ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular survival game that challenges players to tame dinosaurs, build shelters, and survive in a hostile environment. One of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience is by creating your own server. Whether you want to play with friends or create a custom gaming environment, setting up a server can provide endless possibilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create, manage, and connect to your own ARK server.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right server hosting option is crucial for performance and cost-effectiveness.
- Proper configuration and management of your server settings ensure a smooth gaming experience.
- Understanding how to connect to your server and troubleshoot issues is essential for uninterrupted gameplay.
Choosing the Right Server Hosting Option
When setting up an ARK Survival Evolved server, the first major decision you’ll face is choosing the right hosting option. This choice will significantly impact your server’s performance, cost, and management complexity. Let’s break down the key considerations.
Dedicated Server vs. Hosted Server
A dedicated server is a physical machine solely reserved for your use. This option provides the best performance and control but comes at a higher cost and requires more technical know-how. On the other hand, a hosted server, often a Virtual Private Server (VPS), is a more affordable and user-friendly option. Hosted servers share resources with other users but are easier to manage and scale.
System Requirements
Before diving into server setup, ensure your hardware meets the necessary system requirements. For a dedicated server, you’ll need a robust setup:
- CPU: Quad-core processor
- RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB recommended)
- Storage: SSD with at least 100GB free space
- Network: High-speed internet connection with low latency
For hosted servers, providers usually handle the hardware, but it’s essential to check their specifications to ensure they meet ARK’s demands.
Cost Considerations
Cost is a crucial factor in your decision. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Hosting Option | Estimated Monthly Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Server | $100 – $300 | Best performance, full control | High cost, requires technical expertise |
| Hosted Server | $10 – $50 | Affordable, easy to manage | Shared resources, potential performance issues |
Tip: If you’re new to server management, starting with a hosted server can be a cost-effective way to learn the ropes before committing to a dedicated server.
Choosing the right server hosting option is the foundation of a smooth ARK Survival Evolved experience. Consider your budget, technical skills, and performance needs carefully before making a decision.
Setting Up Your ARK Server
Setting up your own ARK server can seem daunting, but with the right steps, you’ll have it running smoothly in no time. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.
Managing Your ARK Server
Admin Commands and Tools
Managing an ARK server effectively requires a good grasp of admin commands and tools. The Ark Server Manager is a popular tool that simplifies server management. It provides a user-friendly interface to create and edit server profiles, making it easier to customize the gaming experience. You can also use RCON (Remote Console) commands to manage your server remotely. Here are some essential RCON commands:
broadcast <message>: Sends a message to all players.kickplayer <playername>: Kicks a player from the server.banplayer <playername>: Bans a player from the server.unbanplayer <playername>: Unbans a player.
Modding Your Server
Modding can significantly enhance your ARK server by adding new content and features. To install mods, you’ll need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop and then add their Mod IDs to your server’s configuration file. Here’s a quick guide:
- Subscribe to the desired mods on the Steam Workshop.
- Locate the Mod ID from the mod’s URL.
- Add the Mod ID to the
GameModIdsparameter in your server’s configuration file. - Restart your server to apply the changes.
Backing Up and Restoring Data
Regular backups are crucial to prevent data loss. You can manually back up your server data by copying the Saved directory from your server files. For automated backups, consider using scripts or third-party tools. Here’s a simple backup script example for Windows:
@echo off
set backupdir=C:ARKBackups
set datadir=C:ARKServerShooterGameSaved
set timestamp=%date:~-4%-%date:~4,2%-%date:~7,2%_%time:~0,2%-%time:~3,2%
mkdir %backupdir%%timestamp%
xcopy %datadir% %backupdir%%timestamp% /E /H /C /I
Regularly backing up your server data ensures that you can quickly restore your server in case of any issues.
Connecting to Your ARK Server
Once your ARK server is up and running, the next step is to connect to it. This section will guide you through the process of finding and joining your server, as well as troubleshooting any connection issues you might encounter.
Conclusion
Setting up your own ARK: Survival Evolved server can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing a stable and customizable environment for you and your friends. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create and manage a server that meets your specific needs. Whether you want to explore new maps, install mods, or tweak server settings, having your own server gives you the control to shape your ARK adventure. With a dedicated server, you can ensure that your game world is always available, allowing for continuous play and a more immersive experience.
