, so you’ll need to download and install it if you haven’t already. Here’s how:

1. Go to https://store.steampowered.com/.
2. Click the “Install Steam” button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install Steam.

Step 2: Purchase and Install ARK

Once you have Steam installed, you’ll need to purchase and install ARK. Here’s how:

1. Go to https://store.steampowered.com/app/346110/ARK_Survival_Evolved/.
2. Click the “Add to Cart” button and complete the purchase process.
3. Once the game is in your Steam library, click the “Install” button to install it on your computer.

Step 3: Download and Install ARK Server Manager

ARK Server Manager is a tool that makes it easy to set up and manage your own ARK server. Here’s how to download and install it:

1. Go to https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/.
2. Click the “Download” button and save the file to your computer.
3. Double-click the file to install ARK Server Manager.

Step 4: Create a Server Profile

Once you have ARK Server Manager installed, you’ll need to create a server profile. This profile contains all the settings and configurations for your server. Here’s how:

1. Open ARK Server Manager.
2. Click the “New Profile” button.
3. Enter a name for your profile.
4. Choose the map you want to use from the drop-down menu. You can choose from a variety of maps, including The Island, Scorched Earth, and Ragnarok.
5. Choose the game mode you want to use from the drop-down menu. You can choose from PvE, PvP, and Hardcore.
6. Choose the difficulty level you want to use from the drop-down menu.
7. Customize any other settings you want to change.
8. Click the “Save” button to save your profile.

Step 5: Configure Firewall and Port Forwarding

In order for your friends to connect to your server, you’ll need to configure your firewall and port forwarding settings. Here’s how:

1. Open your router’s settings. This usually requires typing your router’s IP address into your web browser.
2. Find the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the following ports:
   • TCP: 27015
   • UDP: 27015
   • TCP: 7777
   • UDP: 7777
4. Save your changes.
5. Disable your firewall or create a rule to allow traffic on the same ports.

Step 6: Launch Your Server

Now that your server is configured, you’re ready to launch it. Here’s how:

1. Open ARK Server Manager.
2. Select your server profile from the drop-down menu.
3. Click the “Start Server” button.

FAQ

1. How many players can join my server?

The number of players you can have on your server depends on the specifications of your computer or hosting provider. Generally, you can host up to 100 players on a powerful computer or hosting plan.

2. Can I customize the settings on my server?

Yes, you can customize the settings on your server using ARK Server Manager.

3. Can I use mods on my server?

Yes, you can use mods on your server. You can download and install mods using Steam Workshop.

4. How do my friends connect to my server?

In order for your friends to connect to your server, they’ll need to use your public IP address and the port number for your server. You can find your public IP address by typing “what is my IP” into Google. Make sure your firewall and port forwarding settings are configured correctly as well.

5. Can I run my server 24/7?

Yes, you can run your server 24/7 as long as your computer or hosting plan is capable of handling it. Keep in mind that running your server 24/7 will consume a lot of power and bandwidth, so it’s important to monitor your usage.

Conclusion

Hosting an ARK server for your friends can be a lot of fun, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. By following these steps, you can set up your own server and enjoy a unique gameplay experience with your friends. Remember to customize your server settings to make it truly your own. Happy hosting!