Have you ever wanted to create a private server for you and your friends to play on in ARK: Survival Evolved? Setting up your own server can be a great way to have complete control over your gaming experience.
In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of creating a private server for ARK. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Installing ARK Server Manager
The first step is to install ARK Server Manager, which is a handy tool that helps you manage and configure your ARK server. You can download it from the official website and follow the installation instructions provided.
Step 2: Configuring Your Server
Once you have installed ARK Server Manager, open it and click on the “Configuration” tab. Here, you can customize various settings for your server, such as the server name, map, player limit, and more.
- Server Name: Choose a unique name for your server that reflects its purpose or theme.
- Map: Select the map you want to play on. Popular choices include The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero.
- Player Limit: Set the maximum number of players that can join your server at any given time.
- Taming Speed: Adjust the speed at which creatures can be tamed in your server.
Note:
If you are unsure about any specific configuration option, hover over the question mark icon next to it for a brief explanation.
Step 3: Port Forwarding
In order for your friends to connect to your private server, you need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows incoming connections to reach your server.
To set up port forwarding, you need to access your router’s settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Once you are in the settings, locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
Click on “Add” or a similar button to create a new port forwarding rule. Enter the following information:
- Service Name: Give your rule a descriptive name, such as “ARK Server”.
- Internal IP Address: Enter the IP address of the computer running your ARK server.
- Internal Port: Specify the port number used by your ARK server (default is 7777).
- External Port: Set the same port number as the internal port.
- Protocol: Choose “Both” or “TCP/UDP” from the drop-down menu.
Save your changes and exit the router settings. Your friends should now be able to connect to your server using your public IP address.
Step 4: Sharing Your Public IP Address
In order for your friends to join your private server, they need to know your public IP address. You can find this information by typing “what is my IP” into any search engine.
Share this IP address with your friends along with any additional instructions they may need, such as the required mods or password (if you have set one).
Congratulations!
You have successfully created a private server for you and your friends to enjoy in ARK: Survival Evolved. Now it’s time to embark on epic adventures, build bases, and tame dinosaurs together!
Remember to keep your server up-to-date with the latest game patches and mods for a smooth gaming experience. Have fun!