Welcome to our guide on how to host local ARK server, Dev! This article is designed to help you set up a private server that you and your friends can play on. With your own server, you can customize your gameplay experience and enjoy the game without any interference. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll have your own ARK server set up in no time.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Hardware
- Downloading the ARK Server Software
- Configuring the ARK Server
- Setting up Port Forwarding
- Connecting to the ARK Server
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Hardware
The first step in setting up your ARK server is choosing the hardware. Your server’s hardware will directly affect its performance, so it’s important to choose wisely. The minimum requirements for an ARK server are:
| Minimum Hardware Requirements |
|---|
| CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 or better |
| RAM: 8GB or more |
| Storage: 100GB or more |
While the minimum requirements will allow you to host a server, we recommend going for something more powerful if you plan on having many players on your server.
When it comes to choosing a hosting provider, make sure to do your research and compare different providers. Factors to consider include the provider’s reputation, uptime guarantee, customer support, and pricing.
Choosing Your Operating System
The next step is choosing your operating system. ARK server can run on Windows or Linux. While Windows is the most popular option, Linux is generally considered more stable and secure. Additionally, Linux servers tend to have better performance.
If you’re not comfortable with Linux, we recommend sticking with Windows. However, if you’re willing to learn, setting up a Linux server is fairly straightforward.
Choosing Your Server Location
Choosing the location for your server is crucial for ensuring a low latency and good connection for your players. Ideally, you want to choose a location that’s close to most of your players.
If you’re hosting the server at home, you’ll need to consider your internet connection speed and upload bandwidth. If you have a slow connection, your gameplay experience will suffer, and your players may experience lag.
Choosing Your Network Configuration
When setting up your server, you’ll need to decide whether to use a wired or wireless connection. Wired connections are generally more stable and offer better performance, but wireless connections are more convenient.
If you’re using a wireless connection, make sure your router is in a central location and that your server is located in an area with good signal strength. Additionally, you should make sure your router is using the 5GHz frequency band, as it offers better performance than the 2.4GHz band.
Choosing Your Server Software
The last thing you need to consider is the server software you’ll be using. There are several options available, but the most popular is SteamCMD.
SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and manage Steam games on your server. It’s relatively easy to use, and there are several guides available online to help you get started.
Once you’ve chosen your hardware and software, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Downloading the ARK Server Software
Before you can start configuring your server, you’ll need to download the ARK server software. You can download the server software through SteamCMD by following these steps:
- Download and install SteamCMD from https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD.
- Open the SteamCMD console and log in using your Steam account.
- Enter the following command to download the ARK server software:
app_update 376030 validate
This will download the latest version of the ARK server software.
Configuring the ARK Server
Now that you’ve downloaded the server software, it’s time to configure it for your needs. Follow these steps:
- Create a folder on your server where you want to store the server files.
- Copy the downloaded ARK server files to the folder you just created.
- Create a new file called “start.bat” in the same folder and open it in a text editor.
- Add the following text to the file:
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyServerName?ServerPassword=MyServerPassword?MaxPlayers=20?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?RCONPort=32330?RCONEnabled=True?AdminPassword=MyAdminPassword
Make sure to replace “MyServerName”, “MyServerPassword”, and “MyAdminPassword” with your desired values. Also, make sure to change “TheIsland” to your desired map name if you want to use a different map.
Save the file and close it.
Server Configuration File
If you want to change more advanced settings, you’ll need to modify the server configuration file. The configuration file is located in the “ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer” folder.
You can modify the configuration file using a text editor. Make sure to follow the instructions in the file carefully, as any mistakes could cause issues with your server.
Setting up Port Forwarding
In order for other players to connect to your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows incoming traffic on specific ports to be forwarded to your server.
To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to log in to your router’s configuration page. The configuration page can usually be accessed by typing your router’s IP address into a web browser.
Once you’re on the configuration page, look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” section. Add a new rule for port 7777 (or the port you specified in your start.bat file) and point it to the internal IP address of your server.
If you’re not sure how to find your server’s internal IP address, open the command prompt and type “ipconfig”. Look for the “IPv4 Address” entry under your network adapter.
Connecting to the ARK Server
Now that your server is up and running and port forwarding is set up, it’s time to connect to your server. Follow these steps:
- Open ARK and click on the “Join ARK” button.
- Click on the “Favorites” tab and then click on the “Add a Server” button.
- Enter your server’s IP address and port number and then click “Add this address to favorites”.
- Click on your server’s name in the “Favorites” tab and then click “Join”.
- Enter the server password if you set one.
- You’re now connected to your server!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an ARK server on my home computer?
Yes, you can run an ARK server on your home computer, but it’s not recommended. Hosting a server on your home computer will consume a lot of resources and may interfere with your other activities. Additionally, your internet connection may not be fast enough to support multiple players.
Can I host a dedicated ARK server for free?
No, you cannot host a dedicated ARK server for free. Running a server requires hardware and bandwidth, and there are costs associated with both. Additionally, hosting providers need to make a profit to stay in business, so they’ll charge for their services.
How many players can I have on my server?
The maximum number of players you can have on your server depends on your hardware and internet connection. Generally, a server with an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a good internet connection can support up to 30 players.
Can I customize my server?
Yes, you can customize your server by modifying the server configuration file. The configuration file allows you to change a wide range of settings, including player stats, resource respawn rates, and more. You can also install mods to change the game’s mechanics and add new content.
Can I play on my own server?
Yes, you can play on your own server. In fact, playing on your own server can be a great way to test out different settings and mods before inviting other players to join.
Do I need to keep my computer running to keep the server online?
Yes, in order for your server to stay online, the hosting computer must remain running. If the hosting computer shuts down or loses power, the server will go offline.
Can I password-protect my server?
Yes, you can password-protect your server by adding a password to your start.bat file. Players will need to enter the password in order to join the server.
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, but it’s recommended. A static IP address ensures that your server’s IP address doesn’t change, which makes it easier for players to connect. If you don’t have a static IP address, you’ll need to use a dynamic DNS service to keep track of your server’s IP address.
Can I host multiple servers on the same machine?
Yes, you can host multiple servers on the same machine, but it requires some advanced configuration. You’ll need to create multiple start.bat files with different settings and port numbers. Additionally, you’ll need to set up port forwarding for each server on your router.
How do I update my server when a new version of ARK is released?
To update your server when a new version of ARK is released, simply use SteamCMD to download the new version of the server software. Once the new version is installed, restart your server.