How to Host Ark Server PC

Greetings, Dev! Are you looking to host an Ark server on your PC? Do you want to create a custom experience for your friends or the community? Fear not, as this article will guide you through the process of hosting an Ark server PC. You’ll learn everything from the minimum requirements to how to configure the server settings.

Minimum Requirements

Before diving into the process of hosting an Ark server on your PC, it’s important to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements.

Operating System

The first requirement is the operating system. You’ll need to have a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or newer. This includes Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2012 or newer.

Hardware Requirements

The next requirement is the hardware. Your PC should have at least:

CPU	Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320
RAM	8GB
GPU	NVIDIA GTX 770 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB
Storage	60GB free space

You may need more powerful hardware depending on the number of players and mods you want to use.

Downloading and Installing the Server

Once you’ve ensured that your PC meets the minimum requirements, you can proceed to download and install the Ark server.

Downloading the Server

You can download the server from the Steam client or the SteamCMD utility. Here are the steps to download it via Steam:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on the “Library” tab.
3. Click on the “Tools” tab.
4. Scroll down and find “Ark Dedicated Server”.
5. Right-click on it and select “Install Game”.

If you prefer to use the SteamCMD utility, refer to the official Ark wiki for the commands.

Installing the Server

Once the download is complete, you can proceed to install the server via the Steam client:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on the “Library” tab.
3. Click on the “Tools” tab.
4. Scroll down and find “Ark Dedicated Server”.
5. Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
6. Click on the “Local Files” tab.
7. Click on “Browse Local Files”.
8. Open the “ShooterGame” folder.
9. Open the “Binaries” folder.
10. Open the “Win64” folder.
11. Run “ShooterGameServer.exe”.

The server will start up and create the necessary files and folders.

Configuring the Server

Now that you’ve installed the server, it’s time to configure it to your liking.

Server Settings

The first step is to configure the server settings. You can do this by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini” and “Game.ini” files located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder.

The “GameUserSettings.ini” file contains the settings related to gameplay, while the “Game.ini” file contains the settings related to the server.

You can find a list of settings and their descriptions in the official Ark wiki. Here are a few examples:

Setting	Description
MaxPlayers	The maximum number of players on the server.
ServerAdminPassword	The password to access the admin commands.
DifficultyOffset	The difficulty of the game.

Mods

If you want to use mods on your server, you’ll need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and add them to the server via the “Game.ini” file.

Here’s an example of how to add a mod:

[ModInstaller]ModIDS=1234567890

Replace “1234567890” with the ID of the mod you want to install.

Starting the Server

Once you’ve configured the server to your liking, it’s time to start it up.

Starting the Server via Steam

You can start the server from the Steam client:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on the “Library” tab.
3. Click on the “Tools” tab.
4. Scroll down and find “Ark Dedicated Server”.
5. Right-click on it and select “Play Game”.
6. The server will start up in a new window.

Starting the Server via Command Prompt

You can also start the server via the command prompt:

1. Open the command prompt.
2. Navigate to the “ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64” folder.
3. Enter the command “ShooterGameServer.exe [MAP]?” MAP is the name of the map you want to use.
4. Press Enter.

FAQ

Can I host an Ark server on a laptop?

Yes, you can host an Ark server on a laptop as long as it meets the minimum requirements.

How many players can a PC Ark server host?

The number of players a PC Ark server can host depends on the hardware specifications and the server settings. The recommended maximum is 70 players.

Can I run multiple Ark servers on the same PC?

Yes, you can run multiple Ark servers on the same PC by using different ports and configurations.

Do I need a static IP address to host an Ark server?

No, you don’t need a static IP address to host an Ark server. However, it’s recommended to have one for better stability.

Can players join my server without me being online?

Yes, players can join your server even if you’re offline. However, you won’t be able to perform any administrative tasks until you’re online.

Can I use a game hosting service instead of hosting the server on my PC?

Yes, you can use a game hosting service instead of hosting the server on your PC. This can be more convenient and reliable, but it comes with a cost.

That’s it, Dev! You should now be able to host an Ark server on your PC. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the different settings and mods to create your ideal Ark experience.