The Ultimate Guide: Hosting a Dedicated Server in Ark

Hosting a dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved allows players to have full control over their gaming experience, including customizing settings, managing mods, and playing with friends or a community. Here's the ultimate guide to hosting a dedicated server in Ark:

1. System Requirements:

   • Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to host a dedicated server. This includes sufficient RAM, CPU, and storage space to accommodate the game and server files.

2. Download and Install Ark Server Manager:

   • Ark Server Manager is a third-party tool that simplifies the process of setting up and managing an Ark dedicated server. Download and install the latest version of Ark Server Manager from the official website.

3. Configure Server Settings:

   • Launch Ark Server Manager and navigate to the settings tab to configure server settings. Customize parameters such as server name, password, map, difficulty, and player limits according to your preferences.

4. Install Mods:

   • If desired, install mods to enhance gameplay and add new features to your server. Ark Server Manager makes it easy to browse, install, and manage mods directly from the interface.

5. Port Forwarding:

   • You'll need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server from outside your local network. Forward ports 27015 (UDP) and 7777 (UDP) to the internal IP address of your server.

6. Start the Server:

   • Once settings are configured and mods are installed, start the server from Ark Server Manager. The server will launch, and you'll see a console window displaying server status and logs.

7. Admin Controls:

   • As the server host, you have access to admin controls to manage the server environment. Use commands such as "cheat fly" or "cheat god" to enable cheats, and "admin cheat" prefix to execute admin commands.

8. Invite Players:

   • Share your server IP address and password with friends or community members to invite them to join your server. Players can search for your server in the Ark server browser using the server name or IP address.

9. Regular Maintenance:

   • Monitor server performance, apply updates, and perform regular maintenance to ensure smooth gameplay and prevent issues. Stay informed about game patches, mod updates, and community feedback to keep your server running smoothly.

10. Community Management:

    • Foster a positive and inclusive community on your server by establishing clear rules, enforcing them consistently, and fostering open communication. Address player concerns promptly and encourage collaboration and teamwork among players.

By following these steps, you can host a dedicated server in Ark: Survival Evolved and create an immersive gaming experience for yourself and your community. Whether playing with friends or building a thriving server community, hosting a dedicated server offers endless possibilities for adventure in the world of Ark.