How to Host Ark Server for Friends: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings, Dev! Hosting an Ark server for your friends can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it give you the opportunity to play with your friends in a private setting, but it also allows you to customize the server to your liking.

In this guide, we will cover the steps you need to take to set up and configure an Ark server for your friends. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks that will help you optimize your server for the best performance.

Step 1: Selecting a Host

The first step in hosting an Ark server for your friends is selecting a host. There are many different hosting providers out there, each with their own pros and cons. Some of the most popular hosting providers include:

Host	Pros	Cons
Survival Servers	Excellent customer support, easy-to-use control panel	Higher pricing compared to other providers
Nitrado	Flexible pricing, excellent performance	Control panel can be confusing for new users
GTX Gaming	Low pricing, good performance	Can be difficult to set up for new users

Once you have selected a host, follow their instructions for setting up an Ark server. This typically involves selecting a server location, choosing the number of players and the server settings, and starting the server.

Step 2: Configuring the Server Settings

After you have set up the server, you will need to configure the settings to your liking. This includes settings for things like server difficulty, taming speed, and resource respawn. To access the server settings, you will need to open the Ark server configuration file.

Here are some of the most important server settings that you will need to configure:

Server Name

This is the name that will appear in the server list for other players to see. Make sure to choose a descriptive and unique name.

Server Password

If you want to restrict access to your server, you can set a password here. Make sure to choose a strong password that is not easy to guess.

Game Difficulty

This setting determines the overall difficulty of the game. Higher difficulty levels will result in more challenging gameplay.

Taming Speed

This setting determines how quickly players can tame animals. This can be adjusted to make taming more or less challenging.

Resource Respawn

This setting determines how quickly resources respawn in the game world. Higher respawn rates will make it easier for players to gather resources.

Step 3: Adding Mods

If you want to add mods to your Ark server, you will need to install them on the server. There are many different mods available, each with their own unique features and gameplay mechanics.

Here are some of the most popular mods for Ark:

Structures Plus

This mod adds a variety of new building structures and tools, making it easier for players to construct elaborate bases.

Ark Steampunk Mod

This mod adds a steampunk-themed overhaul to the game, including new creatures, items, and structures.

StackMeMore

This mod increases stack sizes for resources and items, making it easier for players to carry more items and resources.

Step 4: Setting Up Admin Permissions

If you want to have admin access to your Ark server, you will need to set up admin permissions. This will allow you to perform administrative tasks like kicking players, banning players, and changing server settings.

To set up admin permissions, you will need to edit the server configuration file and add your Steam ID to the admin list. You can find your Steam ID by going to your Steam profile and clicking on “Copy Steam ID” under your profile picture.

Step 5: Inviting Friends to Join

Now that you have set up and configured your Ark server, you can invite your friends to join. To do this, share your server IP address and password with your friends. They can then search for your server in the server list and join using the password you provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can I have on my Ark server?

A: The number of players you can have on your server depends on the hosting provider and the server settings. Most hosting providers offer servers that can support up to 100 players.

Q: Can I transfer my character and items between servers?

A: Yes, you can transfer your character and items between servers using the Obelisks in the game world. Simply upload your character and items to the Obelisk, then download them to the new server.

Q: Can I play on my own server without anyone else?

A: Yes, you can play on your own server without anyone else. Simply set the server password to something only you know, and don’t share the password with anyone else.

Q: How do I install mods on my Ark server?

A: To install mods on your Ark server, you will need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and then add them to the server configuration file. Follow the instructions provided by your hosting provider for more information.

Q: Can I customize the server settings?

A: Yes, you can customize the server settings to your liking. This includes things like resource respawn rates, taming speeds, and game difficulty.

Q: What happens if the server crashes?

A: If the server crashes, it will need to be restarted. This can typically be done through the hosting provider’s control panel.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in setting up and configuring an Ark server for your friends. If you have any further questions or need help troubleshooting any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hosting provider’s customer support team.