Welcome Dev: A Complete Guide on Hosting a Dedicated Server for Ark

If you are an avid gamer who enjoys playing games like Ark Survival Evolved, then you must have wondered about hosting a dedicated server for the game. If you are not sure what it means or how to go about it, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about hosting a dedicated server for Ark. Let’s dive in!

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a type of server that solely focuses on one task or application. Unlike shared servers, where multiple websites or applications share the same resources, a dedicated server dedicates all its resources to a single task. In other words, it is like owning your own personal computer, but instead of using it for general purposes, you use it solely for hosting a game server.

When you launch a game like Ark, it runs on a server that is hosted by the game developer. However, if you want more control and flexibility over the game settings, then hosting a dedicated server is the way to go.

How Does Hosting a Dedicated Server for Ark Work?

When you host a dedicated server for Ark, you essentially create a custom gaming environment for yourself and your friends. You can modify the game settings, add custom mods, and even control who can join the game. However, hosting a dedicated server requires a powerful computer or a virtual private server (VPS) with sufficient resources to handle the game.

Once you have set up the dedicated server, you can share the server address with your friends or the public, depending on your preference. They can then use the server address to join the game and play together in the custom gaming environment that you have created.

Why Host a Dedicated Server for Ark?

If you are wondering why you should go through the trouble of hosting a dedicated server for Ark, then here are some reasons to consider:

How to Host a Dedicated Server for Ark?

Hosting a dedicated server for Ark requires some technical knowledge and a few tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to host a dedicated server for Ark:

Step 1: Choose the Hardware

The first step is to choose the hardware that will host the dedicated server. You can either use a powerful computer or rent a virtual private server (VPS) from a hosting provider. Here are the minimum requirements for hosting a dedicated server for Ark:

Step 2: Install the Operating System

The next step is to install the operating system on the hardware. You can choose from various operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD. However, we recommend using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or CentOS, as they are more lightweight and optimized for server use.

Step 3: Install SteamCMD

Once you have installed the operating system, the next step is to install SteamCMD, a command-line tool used for installing and updating game servers. You can download SteamCMD from the official website and extract it to a directory on your server.

Step 4: Download and Install the Ark Server Files

The next step is to download and install the Ark server files using SteamCMD. To do this, you need to run a series of commands in the SteamCMD console, which will download and install the necessary files for hosting the Ark server.

Step 5: Configure the Server Settings

After installing the Ark server files, the next step is to configure the server settings according to your preferences. You can modify the game settings, add mods, and configure the server rules using the configuration files provided by the game developer.

Step 6: Launch the Server

Finally, you can launch the Ark server using the command-line tool provided by the game developer. Once the server is up and running, you can share the server address with your friends or the public, depending on your preference.

FAQ

Q: Can I Host a Dedicated Server for Ark on My Personal Computer?

A: Yes, you can host a dedicated server for Ark on your personal computer if it meets the minimum requirements mentioned earlier. However, keep in mind that hosting a server requires a lot of resources, and it can affect the performance of your computer if it is not powerful enough.

Q: Do I Need a High-Speed Internet Connection to Host a Dedicated Server for Ark?

A: Yes, you need a high-speed internet connection with sufficient upload and download speeds to host a dedicated server for Ark. The exact requirements depend on the number of players and the game settings.

Q: Can I Host a Dedicated Server for Ark for Free?

A: No, hosting a dedicated server for Ark requires some resources, and you need to pay for them. However, hosting a dedicated server can be cheaper in the long run than renting a server from a hosting provider.

Q: Can I Use Mods on My Dedicated Server for Ark?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your dedicated server for Ark. However, keep in mind that some mods may not be compatible with each other or the game version, which can cause issues.

Q: Can I Host Multiple Games on a Single Dedicated Server?

A: Yes, you can host multiple games on a single dedicated server if it meets the minimum requirements for each game. However, keep in mind that hosting multiple games can affect the performance of the server and the gaming experience.

Conclusion

Hosting a dedicated server for Ark can be a fun and rewarding experience, as it allows you to create a custom gaming environment for yourself and your friends. However, it requires some technical knowledge and resources, and it can be challenging to set up if you are not familiar with the process. We hope that this article has provided you with all the information you need to host a dedicated server for Ark successfully.