How to Host an Ark Server on PC

Hello Dev, welcome to our guide on how to host an Ark server on your PC. Ark is a popular game that allows players to explore an open-world filled with dangerous creatures and challenges. Hosting your own server can be a great way to play with friends or build a community. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to set up your own Ark server. Let’s get started!

1. System Requirements

Before we get into the details of hosting an Ark server, it’s important to make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements. These are:

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	2 GHz Dual-Core
RAM	8 GB
Storage	20 GB available space
Network	1 Mbps

If your PC meets these requirements, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

2. Downloading and Installing the Server Software

The first step in hosting an Ark server is to download and install the server software. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the Server Software

You can download the Ark server software from the official website or through Steam. To download from the website:

1. Go to the official Ark website (https://survivetheark.com/).
2. Click on the “Download” button.
3. Select “Ark Server” from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose your preferred language and click “Download”.

To download from Steam:

1. Open Steam and go to the “Library”.
2. Select “Tools” from the dropdown menu.
3. Find “Ark Dedicated Server” and click “Install”.

Step 2: Install the Server Software

Once the download is complete, follow these steps to install the server software:

1. Double-click the downloaded file to begin the installation process.
2. Read and accept the license agreement.
3. Select the destination for the server files and click “Next”.
4. Choose the components you want to install and click “Next”.
5. Enter your server settings, including the server name and password.
6. Configure your firewall settings to allow the server to run.
7. Once the installation is complete, you’re ready to start the server!

That’s it! You’ve successfully downloaded and installed the Ark server software.

3. Starting the Server

Now that you’ve installed the server software, it’s time to start the server. Here’s how:

Step 1: Launch the Server Manager

To start the server, you’ll need to open the Server Manager. To do this:

1. Navigate to the folder where you installed the server software. This should be something like “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK Survival Evolved Dedicated Server”.
2. Double-click the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file.
3. The Server Manager should now open.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

Before you start the server, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes things like game settings, admin settings, and more. To do this, click on the “Configuration” tab in the Server Manager and make your desired changes.

Once you’re happy with your settings, click “Save” to save your changes.

Step 3: Start the Server

Now that your settings are configured, it’s time to start the server. To do this:

1. Click on the “Start” button in the Server Manager.
2. The server will now start running.

That’s it! Your Ark server is now up and running.

4. Connecting to the Server

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

Step 1: Get Your Server IP Address

The first step is to find your server’s IP address. To do this:

1. Go to the “Servers” tab in the Server Manager.
2. Your server’s IP address should be listed at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Connect to the Server

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

1. Open Ark.
2. Click on “Join Ark” and select “Unofficial PC Sessions”.
3. Search for your server using its name or IP address.
4. Click “Join”.

That’s it! You’re now connected to your own Ark server.

FAQ

How do I change my server settings?

To change your server settings:

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Click on the “Configuration” tab.
3. Make your desired changes.
4. Click “Save” to save your changes.

Can I play on my own server?

Yes, you can play on your own server just like any other server.

How many players can my server support?

The number of players your server can support depends on your system specifications and network connection. It’s recommended to limit the number of players to ensure a smooth gameplay experience.

How do I manage my server?

You can manage your server through the Server Manager. This includes things like changing settings, banning players, and more.

What happens if my server crashes?

If your server crashes, it will automatically restart. You can also set up automatic backups to prevent data loss.

Can I install mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your server. To do this, you’ll need to download and install the mod files, and then configure your server to run them.

How do I update my server?

To update your server, simply download and install the latest server software.

That’s it for our guide on how to host an Ark server on your PC. We hope you found it helpful. Happy gaming!