Hosting a Non-Dedicated Server for ARK: Survival Evolved on PC

ARK: Survival Evolved is an immersive survival game that allows players to explore a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and ancient creatures. One of the best ways to enjoy ARK is by playing with friends, and hosting a non-dedicated server on your PC is a convenient and cost-effective way to do this. This guide will walk you through setting up and optimizing a non-dedicated server for ARK on your PC, ensuring an enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Understanding Non-Dedicated Servers

A non-dedicated server is a game session hosted on your local machine while you play. This server type is ideal for small groups of friends who want to play together without the additional cost of a dedicated server. However, there are some limitations, such as tethering distance, which restricts how far players can move away from the host.

System Requirements

Before setting up a non-dedicated server, ensure your PC meets the game's minimum system requirements. A more powerful system will provide a smoother gaming experience, especially when multiple players are involved.

Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
• Storage: 60 GB available space
• Internet: Broadband internet connection

Recommended System for Better Performance:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-4770/AMD Ryzen 5 1600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB

Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Non-Dedicated Server

Step 1: Launch ARK: Survival Evolved

Open Steam and launch ARK: Survival Evolved from your game library. Ensure the game is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 2: Access the Host/Local Menu

From the main menu, select the "Host/Local" option. This will take you to the settings screen where you can configure your server.

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

In the "Host/Local" menu, you will find various settings to customize your server:

• Session Name: Choose a unique and identifiable name for your session.
• Password: Set a password to restrict access, ensuring only invited friends can join.
• Private Match: Enable this option to keep your session from appearing in the public server list.
• Tether Distance: Adjust the slider to control the maximum distance players can move away from the host. Setting this too high may impact performance.
• Game Settings: Customize difficulty, taming speed, resource gathering rates, and other game parameters to suit your group's preferences.

Step 4: Launch Your Server

After configuring the settings, click on the "Host Non-Dedicated Session" button. The game will load into the world, and your server will be live, ready for friends to join.

Step 5: Invite Friends

To invite friends, open the in-game menu (usually by pressing "Tab" or "Esc") and select the "Invite Friends" option. This will open your Steam friends list, allowing you to send invites. Friends can also join directly through the "Join Ark" option in their main menu, provided they know the session name and password.

Optimizing Your Non-Dedicated Server

Stable Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for hosting a non-dedicated server. Ensure your network can handle the additional load. Using a wired connection can help reduce latency and prevent disconnections.

Adjust Graphics Settings

Hosting a server while playing can be demanding on your system. Lowering in-game graphics settings can help improve performance. Focus on reducing settings like shadows, textures, and view distance.

Regularly Save Your Game

ARK can be unpredictable, and crashes or disconnections can occur. Regularly saving your game progress can prevent data loss. Use the in-game save feature or adjust auto-save intervals in the server settings.

Backup Server Data

Periodically back up your server data to avoid losing progress due to unexpected issues. Save files are located in the "ShooterGame\Saved" directory within the ARK installation folder.

Communicate with Players

Maintain open communication with your friends on the server. Use voice chat or messaging apps to coordinate gameplay, resolve issues, and ensure everyone has a great experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

If friends have trouble connecting to your server, check the following:

• Ensure the session name and password are correct.
• Verify that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking ARK.
• Check that your router's NAT type is set to open, or configure port forwarding for ARK (default ports: 7777 and 27015).

Performance Issues

If the game lags or stutters, try these solutions:

• Lower in-game graphics settings.
• Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.
• Adjust the tether distance to find a balance between performance and player freedom.

SEO Best Practices for ARK Server Hosting

Keywords

To maximize your article's reach, integrate the following keywords naturally into your content:

• Primary Keyword: Non-dedicated server ARK PC
• Secondary Keywords: Hosting ARK server, ARK Survival Evolved multiplayer, ARK non-dedicated server setup, ARK server optimization

Meta Description

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Header Tags

Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content. This not only improves readability but also helps search engines understand the hierarchy and main points of your article.

Internal and External Links

Include internal links to other relevant articles on your website and external links to authoritative sources. This boosts your article's credibility and SEO performance.

Image Alt Text

Add descriptive alt text to images to improve accessibility and help search engines index your content better.

Conclusion

Hosting a non-dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved on PC is a fantastic way to enjoy the game with friends. By following this guide, you can set up and optimize your server, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Remember to communicate with your friends, adjust settings as needed, and dive into the thrilling world of ARK together. Happy surviving!

By adhering to these SEO best practices, your article on hosting a non-dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved on PC will be more likely to reach a broad audience and provide valuable information to players seeking to enhance their gaming experience.