Ever wondered how to host your own ARK: Survival Evolved server, so you can play with friends on your own terms? Whether you want to customize settings, control your world, or gather a private group, setting up a server is the key.
Knowing how to host ARK gives you freedom and flexibility. This article breaks down the process into simple steps, offers helpful tips, and shares insights to make managing your own ARK server easy and enjoyable.
How to Host an ARK Server: Your Complete Guide
Setting up your own ARK: Survival Evolved server is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the adventure—giving you full control over your world, settings, and who you share the experience with. Whether you want to run a private game with friends or build a larger community, hosting an ARK server unlocks new possibilities. In this article, you’ll learn how to host ARK, what to consider, and get practical tips to ensure your server runs smoothly.
What Does It Mean to Host an ARK Server?
Hosting an ARK server means you provide a dedicated environment where players can join and play the game together. You can set up the server on your own hardware at home or rent space from a professional hosting provider. The two main options are:
- Self-hosted server: You use your own PC or a dedicated machine.
- Rented server: You pay a company that specializes in game server hosting to do the heavy lifting.
Both options offer flexibility in how you configure your in-game world, create rules, and manage player access.
Main Ways to Host an ARK Server
1. Self-Hosting (On Your Own PC or Hardware)
If you have a powerful PC and a good internet connection, you can host a server right from your home. Here’s an overview of the process:
Steps to Self-Host an ARK Server
- Ensure your PC Meets the Requirements
- At least a quad-core processor
- 8GB RAM (16GB+ recommended for larger servers)
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Reliable broadband internet with high upload speed
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Download the ARK Server Software
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Use Steam’s “Tools” section or download the dedicated server files through SteamCMD.
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Configure Your Server
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Edit the configuration files to set up server name, password, game rules, mods, and maps.
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Open Required Ports
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Forward ports (typically 7777 and 27015) on your router to allow friends to connect.
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Start Your Server
- Launch the server executable and share your IP address with players.
Pros & Cons of Self-Hosting
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Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Full control over hardware and settings
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Cons:
- Runs only when your PC is on
- Can impact your PC’s performance
- Complex setup and ongoing maintenance
2. Renting a Server (Third-Party Hosting Providers)
Many gamers prefer renting from professional server hosts that specialize in ARK. Popular providers include Nitrado, GPORTAL, Host Havoc, Shockbyte, UltaHost, Apex Hosting, and PebbleHost.
Steps to Rent an ARK Server
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Choose a Hosting Provider
- Compare pricing, features, and supported platforms (PC, Xbox, PS4, Switch).
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Select Your Server Plan
- Decide how many player slots you need and which map(s) you want.
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Configure Server Settings Online
- Use the provider’s web interface to set map, mods, rules, and other options.
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Start & Manage Your Server
- Your server is accessible 24/7. You’ll get a web dashboard for easy management.
Pros & Cons of Renting a Server
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Pros:
- Reliable, 24/7 uptime
- Managed maintenance and backups
- Easy to set up, even for beginners
- No impact on your PC performance
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Cons:
- Monthly subscription costs
- Less hardware control compared to self-hosted
Key Aspects to Consider Before Hosting
Platform Support
Not all servers are cross-platform. Double-check whether your chosen hosting method supports PC, Xbox, PS4, or Switch—and if players on different platforms can join together.
Player Slots
Decide how many players you want to support. More slots generally cost more but ensure a better multiplayer experience for larger groups.
Game Mods and Map Support
Custom maps and mods add huge replay value. If these are important to you, make sure your host supports Steam Workshop or custom file uploads.
Backup and Restore Features
Reliable hosts offer automated backups—crucial for recovering your world in case something goes wrong.
Performance and Hardware
Higher performance equals smoother gameplay, especially with many players and dinosaurs. When renting, look for SSD storage, high CPU speeds, and DDoS protection.
Cost Considerations
- Self-hosted: Free, but increased power consumption and possible ISP bandwidth issues.
- Hosted: Monthly fees, typically starting around $10–$15 for small servers and upwards for larger, high-performance plans.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your ARK Server
Here’s a detailed walkthrough for both self-hosted and professionally hosted servers.
Self-Hosted ARK Server
- Install SteamCMD
- Download SteamCMD for your operating system.
- Create a folder (e.g., C:\arkserver).
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Place SteamCMD.exe inside.
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Download ARK Server Files
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Run SteamCMD and use commands to install ARK Dedicated Server.
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Configure Server Properties
- Edit .ini files (GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini) to tweak rules, experience rates, and more.
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Set a strong admin password.
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Set Firewall and Port Forwarding
- Open necessary ports on your router and firewall:
- Game Port: 7777 (UDP)
- Query Port: 27015 (UDP)
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Look up guides for your router model if unsure.
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Start the Server
- Use command line or batch files to launch the server.
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Check the logs for errors and test joining from another PC.
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Share IP and Server Name
- Friends can join through the in-game browser or direct IP connect.
Renting an ARK Server
- Choose Your Host
- Evaluate providers based on reliability, customer reviews, and included features.
- Hosts such as Nitrado, GPORTAL, and Shockbyte are popular choices.
- Pick Your Plan
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Select player slots (e.g., 10, 20, 50), preferred region, and server duration.
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Configure Your Server Online
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Most providers offer an easy web dashboard for:
- Map/mode selection
- Mod/plugin installation
- Custom server rules
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Deploy and Play
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Your server is live within minutes. Share details, and start playing.
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Ongoing Management
- Manage backups, updates, and player bans via your host’s dashboard.
Benefits of Hosting Your Own ARK Server
- Complete Control: Adjust game speed, rules, mods, admin rights, and more.
- Private Community: Play with friends without unwanted interruptions or griefers.
- 24/7 Uptime: Professional hosts keep your world always-on.
- Customization: Access vast libraries of mods and custom maps to tailor gameplay.
- Scalability: Easily upgrade player slots or change maps as your group grows.
Challenges to Watch Out For
- Technical Complexity: Self-hosting demands technical know-how and troubleshooting.
- Performance Demands: ARK is resource-heavy. Underpowered servers can lag or crash.
- Ongoing Costs: Hosted servers involve recurring monthly fees.
- Mod Updates and Compatibility: Mods and maps require regular updates and can sometimes cause issues.
- Backup Responsibility: Regularly backing up your world is essential to prevent data loss.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
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Start Small: Especially if new to server hosting, begin with a few player slots and scale up as needed.
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Automate Backups: Enable automatic backups so you never lose progress.
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Moderation Tools: Assign trustworthy admins to help manage the server.
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Stay Updated: Regularly update game files, mods, and server software for security and best performance.
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Promote Respectful Play: Set rules and enforce them for a fun, fair environment.
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Optimize Settings: Adjust dino counts, resource rates, and engram unlocks for your group’s preferences.
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Monitor Performance: Use your host’s dashboard to watch for lag spikes or crashes and adjust accordingly.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Pay Annually: Many hosts offer discounts for longer-term commitments.
- Share Costs: Split expenses with your player group or community.
- Choose Off-Peak Regions: Sometimes, non-peak datacenter locations offer lower prices.
- Limit Player Slots: Only pay for the number of players you actually need.
Concluding Summary
Hosting your own ARK: Survival Evolved or Survival Ascended server unlocks a world of control, customization, and community-building possibilities. Whether you choose to self-host or rent from a trusted provider, you gain the ability to shape every aspect of your prehistoric adventure. Always weigh the benefits, challenges, and costs to choose the best option for your situation. With a bit of setup and some ongoing care, you and your fellow survivors will thrive in the world of ARK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I host an ARK server for free?
Yes, you can self-host on your own PC without paying for a third-party host. However, this may impact your computer’s performance, and the server will only be online when your PC is running.
2. Do I need a powerful computer to run my own server?
ARK is resource-intensive. For smooth gameplay, especially with more players or mods, a quad-core CPU and at least 8-16GB of RAM are recommended, along with a strong internet connection.
3. Is it difficult to install mods on my ARK server?
Most rented servers offer simple web interfaces for adding and managing mods. For self-hosted servers, you’ll manually upload and configure mods, which can be more complex but allows for deeper customization.
4. Will people on Xbox or PlayStation be able to join my server?
Crossplay is possible, but it depends on the server’s setup and the hosting provider’s support. Always confirm cross-platform compatibility, as some features or mods may be PC-only.
5. What happens if my rented server goes offline or crashes?
Reputable hosts offer technical support, regular backups, and quick restarts. With self-hosted servers, you’ll need to monitor uptime and handle troubleshooting and backups yourself.
By following this guide, you’re well on your way to creating a thriving ARK community and enjoying unforgettable adventures in your own prehistoric world. Happy hosting!