Tired of paying monthly fees just to play Ark: Survival Evolved with your friends? You’re not alone—many gamers are on the lookout for free server hosting to enjoy private worlds without extra costs. Knowing how to set up and manage your own server can save money and put you in control.
In this article, we’ll walk you through practical ways to host Ark servers for free, share setup tips, and help you pick the best option for your needs.
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How to Get Free ARK Server Hosting: The Comprehensive Guide
Hosting your own ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended server is a dream for many players who want full control, custom mods, and a private space for friends. But paying for server space every month isn’t always an option—especially if you want to experiment or just play casually. Luckily, there are several ways to get started with free ARK server hosting.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step-by-step!
Can You Really Host an ARK Server for Free?
The short answer: Yes, you can host an ARK server for free, but it comes with a few important considerations.
The Two Main Options:
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Self-Hosting:
Use your own computer or spare hardware to run the ARK Dedicated Server application. This is the truest form of “free,” but it requires decent technical knowledge and hardware resources. -
Free Trials and Freemium Hosting:
Some server providers offer trial periods, limited-time promotions, or basic “freemium” plans with reduced performance or player slots.
Let’s break down both of these routes so you can decide which suits your situation.
Option 1: Hosting an ARK Server on Your Own PC (Home Server)
Self-hosting is arguably the most accessible and truly free way to run your own ARK world. Here’s how to do it:
1. Requirements
- A reliable computer – Ideally, not the same PC you use for gaming.
- Stable, fast internet connection – Upload speed is especially important for multiplayer.
- Basic networking knowledge – You’ll need to understand port forwarding and firewall settings.
2. Steps to Set Up a Free ARK Dedicated Server
- Install SteamCMD (Steam Console Client):
- Download SteamCMD from the Steam official site.
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Extract it to a folder on your PC.
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Download the ARK Dedicated Server Application:
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The ARK Dedicated Server is completely free and can be installed using SteamCMD.
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Configure Your Server:
- Set the server name, password (if you want a private server), maximum players, and map.
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Edit configuration files (like GameUserSettings.ini) as needed to fine-tune server rules.
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Port Forwarding:
- Access your router settings.
- Open ports used by ARK (default: TCP/UDP 7777 and 27015).
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This step allows players outside your local network to join.
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Launch the Server:
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Start the server using the batch file provided or by running the executable with your chosen settings.
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Share Your Server’s IP & Port:
- Friends can join using your external IP and the port you set up.
Pros
- Full customization and control.
- Zero recurring hosting fees.
Cons
- Your PC must stay on for players to stay connected.
- Performance depends on your hardware/internet.
- Can be complex for beginners.
Option 2: Free Trials and Freemium ARK Server Hosting Providers
If you want to avoid the technical setup and hardware demands of self-hosting, some service providers offer free ARK server hosting—usually with limitations.
Key Aspects of Free Hosting Offers
- Limited player slots – Free plans typically support 4-10 players.
- Short trial periods – Most are 24-72 hours, sometimes a week.
- Lower performance – Fewer resources and less customizability.
- Ads or upsell offers – Hosting platforms usually hope you’ll upgrade to a paid plan.
Typical Steps to Claim a Free Hosted ARK Server
- Find a Reputable Provider:
- Search for “Free ARK Server Hosting” with current dates to check availability.
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Look for user reviews and reputation, as reliability varies.
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Create an Account:
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Sign up with email and verify.
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Choose the ARK Server Package:
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Select a free, trial, or basic freemium plan.
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Customize Your Server:
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Pick map, mods, player slots, and server name.
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Start the Server:
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Use the web interface to launch; server credentials will be provided.
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Share Connection Info:
- Friends join using the provided server address.
Pros
- No technical setup, easy for beginners.
- Servers are “always on” as long as the plan is active.
Cons
- Short duration unless you upgrade.
- Lag or limited slots on busy/free servers.
- Server may be deleted after the trial ends.
Benefits of Free ARK Server Hosting
- Test Before You Pay:
Try before committing to a subscription. - Learn Server Management:
Experiment in a risk-free environment. - Play Privately:
Host for friends without exposing your main gaming PC.
Challenges and Limitations
Every free solution has its caveats:
- Performance Fluctuations:
Self-hosted servers depend entirely on your hardware and internet; free trials may throttle performance. - Complex Network Setup:
Port forwarding and firewall configuration can be daunting for new users. - Limited Support:
Help and documentation for free plans are usually lacking. - Server Longevity:
Most free hosting expires quickly unless upgraded. - No Official Backups:
You are responsible for manual backups—failure could mean lost progress.
Cost Tips and Smart Hosting Advice
While it’s possible to enjoy ARK servers for free, there are some smart ways to minimize costs even if you later decide to go premium.
Tips to Control Costs
- Start With Trials:
Try several providers’ free trial offers before paying. - Host Locally for Small Groups:
Use your own PC for close friends—no cost, decent speed. - Monitor Usage:
Some plans offer low-cost or pay-as-you-go upgrades if you need more slots later. - Avoid Features You Don’t Need:
Skip extensive mods and big player slots to keep performance smooth and costs down. - Keep Server Files Backed Up:
So you can move between providers or restore as needed. - Check Regional Pricing:
Some hosting platforms offer cheaper plans in specific countries.
Best Practices for Free ARK Server Hosting
- Keep Server Updated:
Always run the latest server version to avoid compatibility issues. - Communicate With Players:
Let your group know about server restarts or potential downtime. - Use Backups:
Regularly back up world and character data. - Monitor Performance:
Watch CPU, RAM, and bandwidth usage to prevent crashes. - Secure Your Server:
Use passwords or whitelist features to prevent unwanted players.
Should You Pay for Hosted ARK Servers?
If you want your server to run 24/7, host large numbers of players, or leverage advanced modding, paid server hosting is often worth it. Prices vary, but you’ll get:
- Automatic backups
- Easy mod management
- Customer support
- Central data centers for improved connection
But for casual or short-term use, free solutions are a great way to get started, experiment, or play with a small group of friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many players can join a free ARK server?
Most free trials and self-hosted servers are limited by performance and provider restrictions. Generally, you can expect 4–10 slots on free hosted servers. Self-hosted servers can support more, but only if your internet and hardware are strong enough.
Is it safe to run an ARK server from home?
Yes, but with precautions. You’ll need to open ports on your router—make sure to use a strong admin password and only share your server IP with trusted players. Consider using a dedicated machine if possible.
Will my progress be saved on a free server?
On a home server, your data is stored locally and you must back it up manually. Free web-hosted servers sometimes delete data at the end of the trial period or after inactivity, so always keep copies of your save files.
Can I add mods to my free ARK server?
Some free providers allow very basic mod support, but with performance limitations. On a self-hosted server, you have complete freedom to add mods, but every mod increases hardware demands.
Does free server hosting support ARK: Survival Ascended?
Most self-hosted solutions and some hosted providers now support ARK: Survival Ascended, as well as the older Survival Evolved. Always check compatibility before setting up, as system requirements and setup steps can differ.
Summary
Free ARK server hosting is absolutely possible, whether you want to host at home on your own hardware or try out a hosted provider’s free plan. Self-hosting offers the most customization at the cost of technical setup, while free trials with hosting companies are great to test before you buy. Pay attention to limitations around performance, player count, and game version compatibility. Back up your files, stay vigilant with network security, and enjoy creating your own ARK experience on your terms!