ARK: Survival Evolved is a staple among adventure survival games, and it remains popular today. There is even a sequel in the making called ARK 2. As is standard with MMOs, ARK benefits from having a dedicated server that connects you and your friends to the same lobby. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of renting your own ARK server and highlight key factors to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for optimal performance and uptime.
- Proper server configuration and regular updates are essential for maintaining server health and stability.
- Implementing security measures and handling high player traffic effectively can enhance the gaming experience for all players.
Choosing the Right Server Hosting Provider
Evaluating Performance and Uptime
When selecting a server hosting provider for your ARK Survival Evolved server, performance and uptime are critical factors. Look for providers that offer high-performance hardware, such as SSD storage and powerful CPUs, to ensure smooth gameplay. Additionally, check their uptime guarantees—aim for at least 99.9% uptime to minimize disruptions.
Customer Support and Service Level Agreements
Customer support can make or break your server hosting experience. Opt for providers that offer 24/7 support through multiple channels like live chat, email, and phone. Review their Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to understand the level of support you can expect, including response times and issue resolution guarantees.
Pricing and Payment Plans
Pricing is always a consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Compare the cost against the features and support offered. Some providers offer flexible payment plans, including monthly, quarterly, and annual options. Be wary of hidden fees and ensure you understand the total cost of ownership.
Choosing the right server hosting provider involves balancing performance, support, and cost. Make sure to do your homework and select a provider that meets your specific needs.
Setting Up Your ARK Survival Evolved Server
Server Configuration Options
When setting up your ARK Survival Evolved server, the first step is to configure the server settings to match your desired gameplay experience. This includes adjusting parameters such as difficulty level, taming speed, and resource gathering rates. Make sure to save your configurations before shutting down your PC to avoid losing any changes.
Installing Mods and Custom Maps
One of the great features of ARK is the ability to install mods and custom maps to enhance your gameplay. To do this, you’ll need to use Steam Workshop. Simply subscribe to the mods you want, and they will be downloaded automatically. Then, add the Mod IDs to your server’s configuration file to activate them.
Managing Backups and Updates
Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss. Schedule automatic backups to ensure your progress is always safe. Additionally, keep your server updated with the latest patches and updates from the developers to ensure optimal performance and security.
Regular maintenance and updates are crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Always keep an eye on the latest patches and apply them promptly to avoid any disruptions.
Optimizing Server Performance
Optimizing your ARK Survival Evolved server’s performance is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Adjusting Server Settings for Performance
Fine-tuning your server settings can significantly impact performance. Consider adjusting parameters like harvest amount multiplier and taming speed to balance gameplay and server load. Additionally, enabling options like -USEALLAVAILABLECORES can help utilize all CPU cores, enhancing overall performance.
Monitoring Server Health
Regularly monitoring your server’s health is essential. Use tools to track CPU, memory, and network usage. Keeping an eye on these metrics helps you identify potential issues before they affect gameplay. For instance, high CPU usage might indicate the need for a more powerful processor, such as an AMD Ryzen or Intel Xeon.
Handling High Player Traffic
High player traffic can strain your server. To manage this, consider implementing a queue system to control the number of active players. Additionally, choosing a good location for your server can reduce latency and improve player experience. Opt for hosting providers that offer low-latency networks and DDoS protection as standard features.
Pro Tip: Regularly update your server software to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes. This can help maintain a stable and secure gaming environment.
By focusing on these areas, you can ensure your ARK server runs smoothly, providing a better experience for all players.
Ensuring Security and Stability
Ensuring the security and stability of your ARK Survival Evolved server is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Implementing Security Measures
To keep your server safe, you should be updating your OS at every opportunity. Apply all the latest Windows or Linux security patches, as well as feature updates. It’s unlikely you’ll be targeted, but it’s a great habit to get into. The same applies to changing your server password. You should really be editing your settings file every couple of months to make it harder for attackers and cycle out any former users that had access.
Where possible, we recommend you set up your server on a separate PC for security reasons. It’s unlikely, but opening your PC to outside connections may allow hackers to exploit security issues and they could gain access to all the data on it. If you’re using your day-to-day PC, that means all your personal information and documents. If you have an ARK server on a separate PC, only the files in it will be accessible in case of a breach. Like the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Regular Maintenance and Updates
Whatever your choice, it’s important to make sure your backups are working every now and then. Don’t just check the folder; backup and then restore immediately to make sure the entire process is working. Finally, hardware can fail you just as easily as software. Make sure you run hard disk checks, keep your server cool, and monitor the resources it’s using. All of these tips will help you host a stable and lag-free ARK server, which means more fun for you and your users.
Dealing with Common Issues
Common issues like lag, crashes, and connectivity problems can often be mitigated by keeping your server software and hardware in top shape. Regular updates and maintenance are key to preventing these problems. Additionally, monitoring server logs can help you identify and address issues before they become major problems.
Ensuring the security and stability of your ARK server is an ongoing process, but with the right measures in place, you can provide a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience for all your players.
Conclusion
Renting your own ARK: Survival Evolved server can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing you with control over the game environment and ensuring a stable, lag-free experience for you and your friends. Whether you choose to rent from a hosting provider or set up your own server, understanding the key features and configurations is essential. By considering factors such as server location, performance, customer support, and pricing, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. With the right setup, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of ARK and enjoy all the adventures it has to offer.
