How to Create an Ark Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fan of survival games, chances are you’ve heard of ARK: Survival Evolved. This popular multiplayer game has garnered an immense following, thanks to its thrilling gameplay and immersive world. However, if you want to enhance your ARK experience, you can create your own server and invite friends to join you. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own ARK server.

Before we start, it’s worth noting that creating an ARK server can be a little technical, but don’t worry, we’ll simplify things as much as possible. Plus, once you’ve set up your server, it will be a lot of fun to play with friends. Whether you’re looking to host a private game with a few friends or create a public server open to everyone, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to make your own ARK server.

Setting up an Ark Server like a Pro

Are you ready to become the ruler of your own Ark Server? You’re in the right place! Let’s get started on creating the perfect environment for your future gaming adventures.

1. Choosing the Hardware
To start, consider the hardware requirements. You’ll need to choose a high-performance system to run your server. It’s best to invest in a dedicated machine with a high-speed CPU, a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and plenty of storage space.

2. Installing SteamCMD
You’ll need to install SteamCMD to download the necessary files to your server. You can download it directly from the official Steam website.

3. Adjusting Server Settings
After the initial setup, you need to adjust the game settings to suit your preferences. This includes everything from difficulty levels and player spawn densities, to server rates and player statistics.

4. Customizing Your Server’s Rules
You can customize exactly what is allowed and disallowed on your server. You can set rules for PvP, a whitelist for players, and even ban players that break your rules.

5. Mod Selection and Management
With Ark, you have access to a myriad of mods that can be installed to enhance gameplay. Be cautious when selecting mods, as too many can vastly impact server performance.

6. Administering Your Server
As the owner of the server, you’ll occupy an essential administrative role. You’ll need to manage players, maintain the server, and communicate any updates or changes.

7. Server Maintenance
Servers require routine maintenance to function correctly. Schedule regular maintenance and server backups to avoid any catastrophic data loss.

8. Troubleshooting
When you run into issues with your server, it’s essential to have troubleshooting tips on hand. Work with your players to make sure any problems are addressed quickly and they still enjoy the game.

9. Advertising Your Server
After creating your server, you can showcase it to the gaming community to attract more players. Advertising your server to the right gaming community will make people flock to your server.

10. Wrapping Up
Creating an Ark server requires time and effort, but the final outcome can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right hardware, software, and server settings in place, your Ark server will be an unstoppable force in the gaming community.

Setting Up an Ark Server: The Technical Requirements

After deciding to create your own Ark server, the next step is initiating the technical requirements. Before doing this, you need to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run the game. Here are the technical requirements to set up an Ark server:

Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements for setting up an Ark server are significant as the game is resource-intensive. You need to make sure you have a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, and adequate storage space. A powerful processor can help to reduce lags and latency in the game. It is recommended to have at least an Intel Core i5 processor and a minimum of 16GB DDR4 RAM. For storage, an SSD is recommended with a minimum of 60GB free space.

Software Requirements

You need to have the Ark server software installed on your system to create your own server. You can download the Ark server software for free from the Steam Client. Make sure you have the latest version of the software installed on your computer.

Internet Connection

To host an Ark server, you need a stable and high-speed internet connection. The bandwidth requirements for hosting an Ark server are dependent on the number of concurrent players. The game uses a lot of bandwidth, so if your internet connection is not strong enough, players may experience lag while playing.

Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is a vital aspect of hosting an Ark server. You need to configure your router to forward the relevant ports on which your server will operate. The default port number for Ark is 27015, but you can change it as per your wish. Failure to set up port forwarding can prevent players from joining your server.

Static IP

To ensure the stable operation of your Ark server, you need to have a static IP address assigned to your computer. A static IP address guarantees a consistent IP address, making it easier for players to find and connect to your server.

Firewall Settings

You need to configure your firewall settings to allow access to the Ark server ports. Failure to set this up correctly may result in players being unable to connect to your server.

Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools available that can enhance your Ark server’s functionality. You can use tools like Ark Server Manager or Ark Server API to easily manage your server, configure settings, and monitor activity.

Mods and Maps

Mods and maps can help to enhance the experience for players. You can download mods from the Steam Workshop and install them on your server. You can also download custom maps and install them to create a new Ark experience.

Server Backup

Regularly backing up your Ark server is essential for preventing data loss. You can use server backup tools to take regular backups of your server files.

Server Monitoring

You need to monitor your server regularly to ensure the smooth running of your Ark server. Server monitoring tools can help you to keep track of server performance, player activity, and any potential issues that may need your attention.

In conclusion, the technical requirements for setting up an Ark server can seem daunting, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it is achievable. Ensure you have a powerful system, stable internet connection, and have configured your settings correctly to create a successful server.

Choosing the Right Ark Server Type

Now that you have decided to create an Ark server, the next step is to choose the right server type. There are two server types; Player-Dedicated and Official Servers, both with their own pros and cons. Here is an in-depth comparison of the two server types.

Player-Dedicated Servers

Player-Dedicated servers are the most versatile Ark servers. They can be played on console or PC, and are hosted on a player’s device or a rented server. They are the better choice for players who want to have control over every aspect of the server, such as the game settings, mods, and selecting who can play on the server.

Setting up a Player-Dedicated server is easy. You can do this by either downloading the server software from the Steam library or use a third-party hosting service. Private servers require players to provide their own hardware.

Player-Dedicated servers have some drawbacks. These servers have limited resources since they run on a player’s device. The server may become laggy or even crash if there are too many players on the server.

Official Servers

Official Servers are servers hosted by Studio Wildcard, the game’s developer. These servers are the most stable, as they have the most reliable resources. The downside is that you don’t have the same level of control as with Player-Dedicated servers. Players can only change the game settings from a list of options specified by Studio Wildcard. They also don’t allow for mods, which can be a deal breaker for some players.

If you prefer to play on an official server, you only need to select “Official Server” when browsing the servers. Playing on official servers has its advantages, one of which is that you do not have to worry about the server’s hardware or software. Studio Wildcard also provides regular updates and maintenance to ensure that servers are stable.

Conclusion

When it comes to Ark servers, you will need to choose between a Player-Dedicated server or an Official server. If you want more control over your server’s settings and mods, then a Player-Dedicated server is the better option. If, on the other hand, you are more concerned with stability and do not want to handle the hardware or software, then an Official server is ideal. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal preference and requirements.

Ah, This Is How to Create an Ark Server!

There it is, creating your own Ark server isn’t rocket science, it’s just a few steps and you’re already there. We hope that this guide has been of help in setting up your Ark server. Assemble your tribe and begin your quest on the game that brings plenty of adventures together. You can also try other modifications, adjust the configuration settings or tweak the game files to arrive at the desired gaming experience. Have fun playing with your friends, and aim to become the best tribe out there. Thanks for reading, and see you again soon!