Greetings, Dev! If you’re an avid gamer, chances are you’ve played ARK: Survival Evolved. This popular game has captivated players with its open-world gameplay, and players are eager to create their own personalized servers. Hosting your own server can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the process. But with the right guidance, you’ll be able to navigate the technical aspects and create your own server in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of hosting your own server on ARK. Let’s dive in!
Part 1: Understanding the Basics
Before you start hosting your own server, it’s important to know the basics of what you’re getting into. In this section, we’ll give you a brief overview of what ARK servers are, why you might want to host your own, and what to consider when selecting a server host.
What is an ARK Server?
An ARK server is a virtual machine or computer that runs the ARK: Survival Evolved game software. It’s responsible for managing player connections, hosting the game world, and interacting with players. When you join an ARK server, you’re effectively connecting to a computer that’s running the game software. In some cases, you’ll be joining a server that’s hosted by another player. But in this guide, we’ll be focusing on how to host your own server.
Why Host Your Own Server?
There are several reasons why you might want to host your own ARK server. For one, it gives you more control over the game world. You can modify game settings, install mods, and tweak gameplay to your liking. Additionally, hosting your own server can be a great way to play with friends and family without worrying about strangers disrupting your game. It can also be a fun way to build a community around your server and create your own gaming experience.
Selecting a Server Host
When it comes to hosting your own ARK server, you have two main options: hosting it yourself or using a third-party server hosting service. If you’re new to server hosting, we recommend using a hosting service. These services typically offer pre-configured server setups, easy control panels, and 24/7 support. Popular ARK server hosting services include SurvivalServers, GameServers, and Nitrado. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. If you’re more experienced with server hosting, you can also host your own server on your own computer or a dedicated server.
Part 2: Setting Up Your Server
Once you’ve selected a server host, it’s time to set up your server. In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps of setting up your server with a hosting service. If you’re hosting your own server, the setup process will vary.
Step 1: Choose Your Server Settings
The first step in setting up your ARK server is to choose your server settings. This includes choosing your server name, setting the game mode, selecting mods, and more. Most hosting services offer easy-to-use control panels that make this process simple. Here are a few settings you’ll need to consider when setting up your server:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
Server Name |
The name of your server (e.g. My ARK Server). |
Game Mode |
The type of game mode you want to play (e.g. PvP, PvE, hardcore). |
Map |
The map you want to play on (e.g. The Island, Scorched Earth). |
Mods |
The mods you want to install on your server. |
Step 2: Install ARK on Your Server
Once you’ve chosen your server settings, it’s time to install the ARK game software on your server. Most hosting services offer one-click installations, meaning you can install the game with just a few clicks. If you’re hosting your own server, you’ll need to download and install the game software manually.
Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings
After you’ve installed the game software, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes setting your admin password, configuring player and dinosaur stats, and adjusting other gameplay settings. Most hosting services offer easy-to-use control panels that make this process simple. If you’re hosting your own server, you can configure these settings in the game configuration files.
Step 4: Invite Your Friends
Once you’ve set up your server, it’s time to invite your friends to join you. You can do this by sending them a direct IP address or by sharing your server name. Many hosting services also offer a feature that allows you to invite players directly from the control panel.
Part 3: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Hosting your own ARK server can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. In this section, we’ll address some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them.
Issue: Players Can’t Connect to Your Server
If players are having trouble connecting to your server, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your server is online and running. You can check this in the server control panel or by logging into the server console. Next, make sure your firewall settings are allowing incoming connections on the ARK ports. You’ll need to open ports 7777, 7778, and 27015. Finally, check that your server name and IP address are correct and that players are using the right server query port.
Issue: Performance is Slow
If you’re experiencing slow performance on your server, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your server has enough resources to handle the game. This includes RAM, CPU, and storage space. If you’re using a hosting service, make sure you’re on the right plan for your needs. You can also try optimizing your server settings to reduce lag and improve performance. This includes lowering the player count, reducing graphical settings, and disabling any unnecessary mods.
Issue: Mods Are Not Working
If your mods aren’t working on your server, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure the mods are installed correctly on your server. You can do this by checking the mod installation directory or by looking at the server log files. Next, make sure the mods are compatible with your game version and that they’re installed in the right order. Finally, check that the mods are enabled in your server settings.
Conclusion
Hosting your own ARK server can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right guidance, you’ll be able to navigate the technical aspects and create your own server in no time. We hope this guide has been helpful for Dev and anyone else looking to host their own server. Whether you’re playing with friends, creating a community, or just tweaking the gameplay to your liking, hosting your own server can be a great way to take your ARK experience to the next level.
FAQ
What is ARK: Survival Evolved?
ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game developed by Studio Wildcard. In the game, players must survive on an island filled with hostile creatures, other players, and harsh environmental conditions. Players can gather resources, craft items, and build structures to survive and thrive in the game world.
What are ARK mods?
ARK mods are user-created modifications that can be added to the game. Mods can range from simple gameplay tweaks to major overhauls of the game mechanics. Mods can be downloaded from the Steam Workshop or other modding sites and can be installed on servers or used in single-player mode.
Do I need to know how to code to host my own server?
No, you don’t need to know how to code to host your own ARK server. Most hosting services offer easy-to-use control panels that make setting up and configuring your server simple. If you’re hosting your own server, there are plenty of guides and resources available online to help you.
Do I need a powerful computer to host my own server?
If you’re hosting your own ARK server, you’ll need a computer with enough resources to handle the game. This includes RAM, CPU, and storage space. The exact requirements will depend on the number of players you’re hosting and the mods you’re using. If you’re using a hosting service, the server resources will be handled by the service.