Are you ready to take your gaming experience to the next level? Hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One can help you do just that. Not only does it give you more control over the game settings, but it also allows you to play with your friends in a more private and customized environment.
However, setting up a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One can seem daunting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. But fear not, because we’re here to guide you through the process step by step. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be hosting your own server in no time.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One, from choosing the right hardware to configuring your router and managing server settings. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, let’s dive in and get started.
Are you ready to unleash the full potential of Ark Xbox One with your very own dedicated server? Let’s explore how you can make that happen.
Choose the Right Hardware
When it comes to hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One, choosing the right hardware is crucial to ensure a seamless gaming experience. The first thing to consider is your console’s capabilities. It is recommended to have at least an Xbox One X or Xbox One S for optimal performance.
Next, you need to ensure that you have enough storage space on your Xbox One for the dedicated server software, game files, and saved data. Aim for at least 50GB of free space. Additionally, a stable internet connection with high upload and download speeds is essential to avoid lag and disconnections during gameplay.
If you want to take your server hosting experience to the next level, you can invest in additional hardware such as an external hard drive, which will allow for more storage space, and a router with Quality of Service (QoS) technology, which will prioritize gaming traffic for a smoother experience.
Finally, make sure that your Xbox One is well-ventilated and placed in a cool, dry location to avoid overheating and hardware damage. With the right hardware in place, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful Ark Xbox One server.
Keep in mind that investing in high-quality hardware may come at a higher cost, but it will ultimately save you from frustrating gaming experiences and costly hardware repairs in the long run.
In the next section, we’ll walk you through the steps of preparing your Xbox One for hosting, so you can start enjoying your very own Ark Xbox One server.
Consider Your Processor and RAM Requirements
Processor: Your processor is the heart of your server, so it’s essential to choose one that can handle the demands of running a dedicated server. Look for a processor with at least 4 cores, but preferably more, to ensure your server runs smoothly.
RAM: RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for running a dedicated server. The more RAM your server has, the more players it can support. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, but if you plan on hosting a large server, 16GB or more is recommended.
Storage: In addition to processor and RAM, you’ll also need sufficient storage to host your Ark Xbox One server. Consider using an SSD instead of an HDD to reduce load times and improve overall server performance.
Keep in mind that other factors, such as your internet speed and the number of players on your server, can also impact your server’s performance. It’s essential to find the right balance between hardware capabilities and the demands of your player base.
Choose the Right Internet Connection
When it comes to hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One, a reliable internet connection is essential. To ensure that your server runs smoothly and without interruption, it’s important to choose an internet connection with a high upload and download speed.
Consider getting a broadband internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 10 Mbps and download speed of 50 Mbps. This will ensure that your server can handle multiple players and won’t lag or crash during gameplay.
You may also want to consider getting a dedicated internet connection for your server to ensure that it has priority bandwidth and won’t be affected by other devices or users on your network.
- Fiber optic internet is a great option for hosting a dedicated server, as it offers fast upload and download speeds, low latency, and high bandwidth.
- Cable internet is also a viable option, but make sure to check with your ISP about their policies on hosting servers and any potential data usage limits.
- DSL internet is not recommended for hosting a dedicated server, as it typically offers slower upload speeds and lower bandwidth than other internet connection types.
It’s important to remember that even with the right internet connection, you may still experience issues if your server is hosting multiple players or if your Xbox One is also being used for other tasks. Be sure to test your internet connection and server performance regularly to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Find the Right Storage Solution
When it comes to hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One, choosing the right storage solution is crucial. Here are some things to consider:
- Storage Capacity: Look for a storage device with enough capacity to store your server files, game files, and backups.
- Speed: Opt for a high-speed storage device to minimize load times and reduce lag.
- Reliability: Choose a reliable storage solution with a good track record for durability and data retention.
There are a variety of storage options available, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to research and compare different options to find the right fit for your needs.
Remember, investing in a high-quality storage solution can pay off in the long run by providing a smoother and more reliable hosting experience for you and your players.
Preparing Your Xbox One for Hosting
Update Your Xbox One and Ark Game: Before you can start hosting a dedicated server for Ark Xbox One, make sure to update your console and the game to the latest version. This will ensure that you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Enable UPnP: The Xbox One console uses UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) to automatically configure your router for online gaming. Make sure that UPnP is enabled on your router to avoid any issues when setting up your dedicated server.
Set a Static IP Address: To make sure that your Xbox One console has a consistent IP address, it’s recommended to set a static IP address. This will help you avoid any issues when forwarding ports on your router.
Open Required Ports on Your Router: You will need to forward certain ports on your router to allow your Xbox One to communicate with your dedicated server. Make sure to open the required ports for Ark Xbox One to avoid any connection issues.
Update Your Xbox One Console
If your Xbox One console is not up to date, it may cause issues when hosting an Ark server. To ensure that you have the latest updates installed, go to the Settings menu and select System.
From there, select Updates and check for any available updates. If there are updates available, download and install them before continuing.
It’s important to keep your console up to date, not just for hosting a server, but also to ensure the best gaming experience possible.
Install the Necessary Apps
Once your Xbox One is updated, it’s time to install the necessary apps to host your Ark server. The first app you need is the Xbox Insider Hub, which allows you to access game preview programs, including Ark.
To install the Xbox Insider Hub, follow these steps:
- Open the Xbox Store on your Xbox One console
- Search for “Xbox Insider Hub”
- Download and install the app
Once the Xbox Insider Hub is installed, you’ll need to download the Ark Dedicated Server app. This app is available for free on the Xbox Store. Simply search for “Ark Dedicated Server” and download the app to your console.
After downloading both apps, you’re ready to move on to configuring your router for Ark server hosting.
Configure Your Network Settings
Configuring your network settings correctly is critical to ensuring that your dedicated server runs smoothly. Here are some things to keep in mind when configuring your network settings:Port Forwarding: Make sure that you forward the necessary ports for your server to run. You can find a list of the necessary ports on the Ark Gamepedia website.
Static IP: Set a static IP address for your Xbox One to prevent it from changing and potentially disrupting your server.
DMZ: If you are having trouble with port forwarding, you can try enabling the DMZ feature on your router. This will open all ports for your Xbox One and should allow your server to run without issue.
Quality of Service: If you have other devices on your network, consider setting up Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic to and from your Xbox One to ensure smooth gameplay for your players.
Remember to test your network settings and make sure that your server is accessible before inviting players to join. With these tips, you should be well on your way to hosting a successful dedicated server for Ark on your Xbox One.Configuring Your Router for Ark Server Hosting
Enable UPnP: Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) allows your Xbox One to automatically forward the necessary ports to your dedicated server. Make sure UPnP is enabled on your router.
Forward Ports: If UPnP is not available, you will need to manually forward the required ports on your router. The necessary ports are: 7777 (game server port), 27015 (raw UDP socket port), and 27020 (Steam query port).
Assign a Static IP: Assign a static IP address to your Xbox One to ensure that the port forwarding rules are always applied to the correct device.
DMZ: If you are experiencing issues with port forwarding, you can try putting your Xbox One in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of your router. This will forward all ports to your Xbox One, but it is not recommended for security reasons.
Test Your Connection: After configuring your router, test your connection to ensure that your Xbox One can connect to the dedicated server. If you are still experiencing issues, double-check your settings and try restarting your router and Xbox One.
Forward the Required Ports
If you want to access a device or a server located behind a router, you may need to forward ports so that the traffic can be directed to the correct location. Port forwarding is a process of mapping a port number on the router’s public IP address to a specific device on the local network. Without port forwarding, the traffic may be blocked by the router’s firewall, preventing you from accessing the device or server.
The process of forwarding ports varies depending on the router’s make and model. However, there are some general steps that you can follow. First, you need to log in to your router’s web-based interface using your login credentials. Then, navigate to the port forwarding section, which may be located under the Firewall or Advanced settings.
Next, you need to specify the port number that you want to forward, the protocol (TCP or UDP), and the local IP address of the device or server that you want to forward the port to. You can usually find the local IP address of the device in the device’s network settings. Once you have entered the necessary information, save the settings and restart your router for the changes to take effect.
It is important to note that port forwarding can expose your network and devices to security risks if not done properly. Hackers can exploit open ports to gain unauthorized access to your network or devices. Therefore, it is recommended to only forward ports that are necessary and to keep your router’s firmware up to date.
Configure Your Router’s Firewall Settings
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Most routers come with a built-in firewall that can help protect your network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. However, the default firewall settings may not be sufficient to fully secure your network.
To configure your router’s firewall settings, you first need to log in to your router’s web-based interface using your login credentials. Then, navigate to the Firewall or Security section, which is usually located in the router’s settings menu.
There are several firewall settings that you can configure to enhance your network security. One of the most important settings is the default security level, which determines the level of protection provided by the firewall. You can choose between high, medium, and low security levels, depending on your security needs and the level of risk associated with your network.
| Firewall Setting | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Block WAN Requests | Prevents your router from responding to ping requests from the Internet. | Enable |
| Port Forwarding | Enables traffic from the Internet to reach a specific device on your local network. | Only forward necessary ports |
| Denial of Service (DoS) Protection | Protects your network from DoS attacks by limiting the amount of traffic that can pass through the router. | Enable |
| MAC Filtering | Allows or blocks devices based on their MAC address. | Enable and configure |
| Content Filtering | Blocks access to certain websites or content based on specific criteria. | Enable and configure |
Other firewall settings that you may want to consider include DoS protection, MAC filtering, and content filtering. DoS protection can help prevent your network from being overwhelmed by a flood of traffic, while MAC filtering can restrict access to your network to only authorized devices. Content filtering can block access to websites or content that may be inappropriate or harmful.
Installing Ark Dedicated Server Software
If you’re looking to host your own Ark game server, you’ll need to install the dedicated server software on your computer. This can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a relatively straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do.
The first step is to download the Ark Server Manager tool. This is a free, open-source program that makes it easy to install, manage, and update your Ark dedicated server. Once you’ve downloaded the tool, simply run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer.
Next, you’ll need to download the actual Ark dedicated server software. You can find this on the official Ark website, or through a third-party site like SteamCMD. Once you’ve downloaded the software, extract it to a folder on your computer.
Now that you have both the server manager tool and the dedicated server software, it’s time to set up your server. Open the server manager tool and click the “New” button to create a new server instance. Follow the prompts to configure your server settings, including the map, difficulty, and other options.
Once you’ve configured your server settings, it’s time to start the server. Click the “Start” button in the server manager tool, and your server will begin running. You can now connect to your server through the Ark game client and start playing with your friends!
Download and Install the Ark Server Software
To start with, you’ll need to download the Ark dedicated server software. You can get it from the official Ark website or through the Steam Workshop. Once you’ve downloaded it, create a new folder on your computer where you want to store the server files.
Next, extract the downloaded server files to the folder you just created. Before launching the server, you’ll need to adjust a few settings in the configuration files. Open the GameUserSettings.ini file to configure the game settings, and the Game.ini file to configure server settings.
Once you have configured the settings, you can launch the server by running the ShooterGameServer.exe file. Make sure to run it as an administrator. The server will take a few minutes to load, and you should see a command prompt window showing the server’s progress.
When the server is ready, you can connect to it through the game by clicking on the Join Ark button in the main menu, selecting the server filter option, and entering the name of your server. You should now be able to join your own Ark server and start playing with your friends.
It’s important to note that if you’re running the server on the same computer that you’re playing the game on, you may experience some lag. It’s recommended to run the server on a separate machine or rent a server from a hosting provider to ensure optimal performance.
Configure Your Server’s Basic Settings
After successfully installing the Ark Dedicated Server software, it’s time to configure the basic settings of your server. First, you need to set the server name and password. You can set the server name to anything you like, but make sure it’s easy to remember. For the password, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for better security. Don’t forget to save your changes before moving on to the next step.
Next, you need to configure the server settings. This includes game mode, server difficulty, taming speed, and more. These settings will affect how the game is played on your server, so make sure to adjust them according to your preferences. You can find the server settings in the GameUserSettings.ini file located in the ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer folder.
Another important setting is the server IP address. By default, the server will use your local IP address, which means only players on your local network can connect to the server. If you want players outside your network to join, you need to forward the required ports on your router and use your public IP address. Refer to the previous section for instructions on how to forward ports.
Setting Up and Managing Server Settings
Once you have successfully installed the Ark dedicated server software and configured your basic settings, you can begin to set up and manage your server settings to ensure the best possible gaming experience for your players.
One important setting to consider is the server difficulty level. This setting determines the level of challenge players will face, with higher difficulty levels resulting in tougher gameplay. You can also adjust the number of available Engrams, which are skills and abilities that players can learn as they progress through the game.
Another setting to consider is the server’s maximum player count. This will determine how many players can join your server at once. You can also adjust various gameplay mechanics, such as the time of day, the speed of the day/night cycle, and the frequency of in-game events.
Managing User Access and Permissions
User access refers to the ability of players to connect to your server, while permissions refer to the actions they can perform once they are connected. As the server owner or administrator, it’s important to manage both user access and permissions to maintain control over your server.
To manage user access, you can create a list of whitelisted or blacklisted players. Whitelisted players are allowed to connect to the server, while blacklisted players are blocked from doing so. You can also set up password protection to restrict access to only those who know the password.
To manage permissions, you can use admin commands to grant or revoke certain abilities to players. For example, you may want to give certain players the ability to fly or spawn items, while restricting those abilities for other players. It’s important to carefully consider which players you grant admin powers to, as they will have a significant impact on the game experience for all players on the server.
Customizing Your Ark Server Settings
One of the advantages of running your own Ark server is the ability to customize various game settings to create a unique playing experience for you and your players. This can include things like modifying the game’s difficulty, adjusting taming speeds, and even creating custom spawn locations.
Another way to customize your server is by installing mods, which can add new creatures, weapons, and gameplay mechanics to the game. There are numerous mods available for Ark, and you can browse and download them from the Steam Workshop or other mod hosting websites.
To customize your server settings, you will need to access your server’s configuration files. These files can be edited using a text editor such as Notepad++ or Sublime Text. Some of the most commonly edited settings include game difficulty, taming speed, and resource respawn rates.
Maintaining and Monitoring Your Server
Regular Backups: Regular backups are crucial to protect your server and ensure that you can recover from any unexpected failures or data loss. You can use various tools and services to automate backups and store them securely.
Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitoring your server’s performance can help you identify any issues and optimize your server’s performance. You can use various monitoring tools and techniques to keep an eye on the server’s CPU, memory, and network usage.
Security Updates: Keeping your server up-to-date with the latest security updates and patches is essential to prevent any vulnerabilities from being exploited. You should regularly check for updates and apply them as soon as possible to ensure your server’s security.
Inviting Friends to Join Your Ark Xbox One Server
If you’re hosting an Ark Xbox One server, you may want to invite your friends to join your game. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Launch the Ark Xbox One game on your console and go to the server browser.
Step 2: Find the name of your server and select it from the list.
Step 3: In the server options menu, select “Invite Friends.”
Step 4: Choose the friends you want to invite from your Xbox Live friends list.
Step 5: Send the invite and wait for your friends to accept it. They should be able to join your game immediately.
It’s important to note that your friends will only be able to join your game if your server is set to “Invite Only” or “Friends Only.” If it’s set to “Public,” anyone can join your game without an invite.
Generating an Invite Code
To invite your friends to join your Ark Xbox One server, you will need to generate an invite code. This code can be shared with your friends, allowing them to join your server.
To generate an invite code, you will need to access your server settings. From the main menu, select “Host/Local” and then “Play Single Player” or “Play Dedicated Server”.
Once in the game, press the “Start” button on your controller to access the server settings. From there, select “Server Settings” and then “Generate Invite Code”.
Sending the Invite to Your Friends
After generating the invite code, the next step is to send it to your friends. One way to do this is to directly message them the code. You can also create a group chat with all of your friends who you want to invite and send the invite code there.
If your friends don’t already have an Xbox Live account, they’ll need to create one in order to join your server. Once they’ve created an account, they can simply enter the invite code into the game and join your server.
It’s important to note that the invite code will only work for a limited amount of time, so make sure your friends join within the specified time frame.
If you want to invite more friends in the future, simply generate a new invite code and send it to them.
With these simple steps, you can easily invite your friends to join your Ark Xbox One server and start playing together. Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One?
A dedicated server in Ark Xbox One is a server that is dedicated to hosting a game of Ark: Survival Evolved, and runs on its own machine or computer, allowing players to connect to it from anywhere.
What are the benefits of hosting a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One?
Hosting a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One has several benefits, including having complete control over the server settings, being able to play with friends or a community, and having the ability to run mods or custom configurations.
How do I set up a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One?
To set up a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One, you need to download the server software from the official website, configure the server settings, and forward the required ports on your router.
What are the system requirements for hosting a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One?
The system requirements for hosting a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One depend on the number of players and the size of the world, but typically a decent gaming PC or a dedicated server machine is required.
Can I host a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One without buying an additional Xbox One?
Yes, you can host a dedicated server in Ark Xbox One without buying an additional Xbox One by hosting the server on a separate machine or computer and connecting to it from your Xbox One console.
How do I invite my friends to join my dedicated server in Ark Xbox One?
To invite your friends to join your dedicated server in Ark Xbox One, you need to generate an invite code and share it with them, or invite them directly through Xbox Live.