Hello Dev, welcome to our ultimate guide on self-hosting your Ark server. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for more control or a beginner struggling to find the right server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about self-hosting Ark servers. We’ll discuss why you might want to self-host, how to set up a self-hosted server, and ways to optimize your server for optimal gameplay. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Part 1: Why Self-Host Your Ark Server?
You may be wondering why you would want to go through the trouble of setting up your own server instead of just joining an existing one. There are a few reasons why self-hosting can be beneficial:
1. More Control over the Server
When you self-host, you have complete control over the server. You can adjust settings, install mods, and customize the gameplay to your liking. You can also set rules for players and ensure that everyone follows them.
2. Better Performance
Self-hosted servers tend to have better performance and less lag than public servers. This is because you can optimize the server for your specific needs and hardware. You can also limit the number of players that can join the server, which can reduce lag.
3. Cost Savings
If you plan on playing Ark for an extended period of time, self-hosting can be more cost-effective than renting a server. While there is an initial investment in hardware, you won’t have to pay monthly fees to a hosting company.
4. More Privacy
If you’re concerned about privacy, self-hosting is a great option. You can limit who can join the server and ensure that your data is secure.
5. Fun and Educational
Setting up and managing your own server can be a fun and educational experience. You’ll learn about server administration, network configuration, and other technical skills.
Part 2: Setting up a Self-Hosted Ark Server
Now that you know why self-hosting can be beneficial, let’s discuss how to set up a self-hosted Ark server.
1. Hardware Requirements
The first thing you’ll need is a computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements for Ark. These requirements include:
Component |
Minimum |
Recommended |
|---|---|---|
Processor |
Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better |
Intel Core i7-4770/AMD Ryzen 5 1600X or better |
Memory |
8 GB RAM |
16 GB RAM or higher |
Storage |
60 GB available space |
SSD with 60 GB available space or higher |
Graphics Card |
NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better |
NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or better |
2. Installing the Game and Server Software
Once you have the hardware, the next step is to install the game and server software. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Purchase and Install the Game
Purchase and install Ark: Survival Evolved from your preferred game store.
Step 2: Download the Dedicated Server Software
Download the dedicated server software from the Steam Tools section. You can find it by right-clicking on Ark: Survival Evolved in your Steam library and selecting Properties. Then, click on the “Local Files” tab and select “Browse Local Files.” In the game directory, navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\_CommonRedist\vcredist\2015 and run both vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe. After that, navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64 and run the file called “ShooterGameServer.exe.”
Step 3: Configure the Server Settings
You can configure the server settings by creating a file called “GameUserSettings.ini” in the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\
Open the file and add the following settings:
[ServerSettings]ServerAdminPassword=PASSWORDHERE
MaxPlayers=XX
[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode]bPvE=True
bCrosshair=True
DifficultyOffset=X.X
Make sure to replace “PASSWORDHERE” with your desired admin password and “XX” with the maximum number of players you want to allow on the server. You can also adjust the difficulty offset to change the game’s difficulty.
Step 4: Forward Ports
Forward the following ports in your router’s settings:
Port |
Protocol |
|---|---|
27015 |
UDP |
7777 |
UDP |
7778 |
UDP |
Step 5: Start the Server
Start the server by running the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file again. Your server should now be up and running!
Part 3: Optimizing Your Self-Hosted Ark Server
Now that you have your self-hosted server up and running, let’s discuss ways to optimize it for optimal gameplay.
1. Adjust the Server Settings
You can adjust the server settings to make gameplay more enjoyable. For example, you can increase player and dinosaur damage, decrease taming time, and adjust the harvest multiplier. Experiment with these settings to find the sweet spot for your server.
2. Use Mods
Mods can enhance gameplay and add new features to the game. You can browse and install mods from the Steam Workshop. Popular mods include S+ (Structures Plus), a mod that adds additional building options, and Classic Flyers, a mod that allows you to level up the speed of flyers.
3. Manage Player Bans and Whitelists
As the server admin, you have the power to ban players who break the rules or disrupt gameplay. Use this power wisely and fairly. You can also create a whitelist of players who are allowed to join your server.
4. Use Performance-Boosting Tools
You can optimize your server’s performance by using performance-boosting tools such as Ark Server Manager or ASM. These tools can help you manage your server, backup data, and monitor performance.
5. Keep Your Server Up to Date
Make sure to keep your server up to date with the latest patches and updates. This will ensure that your server runs smoothly and that players have the best experience possible.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to self-host an Ark server?
The cost of self-hosting an Ark server depends on the hardware you already have and the hardware you need to purchase. The game itself costs around $60, and you’ll need a computer that meets the minimum requirements. You may also need to purchase additional hardware such as a router or a dedicated server.
2. How many players can I have on my self-hosted server?
It depends on your hardware and internet connection. The more players you have, the more hardware resources you’ll need to allocate to the server. As a general rule, it’s best to limit the number of players to around 20-30.
3. Can I add mods to my self-hosted server?
Yes, you can add mods to your self-hosted server. You can browse and install mods from the Steam Workshop.
4. Do I need any technical knowledge to self-host an Ark server?
You don’t need advanced technical knowledge, but some basic knowledge of server administration and networking is helpful. You can also find tutorials online and join communities for help and support.
5. Can I play on my self-hosted server?
Yes, you can play on your self-hosted server. Simply connect to the server using the in-game server browser or by typing the server’s IP address into the console.
That’s it for our ultimate guide to self-hosting your Ark server. We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. Happy hosting!