Updating your ARK Survival Evolved server is crucial to ensure smooth gameplay and access to the latest features and fixes. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to prepare for, execute, and verify your server update, ensuring your gaming experience remains uninterrupted.
Key Takeaways
- Always back up your server data before initiating an update to prevent data loss.
- Utilize tools like SteamCMD or your game control panel for efficient updates.
- Post-update, ensure your server is running correctly by verifying the update and reinstalling any necessary mods.
Preparing for the Server Update
Before diving into the update process, it’s crucial to prepare your ARK Survival Evolved server properly. This ensures that you won’t lose any valuable data and that the update process goes smoothly. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Backing Up Your Server Data
First and foremost, always back up your server data. This is a critical step to prevent any data loss during the update. You can do this through your server’s control panel. Simply navigate to the dashboard, find the "Backup Save Data" button, and click it. Make sure the backup completes successfully without any errors. If you encounter any issues, contact support immediately.
Stopping Your Server
Next, you need to stop your server. This is essential to ensure that no data is being written or modified during the update process. Go back to the main dashboard for your game server and stop it. This will help in preventing any potential data corruption.
Proper preparation is key to a successful server update. Taking these steps will save you from a lot of headaches down the line.
Updating Your ARK Survival Evolved Server
Updating your ARK Survival Evolved server is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
Using SteamCMD for Updates
SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update the dedicated server for ARK. Follow these steps:
- Download and install SteamCMD if you haven’t already.
- Open SteamCMD and log in anonymously using the command
login anonymous. - Set the installation directory for your ARK server using
force_install_dir <path_to_your_server>. - Update the server by running
app_update 376030 validate. This command will download and install the latest update for ARK.
Updating via Game Control Panel
If you’re using a game control panel provided by your hosting service, updating your server is even easier. Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to your Game Control Panel.
- Navigate to the server management section and find the update button. This is usually labeled as “Update” or “Upgrade”.
- Click the update button and wait for the process to complete. The control panel will handle the rest.
Handling Large Updates
Large updates can be tricky, especially if you have a lot of mods installed. Here are some tips to manage them:
- Backup your server data before starting the update. This ensures you can restore your server if something goes wrong.
- Stop your server during the update process to prevent any data corruption.
- Be patient. Large updates can take a significant amount of time, especially if you have a slow internet connection.
Remember, keeping your server updated is crucial for security and performance. Always check for updates regularly and apply them as soon as possible.
By following these steps, you can ensure your ARK Survival Evolved server is always up-to-date and running smoothly.
Post-Update Procedures
Once your ARK Survival Evolved server update is complete, there are a few essential steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. These post-update procedures will help you verify that the update was successful and that your server is ready for players to rejoin.
Conclusion
Keeping your ARK: Survival Evolved server updated is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently manage updates, backups, and configurations, minimizing downtime and potential issues. Regular updates not only provide new features and improvements but also enhance security and stability. Stay informed about the latest patches and community recommendations to keep your server running optimally. With proper maintenance, your ARK server will continue to be a thriving environment for adventure and survival.
