Hello readers, welcome to our guide on how to host your own ARK server. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about setting up your very own ARK server from scratch. Whether you’re looking to play with friends or create a community of fellow gamers, this guide will help you get started.
Table of Contents
- Requirements
- Installation
- Configuration
- Port Forwarding
- Adding Mods
- Backing Up Your Server
- Troubleshooting
- FAQs
Requirements
Before we jump into the setup process, let’s take a look at the requirements needed to host an ARK server:
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Windows PC or Dedicated Server | You will need a Windows PC or dedicated server to host your ARK server. The more powerful the system, the better the server performance will be. |
4GB RAM | Make sure you have at least 4GB of RAM available to host your server. |
20GB of Storage Space | You will need at least 20GB of free storage space to install the server files. |
ARK: Survival Evolved Game Files | You will need to purchase and install the ARK: Survival Evolved game files from Steam or the Epic Games Store. |
Port Forwarding | If you plan to host your server on a home network, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server. |
If you have met the requirements above, then you’re ready to move on to the installation process.
Installation
The installation process for an ARK server is relatively simple. Follow the steps below:
- Download and install SteamCMD on your Windows PC or dedicated server. You can download it from the official SteamCMD website.
- Once SteamCMD is installed, open the command prompt as an administrator and navigate to the SteamCMD installation folder.
- Enter the following command:
login anonymous
- Enter the following command to install the ARK server files:
app_update 376030 validate
- Wait for the download and installation process to complete. This may take some time depending on your internet speed.
After the installation is complete, you can now move on to the configuration process.
Configuration
The next step in setting up your ARK server is to configure the server settings. Follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the location where you installed the ARK server files.
- Open the file named “
GameUserSettings.ini
“. - Edit the settings to your desired values. Here are some important settings you should consider changing:
ServerAdminPassword
: Set a password for the server admin controls. This will ensure that only you can access and modify the server settings.MaxPlayers
: Set the maximum number of players allowed on the server.ServerName
: Set a name for your server.DifficultyOffset
: Adjust the difficulty level of the game.
- Save the changes and close the file. Your server is now configured and ready to be started.
Port Forwarding
If you plan to host your server on a home network, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server. Follow the steps below:
- Log in to your router’s configuration page.
- Navigate to the port forwarding section.
- Add a new port forwarding rule for the ARK server.
- Protocol: TCP
- External port: 7777
- Internal IP address: The IP address of the device hosting the server
- Internal port: 7777
- Save the changes and exit the router configuration page.
Players can now connect to your server using your public IP address and the port number (e.g. 123.45.67.89:7777
).
Adding Mods
If you want to add mods to your ARK server, follow the steps below:
- Download the mods you wish to add from the Steam Workshop or other modding websites.
- Extract the mod files to the “
\ShooterGame\Content\Mods
” directory in your ARK server installation folder. - Add the mod IDs to the “
GameUserSettings.ini
” file under the “[ServerSettings]
” section.- Example:
ActiveMods=123456789,987654321
- Example:
- Restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Backing Up Your Server
Regularly backing up your server is important to prevent data loss in case of server crashes or other issues. Follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the location of your ARK server installation folder.
- Create a copy of the entire folder and save it to a separate location.
You should aim to back up your server at least once a week, or before making any major changes to the server settings or mods.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while setting up or running your ARK server, check the following:
- Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements.
- Check your internet connection.
- Make sure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the server.
- Check the server logs for any error messages.
- Join the official ARK forums or Reddit communities for help from experienced users.
FAQs
Q: Can I run the server on a Linux system?
A: Yes, you can run the ARK server on a Linux system using Wine or a virtual machine.
Q: Can I host multiple servers on the same system?
A: Yes, you can host multiple ARK servers on the same system by using different ports and installation folders for each server.
Q: Do I need a powerful internet connection to host an ARK server?
A: Yes, a stable and fast internet connection is important for hosting an ARK server.
Q: Can I use mods on my server?
A: Yes, you can add mods to your ARK server by following the instructions above.
Q: Can I change the map of my server?
A: Yes, you can change the map of your ARK server by editing the “GameUserSettings.ini
” file and changing the “MapName
” setting to the desired map name.
Q: Can I limit or ban players from my server?
A: Yes, you can use the server admin controls to limit or ban players from your ARK server. Refer to the official ARK wiki for more information on how to use the admin commands.