Can You Make an ARK Server Private?
Ark: Survival Evolved is an exhilarating multiplayer game that allows players to explore a vast open-world environment filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Whether you want to play with friends or create a private server for a more exclusive gaming experience, making your ARK server private is indeed possible.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up a private ARK server.
Step 1: Acquiring the Necessary Files
Before diving into the process of making your ARK server private, you need to ensure that you have the required files and software. The primary tool you’ll need is the ARK Server Manager, which can be easily downloaded from the official ARK website.
This tool simplifies the setup and management of your server.
Step 2: Configuring Server Settings
Once you have installed the ARK Server Manager, launch it and navigate to the settings section. Here, you can configure various aspects of your server to make it private.
Look for options such as “Server Password” or “Private Server” and enable them by checking the corresponding boxes.
To enhance security further, consider enabling features like “Whitelist” or “Steam ID Authentication.” These features allow only selected players to join your server by providing their Steam IDs or adding them to a predefined whitelist.
Step 3: Setting up Admin Password
To ensure that only authorized individuals can manage and administer your private ARK server, it is crucial to set up an admin password. Under the server settings section in ARK Server Manager, look for options like “Admin Password” or “RCON Password.”
Set a strong password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Step 4: Port Forwarding
To allow your friends or selected players to connect to your private ARK server, you need to configure port forwarding on your router. Access your router’s settings by typing its IP address into a web browser.
Locate the port forwarding section and add a new rule for the ARK server’s port (default is 27015) using your server’s internal IP address.
Ensure that you save the changes and restart your router for the new settings to take effect. This step is crucial as it allows incoming connections from external devices to reach your private ARK server.
Step 5: Communicating Server Details
Now that your private ARK server is up and running, it’s time to share the details with the players you want to invite. Provide them with the following information:
- The external IP address of your network (which can be found through websites like whatismyip.com)
- The port number you set in the port forwarding configuration (default is 27015)
- The server password (if applicable)
Make sure they understand how to access the game’s server browser and enter this information correctly. With these details, they should be able to locate and join your private ARK server effortlessly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making an ARK server private is not a complicated process. By following these steps, you can create an exclusive gaming environment where only authorized individuals can join.
Remember to secure your server further by configuring admin passwords and enabling additional authentication methods. Happy gaming!