Creating a Private Server on Ark
Introduction:
Are you tired of playing on public servers in Ark: Survival Evolved? Do you want to have more control over your gaming experience, play with friends, or even create a community of your own?
The solution is simple – creating a private server! In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up your very own private server in Ark.
Step 1: Installing the Dedicated Server Software:
The first step is to download and install the dedicated server software provided by Ark developers. This software allows you to run a server exclusively for you and your chosen players.
Head over to the official Ark website and navigate to the “Downloads” section. Look for the dedicated server software compatible with your operating system and click on the download link.
Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions provided by the developers. This will ensure that you have all the necessary files and configurations set up correctly.
Step 2: Configuring Your Private Server:
After successfully installing the dedicated server software, it’s time to configure your private server settings. Locate the installation directory where you installed the software and look for a file called “GameUserSettings.ini”. Open this file using a text editor of your choice.
Inside this file, you’ll find various settings that can be customized according to your preferences. You can set parameters such as difficulty level, player count limit, taming speed, harvesting rates, and many more. Make sure to read through each setting carefully and adjust them as per your liking.
Note: Before modifying any settings, it’s always advisable to make a backup of this file. This will help if anything goes wrong during customization or if you want to revert back to default settings later.
Basic Settings:
The following are some essential settings that you might want to consider adjusting:
- ServerName: This is the name that will be displayed in the server list. Choose a unique and descriptive name for your private server.
- MaxPlayers: Set the maximum number of players allowed on your server at any given time.
Keep in mind the capacity of your hardware and internet connection.
- DifficultyOffset: Adjust the difficulty level of the game. Higher values mean more challenging gameplay.
Taming and Harvesting Settings:
If you want to speed up or slow down certain aspects of the game, consider modifying these settings:
- TamingSpeedMultiplier: Increase or decrease the taming speed. Higher values make taming faster, while lower values make it slower.
- HarvestAmountMultiplier: Adjust the rate at which resources are gathered. Higher values increase resource yield, while lower values reduce it.
Note:
Feel free to explore other settings available in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file and customize them according to your preferences. Once you’re done with all modifications, save the file.
Step 3: Port Forwarding and Firewall Configuration:
To allow other players to connect to your private server, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router. Consult your router’s user manual or search online for specific instructions on how to perform port forwarding.
Additionally, ensure that any firewall software on your computer allows incoming connections on the specified port for Ark. If necessary, create an exception rule in your firewall settings.
Step 4: Starting Your Private Server:
Now that you’ve completed the necessary configurations, it’s time to start your private server! Locate the dedicated server software installation directory once again and look for a file named “ShooterGameServer.exe”. Double-click on this file to launch the server.
You’ll see a console window pop up, indicating that your server is running. You can minimize this window if you prefer.
Congratulations! Your private server is now up and running.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you have successfully created your very own private server in Ark: Survival Evolved. Enjoy playing with friends, customizing gameplay settings, and exploring the vast world of Ark in a controlled environment. Remember to regularly update your server software and backup your configuration files for a smooth gaming experience.