How to Host an ARK Server: A Complete Guide

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How to Host an ARK Server

ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer game that lets you explore a prehistoric world full of dinosaurs, creatures, and other dangers.

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Hosting an ARK server can be easy or hard, depending on how you choose to do it. This article will explain how to host an ARK server using a hosting provider or a dedicated server, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You’ll also learn how to customize your server settings and mods to suit your preferences/PHOTO COURTESY: Freepik

If you want to host your own ARK server, you have two options:

  • renting a server from a hosting provider
  • setting up your dedicated server on a machine you own or control

This article will explain how to host an ARK server using both methods.

It will also feature the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Renting a Server from a Hosting Provider

One of the easiest ways to host an ARK server is to rent one from a hosting provider that offers ARK server rental.

This way, you don’t have to worry about installing, configuring, or maintaining the server yourself.

You just need to choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, and then customize your server settings and mods using the provider’s control panel or configuration files.

Some of the benefits of renting a server from a hosting provider are:

  1. You can choose from a variety of server locations, hardware, and features to optimize your server performance and gameplay experience.
  2. You can easily install and update mods, maps, and DLCs using the provider’s tools or Steam Workshop integration.
  3. You can access your server anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and the provider’s uptime is reliable.
  4. You can get technical support and customer service from the provider in case you encounter any issues or have any questions.

Some of the drawbacks of renting a server from a hosting provider are:

  1. You must pay a monthly or annual fee to use the server, which can vary depending on the provider, plan, and features you choose.
  2. You have less control and flexibility over your server, as you have to abide by the provider’s terms of service, rules, and limitations.
  3. You have to trust the provider with your server security and data, as they have access to your server files and settings.

A few of the best ARK server hosting providers are:

  • Shockbyte: Offers affordable and budget ARK server hosting starting at $8.00 a month.
  • DatHost: Provides reliable and powerful game server hosting starting at €12.90 a month.
  • RocketNode Hosting: Offers scalable, powerful, and cheap ARK server hosting with premium CPU, NVME storage, and unlimited slots.

Setting Up Your Dedicated Server

Another way to host an ARK server is to set up your dedicated server on a machine you own or control.

This way, you have full control and freedom over your server, and you can customize it to your liking.

However, this also means that you have to install, configure, and maintain the server yourself.

This can be challenging and time-consuming.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of setting up your dedicated server are:

  1. You don’t have to pay any fees to use the server, except for the electricity and internet costs of running the machine.
  2. You have complete control and flexibility over your server.
  3. You have full access and ownership of your server files and data.

Drawbacks

Some of the drawbacks of setting up your dedicated server are:

  1. You need a powerful and stable machine that can run the server and handle the game’s requirements and player load.
  2. You need a fast and reliable internet connection that can support the server’s bandwidth and traffic.
  3. You need to have some technical knowledge and skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot the server and its components.

The steps to set up your dedicated server are:

  1. Download and install the ARK server files using SteamCMD or the ARK Server Manager tool.
    Configure your server settings and options using the command line or the configuration files (GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini).
  2. Add mods to your server by copying the mod files from your ARK game folder to your server folder, and adding the mod IDs to your ActiveMods setting.
  3. Port forward and firewall your server ports (27015, 27016, and 7777 by default) to allow incoming connections from other players.
  4. Launch your server using a batch file or a script that contains the executable name, the map name, and any other options you want.
  5. Find your server in the game’s server browser or join it directly using your IP address and port.

Conclusion

Hosting an ARK server can be a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the game with your friends and other players.

Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, You can rent a server from a hosting provider or set up your dedicated server.

Both methods have their pros and cons, so you should weigh them carefully before deciding which one to choose.

I hope this guide has helped you learn how to host an ARK server.

Thank you for reading and Happy Gaming!

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