Ever dreamed of surviving and thriving with friends in ARK: Survival Evolved—without dealing with laggy public servers or paying monthly fees? You’re not alone. Hosting your own ARK server for free is a question many gamers ask, but clear answers are hard to find.
This article cuts through the confusion, guiding you step-by-step through your best free hosting options, setup instructions, and helpful tips so you can enjoy ARK your way, hassle-free.
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How to Get Free ARK: Survival Evolved Server Hosting
Hosting your own ARK: Survival Evolved server is the perfect way to play with friends, run your own game world, or create a thriving community. Many gamers are interested in finding a way to do this for free. Let’s break down what free ARK server hosting means, the steps to make it happen, benefits and potential hurdles, and insider tips to get the best possible experience without spending a dime.
What Does “Free ARK Server Hosting” Mean?
Free ARK server hosting refers to running a dedicated game server for ARK: Survival Evolved without paying any upfront or monthly fees. This can be achieved by using your own hardware, capitalizing on free trials from hosting providers, or finding specialized services that offer free—sometimes ad-supported—ARK server solutions. Each method has its own pros, cons, and requirements.
Ways to Get a Free ARK Server
There are three main ways to set up a free ARK server:
- Host at Home (on Your Own PC)
- Utilize Free Trials from Server Providers
- Find Providers with Free Tiers or Special Offers
Let’s delve into each of these in detail.
1. Hosting an ARK Server on Your Own PC
This method involves using your own computer to run the server software. It’s ideal for small groups or testing purposes.
Steps to Set Up:
- Make Sure Your PC Meets the Requirements
- At least 8 GB RAM, ideally 16 GB or more
- Modern CPU (quad-core or better)
- Reliable broadband internet connection
- Download ARK Server Tools
- Download the “ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server” from your Steam library or get the server files from the game’s official website.
- Configure Server Settings
- Edit configuration files (like GameUserSettings.ini) to set up rules and preferences.
- Set Up Port Forwarding
- Access your router settings and forward required ports (typically 27015, 27016, and 7777) to your PC to allow external connections.
- Start the Server
- Launch using the provided batch file or a tool. Your server should now be visible to friends!
Pros
- Total control over server settings and mods.
- No ongoing costs.
Cons
- Server is only online when your PC is running.
- Uses significant system resources and internet bandwidth.
- May require some technical know-how.
2. Using Free Trials from Hosting Providers
Some professional hosting companies offer free trials for ARK servers, typically for several days or even a week.
How to Get Started:
- Identify providers that offer free trials—these typically highlight the promotion on their homepages.
- Sign up for an account, making note of any credit card requirements.
- Configure your ARK server via their web dashboard.
- Invite friends and enjoy premium performance for the trial period.
Top Benefits
- No hardware or technical skills needed.
- Professional-grade servers with strong uptime and bandwidth.
- Quick setup and user-friendly control panels.
Things to Consider
- Trials are short-lived (usually a few days).
- May need to upgrade to a paid plan when trial ends.
- Some require payment info (watch for auto-renewal).
3. Free ARK Hosting Providers & Community Solutions
A handful of platforms and gaming communities occasionally offer limited free hosting for ARK servers as part of their service or for promotional purposes. These might be “free forever” plans with limits, or ad-supported servers.
Features of Free Hosting Providers
- Limited Slots: Usually capped at a small number of players (4–10 slots).
- Limited Mods/Maps: Some may restrict certain features.
- Ad-Supported: You might see ads in control panels or other restrictions.
- Queue-Based Servers: In busy times, your server may hibernate or sleep until there is available capacity.
How to Find Them
- Check gaming forums and ARK communities for current offers.
- Look for established hosting sites—many update their offers monthly and may run giveaways.
Key Advantages
- Accessible to anyone, no financial commitment.
- Perfect for small friend groups or experimenting with mods and maps.
Drawbacks
- Limited support or performance compared to paid.
- Uptime or speed can vary.
- May not be suitable for medium/large communities.
Benefits of Free ARK Server Hosting
Why go for a free server? Consider these advantages:
- No Financial Risk: Test features and settings without paying.
- Practice Server Management: Get comfortable running and administering a server before investing in a paid plan.
- Flexible Play: Host custom maps and mods to your taste.
- Private Sessions: Play in a controlled environment with no random players.
Challenges and Considerations
Before diving into free ARK server hosting, be aware of these challenges:
- Resource Demands: Running a server (especially from home) is taxing on your PC and internet.
- Technical Know-How: Some tinkering with settings, ports, and files is often required.
- Limited Features: Free trials or free-tier services can limit players, mods, or session times.
- Reliability: Uptime and support may not match paid services, leading to more downtime or lag.
Tips & Best Practices for Free ARK Hosting
Make your free ARK server hosting experience as smooth as possible:
- Optimize Settings: Lower player count and adjust world size to reduce lag.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to get support from gaming forums—many ARK players are happy to help newcomers.
- Back Up Your Data Regularly: Free hosting may not provide automated backups.
- Keep Your Server Updated: Regularly check for game or server software updates to avoid compatibility issues.
- Be Mindful of Security: Only share your server IP with trusted friends to avoid griefing or DDoS attacks.
Cost-Saving Tips
Even when considering free hosting, here are some additional ways to save:
- Look for Promotions: Many providers offer discounts or free trials at certain times of the year.
- Share Costs with Friends: If you decide to upgrade later, splitting a premium plan makes it cheap per person.
- Use Your Own Equipment: If you have an unused PC, repurpose it as a dedicated server rather than buying new hardware.
- Reduce Server Size: Smaller servers with limited slots cost less to run, and fit smaller groups best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do free ARK server trials last?
Most free trials from professional hosts last 24 hours to a week, depending on the provider. Always check the details so you can plan your play sessions accordingly.
Can I run an ARK server 24/7 from my home computer?
Technically, yes—but your PC must remain on, connected, and stable. Remember that this increases wear and tear, plus higher electricity usage.
Will my free server support mods and custom maps?
Some free services allow mods and custom maps, but others limit this ability. Home-hosted servers are fully customizable, while free-tier or trial solutions may have restrictions. Always check the server features before setting up.
How many players can join my free ARK server?
For personal or home-hosted servers, player count mainly depends on your hardware and internet. For free provider solutions, expect limits from 4–10 players for the best performance and to prevent overload.
Do I need technical skills to host an ARK server?
Basic computer skills are helpful. Home server setup requires more configuration, like editing settings and forwarding ports.
Using a hosting provider or cloud solution is much simpler, with user-friendly dashboards and setup guides.
Conclusion
Free ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting is within reach for any player, whether you’re hosting on your own equipment or taking advantage of free trials and provider offers. Start small, get comfortable with the process, and always prioritize backing up data and keeping your software up to date. While not as convenient or reliable as a paid service, free hosting is a fantastic way to enjoy customized ARK adventures with friends—without straining your wallet.
As your needs grow, you may choose to upgrade—until then, happy hosting and good luck surviving on the Ark!