Are you a fan of the popular survival game Ark: Survival Evolved? Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to create your own private server for Ark?
The answer is yes, you can indeed set up a private server for Ark and enjoy the game with your friends in a more controlled environment. In this article, we will explore how to do just that.
Why Set Up a Private Server?
Before we delve into the details of setting up a private server, let’s first understand why you might want to do so. Playing on a private server offers several advantages over playing on official servers.
Firstly, you have full control over the server settings, allowing you to customize the gameplay experience according to your preferences. You can adjust things like player progression rates, taming speed, and resource availability to make the game more enjoyable or challenging.
Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Option
The first step in setting up a private server for Ark is choosing your hosting option. There are two main options available – hosting the server yourself or renting a dedicated server from a hosting provider.
Hosting it yourself requires technical knowledge and resources, such as a powerful computer with good internet connectivity. On the other hand, renting a dedicated server simplifies the process by providing pre-configured hardware and network infrastructure.
Self-Hosting
If you decide to host the server yourself, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running both Ark and acting as a dedicated server simultaneously. You’ll also need to configure your router to allow incoming connections on specific ports used by Ark’s servers.
Renting a Dedicated Server
Renting a dedicated server is often more straightforward for those without technical knowledge or resources. Many hosting providers offer pre-configured servers specifically for Ark. Look for providers that offer good hardware specifications, reliable network connectivity, and excellent customer support.
Step 2: Install the Server Software
Once you have chosen your hosting option, the next step is to install the server software. The process may vary depending on your chosen option, but in most cases, it involves downloading and running the Ark dedicated server software provided by the developers.
Step 3: Configure Server Settings
After installing the server software, it’s time to configure the server settings. This is where you can customize various aspects of gameplay to suit your preferences. The settings are typically stored in a configuration file that can be edited using a text editor.
Server Settings Examples:
- Taming Speed: Adjusts how quickly players can tame dinosaurs.
- Gathering Rate: Controls how much resources players gather from harvesting.
- Experience Multiplier: Determines how fast players level up.
Step 4: Share Server Details with Friends
Once your private server is up and running, it’s time to invite your friends to join in on the fun. Share the server details with them, including the IP address or domain name and any required password. They can then connect to your server directly from their Ark game client.
In Conclusion
Setting up a private server for Ark: Survival Evolved allows you to enjoy the game with friends while having full control over various gameplay aspects. Whether you choose to host the server yourself or rent one from a provider, follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup process.
Now go ahead and start building your own world in Ark!