Does It Cost Money to Make a Private ARK Server?
If you’re an avid gamer, chances are you’ve heard of ARK: Survival Evolved. This popular survival game allows players to explore a vast open world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
One of the great features of ARK is the ability to create your own private server, giving you full control over the gameplay experience. However, the question on many players’ minds is whether or not it costs money to make a private ARK server.
Let’s dive into it!
The Short Answer:
Yes, creating a private ARK server does require some financial investment. However, the cost can vary depending on your needs and preferences. There are both free and paid options available, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.
Free Options:
If you’re on a tight budget or simply prefer not to spend any money on hosting your private ARK server, there are free options available. These typically come in the form of self-hosting or using a spare computer as a dedicated server.
Self-Hosting:
If you have a powerful enough computer and a stable internet connection, you can choose to self-host your private ARK server. This involves downloading and setting up the necessary software from SteamCMD (Steam Console Client). While this option doesn’t require direct monetary investment, keep in mind that it may consume significant amounts of electricity and put strain on your hardware.
Using Spare Computer:
If you have an extra computer lying around that meets the system requirements for running an ARK server, you can repurpose it as a dedicated server. This option also doesn’t incur any direct costs but requires you to allocate a separate machine solely for running the server.
Paid Options:
If you prefer a more reliable and hassle-free experience, opting for a paid hosting service might be the way to go. With paid options, you can enjoy better performance, technical support, and additional features. Here are some popular paid ARK server hosting providers:
- Nitrado
- Survival Servers
- GTXGaming
Nitrado:
Nitrado is a well-known game server hosting company that offers ARK server hosting at competitive prices. They provide user-friendly control panels, automatic backups, and the ability to customize various server settings. Prices vary depending on the number of slots (player slots) and the desired runtime.
Survival Servers:
Survival Servers is another reputable provider for hosting private ARK servers. They offer powerful hardware, DDoS protection, and excellent customer support. Prices are based on factors such as server location, RAM capacity, and player slots.
GTXGaming:
GTXGaming provides high-performance servers specifically optimized for ARK: Survival Evolved. They offer a range of plans to suit different player needs, including mod support and automatic updates. Pricing depends on the number of slots and desired server location.
Conclusion:
In summary, creating a private ARK server does come with some cost implications. While there are free options available through self-hosting or repurposing spare computers as dedicated servers, they may not offer the same level of performance or stability as paid hosting services.
Paid options such as Nitrado, Survival Servers, and GTXGaming provide a more reliable and feature-rich experience, but at a price. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, technical capabilities, and desired level of control.
Regardless of which option you choose, having your own private ARK server can enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to play with friends, customize the gameplay settings, and create your own unique world within the game.