Can You Host a Dedicated Server and Play on ARK?

Ever wanted to play ARK: Survival Evolved with your buddies?

Hosting your own private server can make the game even more fun.

But there’s a choice to make: dedicated or non-dedicated servers.

Below we’ll help figure out which one’s right for you.

In ARK: Survival Evolved, you can explore a cool world filled with dinosaurs and sci-fi.

Lots of people love playing it because you can do so much.

To make it even better, some players set up their own servers.

These are like private playgrounds where you and your friends can hang out and play together.

Table of Contents

Dedicated Server vs. Playing ARK

Difference Between Dedicated Servers and Non-Dedicated Hosting

When you’re playing ARK: Survival Evolved, you have two options for where to host your game: dedicated servers or non-dedicated servers hosted by another player.

The main difference between them is how they handle resources.

Dedicated Servers: These are like having private space in the ARK world.

All the resources are just for you and your friends. It’s like having your clubhouse where you make all the rules.

Non-Dedicated Servers: The resources are shared among everyone playing, so you might not get as much space to roam around or as many cool features.

Can You Host a Dedicated Server and Play on ARK

Advantages of a Dedicated Server

Choosing a dedicated server for ARK has some perks:

Continuous World: Even if the host isn’t playing, the game world keeps going. So, you and your friends can hop on and play whenever you want, without waiting for someone to start the game.
Customization: With a dedicated server, you can customize your game settings however you like. Want to make the dinosaurs harder to beat or give yourself superpowers? You can do that with a dedicated server.

Can You Do Both?

Running a Dedicated Server and Playing ARK

Now, here’s the big question: Can you run a dedicated server and play ARK at the same time?

Well, it’s a bit tricky.

Limitations

Typically, you can’t run a dedicated server and play ARK on the same PC.

Why? Because running both takes up a lot of resources, like memory and processing power.

It’s just too much for one PC to handle.

So, if you want to run a dedicated server and play ARK at the same time, you’ll need to use two different devices.

Maybe you can run the server on your old laptop while you play on your gaming PC, or vice versa.

Ultimately, whether you choose a dedicated server or a non-dedicated one depends on how you want to play ARK.

If you want more control and flexibility, a dedicated server might be the way to go.

But if you’re just looking for some casual fun with friends, a non-dedicated server hosted by another player could be perfect.

What Alternative Solutions Are Available?

For hosting an ARK server while playing the game, consider these options:

Use a separate computer: Set up the server on another computer to dedicate resources solely to hosting, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Rent a dedicated server: Consider renting from a gaming server provider for hassle-free hosting without hardware management.

How To Make The Right Decision

Select the best solution based on:

PC’s capabilities: Assess if your PC can handle hosting alongside gameplay.
Budget: Decide between upfront hardware costs or recurring server rental fees.
Number of players: Consider scalability needs for large groups or smaller gatherings.

By weighing these factors, you can ensure an optimal ARK gaming experience for you and your friends.

Conclusion

Hosting your own ARK server lets you customize the world and have more control.

However, playing on the same PC while hosting might be a little difficult.

This article has explored your options, including paid hosting services, to help you choose the perfect ARK server solution.