How To Host An Unofficial PC Ark Server in 2023

Welcome to our guide on how to host an unofficial PC Ark server in 202If you’re a fan of Ark: Survival Evolved and want to create a custom server for you and your friends to play on, then this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to set up your own Ark server on your PC.

Hosting an Ark server can be a bit tricky if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, from choosing the best PC for hosting, to setting up your network, to configuring the Ark server software and optimizing its performance.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to host your own Ark server and enjoy playing the game with your friends on your own terms. So let’s get started!

Choosing the Best PC for Hosting Ark

If you’re looking to host your own Ark server, choosing the right PC is crucial. The first factor to consider is the CPU, as Ark is a CPU-intensive game that requires a powerful processor to run smoothly. Look for a processor with high clock speed and a high number of cores, such as the Intel Core i7 or the AMD Ryzen 7.

The second factor to consider is RAM. Ark can use up a lot of memory, so you’ll want at least 16GB of RAM, but 32GB or more is recommended for a smoother experience. Make sure the RAM you choose is compatible with your chosen CPU and motherboard.

Storage is also important, as Ark requires a lot of disk space. You’ll need a fast, high-capacity hard drive or SSD, preferably with 1TB of space or more. A solid state drive is recommended for faster load times and better overall performance.

Finally, you’ll want to consider your internet connection. Ark requires a strong, stable internet connection with high upload and download speeds. A wired ethernet connection is recommended over Wi-Fi, as it provides a more stable and reliable connection.

Minimum and Recommended PC Specifications for Ark Server Hosting

1. Minimum requirements for hosting an Ark server are a CPU with at least 2 cores clocked at 2 GHz or higher, 8GB of RAM, and a 50Mbps internet connection with at least 5Mbps upload speed. However, running a server with these specs may result in lower performance and longer load times.

2. Recommended specifications for hosting an Ark server are a CPU with at least 4 cores clocked at 3 GHz or higher, 16GB of RAM, and a 100Mbps internet connection with at least 10Mbps upload speed. With these specs, you can expect smoother gameplay and faster load times.

Here is a comparison of the minimum and recommended specs:

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	2 cores	4 cores
Clock speed	2 GHz	3 GHz
RAM	8GB	16GB
Internet speed	50Mbps download, 5Mbps upload	100Mbps download, 10Mbps upload

Keep in mind that these specifications are for hosting a server for a few players. If you plan on hosting a server with many players or mods, you may need to increase your specs accordingly.

Best CPU and GPU Options for Ark Server Hosting

• Processor Speed: The first thing you want to consider when choosing a CPU for your Ark server is processor speed. You’ll want a CPU with a clock speed of at least 3.0 GHz or higher to ensure your server can handle the game’s demands.
• Cores and Threads: Another important factor to consider is the number of cores and threads on your CPU. A CPU with more cores and threads will allow your server to handle more players and NPCs at once, making for a smoother gameplay experience. We recommend a CPU with at least 4 cores and 8 threads.
• Graphics Card: While Ark is primarily a CPU-intensive game, a good graphics card is still important for hosting a server. You’ll want a graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM to ensure smooth gameplay and to prevent crashes. We recommend NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580.

If you’re hosting a large server with dozens of players, you’ll need a powerful CPU and graphics card to handle the load. We recommend going with an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor with at least 8 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of VRAM. This will ensure that your server can handle the game’s demands and provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players.

On the other hand, if you’re hosting a smaller server with just a few friends, you can get away with a less powerful CPU and graphics card. We recommend going with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor with at least 4 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM. This will still provide a decent gameplay experience without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the best CPU and GPU options for your Ark server hosting will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the number of players you’ll have, the size of your server, and your budget when making your decision.

How to Choose the Right Amount of RAM for Ark Server Hosting

If you’re setting up an Ark server, one of the most important considerations is the amount of RAM you’ll need. This is because the amount of RAM you have will directly impact the performance and stability of your server. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right amount of RAM:

• Number of players: One of the biggest factors that will impact the amount of RAM you need is the number of players who will be connecting to your server. The more players you have, the more RAM you’ll need to keep up with the demand.
• Mods: If you plan on running mods on your server, you’ll need to take that into consideration when choosing the amount of RAM you need. Some mods can be quite demanding and will require more RAM to run smoothly.
• World size: The size of your Ark world will also impact the amount of RAM you need. A larger world will require more RAM to load and run smoothly.

So, how much RAM do you actually need? For a basic Ark server with a few players, 4GB of RAM should be sufficient. However, if you plan on having a larger server with more players or running demanding mods, you may want to consider upgrading to 8GB or more. Keep in mind that having more RAM than you actually need won’t necessarily improve performance, so it’s important to find the right balance for your specific server.

When it comes to Ark server hosting, choosing the right amount of RAM is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. By considering the number of players, mods, and world size, you can ensure that your server has the right amount of RAM to run smoothly and handle the demands of your players.

Setting Up Your Network for Ark Server Hosting

If you’re looking to set up an Ark server on your home network, it’s important to make sure your network is properly configured to handle the traffic. One of the first things you should do is configure your router to forward traffic on the Ark server ports. This will allow players to connect to your server from outside your network.

Another thing to consider is the bandwidth of your network. Depending on the number of players you expect to have on your server, you may need to upgrade your internet plan or optimize your network for gaming traffic. You can also limit the number of players who can connect to your server to ensure a smooth gaming experience for everyone.

Finally, it’s important to consider the security of your network when setting up an Ark server. Make sure you have a strong password for your router and your server, and consider enabling two-factor authentication for additional security. You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) to further protect your server from unauthorized access.

Port Forwarding for Ark Server Hosting

Port forwarding is an essential step in setting up an Ark server, as it allows traffic to flow from the internet to your local network. To begin, you will need to log in to your router’s web interface and locate the port forwarding settings.

Next, you will need to enter the Ark server ports in the port forwarding settings. The default ports for Ark are 27015 and 7777, but you may need to use different ports depending on your server configuration. Once you have entered the ports, save the settings and exit the router’s web interface.

It’s important to note that port forwarding can be a security risk, as it exposes your network to the internet. To minimize the risk, consider enabling a firewall on your server and router, and regularly monitor your network for any suspicious activity. You can also use a VPN to encrypt your network traffic and further protect your server from unauthorized access.

Configuring Firewall and Antivirus Settings for Ark Server Hosting

If you’re planning to host an Ark server, you need to make sure your firewall and antivirus settings are configured properly to prevent any potential threats to your system. It’s important to keep your server secure and protected from any unauthorized access, malware or viruses.

Firewall Settings: To allow players to connect to your server, you need to configure your firewall settings to allow incoming connections on the port that your Ark server is using. You can either configure your firewall manually or use a third-party firewall software to manage it. Make sure to create a new rule to allow incoming connections on the specific port used by your Ark server.

Antivirus Settings: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with your Ark server, causing issues with connectivity and performance. To avoid this, you should configure your antivirus software to exclude your Ark server files and folders from being scanned. This will prevent your antivirus software from blocking or deleting any files that are necessary for your Ark server to function properly.

Regular Updates: Make sure to keep your firewall and antivirus software updated with the latest patches and updates. This will ensure that your system is protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities. In addition, you should also keep your Ark server updated with the latest version to ensure that it’s secure and stable. Regular updates can prevent any potential security issues and improve the overall performance of your server.

Router and Modem Requirements for Ark Server Hosting

If you want to host an Ark server, you need to make sure that your router and modem are up to the task. A stable and reliable connection is essential for a smooth gameplay experience. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting your router and modem:

Bandwidth: The more players you want to accommodate, the more bandwidth you will need. Make sure your router and modem can support your desired number of players.

Port Forwarding: As mentioned earlier, port forwarding is essential for hosting an Ark server. Make sure your router supports port forwarding and that you know how to configure it.

Quality of Service (QoS): QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize traffic on your network. By setting your Ark server traffic as a high priority, you can help ensure a smoother gameplay experience for you and your players.

Installing and Configuring the Ark Server Software

Download the Ark Server Software: To install the Ark Server software, first download the installation files from the official website. Choose the correct version based on your operating system and extract the files to a location of your choice.

Configure Server Settings: Once you have downloaded and extracted the installation files, open the Ark Server Manager to configure the server settings. Here you can set the server name, map, game mode, difficulty, and other options.

Modify Server Configuration Files: You can also modify the server settings manually by editing the configuration files in a text editor. This allows you to change more advanced options such as resource and creature spawn rates, player experience rates, and more.

Port Forwarding: Before starting the server, make sure to configure your router to forward the necessary ports to your server’s IP address. This will allow players to connect to your server from outside your network.

Start the Server: Finally, start the Ark Server software and wait for it to initialize. Once it is up and running, players will be able to connect to your server and start playing!

Downloading and Installing the Ark Server Software

Before you can start setting up your Ark server, you need to download and install the server software. You can download the software from the official Ark website, or from a reliable third-party hosting provider.

Once you have downloaded the software, you will need to unzip the files and place them in a directory on your server. Make sure you have enough space on your server to accommodate the server files, as well as any mods and additional content you may want to add later on.

After you have installed the software, you can configure your server settings. The Ark server comes with a configuration file that you can modify to change various settings, such as player limits, server name, difficulty level, and more. You can access this file using a text editor.

Setting Up Admin Password and Server Name for Ark Server Hosting

When setting up an Ark server, it is important to set an admin password to ensure that only authorized users can access the server. The admin password can be set in the server configuration files or through the game’s console. It is recommended to use a strong and unique password to prevent unauthorized access.

Another important step is to set a server name that is unique and easy to remember. The server name should be set in the server configuration files and will be displayed to players when they search for servers to join. It is important to choose a name that accurately reflects the nature of the server and is easy for players to find.

It is also recommended to periodically change the admin password and server name to improve security and attract new players. This can be done easily through the server configuration files or game console.

Configuring Ark Server Settings for Optimal Performance

Adjusting Player Count and Server Settings

To optimize performance, you should consider adjusting the player count and server settings. It’s recommended that you set the player count to a number that matches your server’s hardware capabilities. Additionally, adjusting certain settings such as the harvest amount, taming speed, and experience gain can improve performance.

Modifying Server Config Files

Modifying server config files can help improve server performance. By adjusting values such as player max experience and harvest amounts, you can optimize performance for your server.

Enabling Backups

Enabling automatic backups can help prevent data loss and ensure that your server runs smoothly. Backups can be scheduled to occur at regular intervals, and you can choose to store them locally or in the cloud.

Regular Server Maintenance

Regular server maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. This includes tasks such as clearing old server logs, updating the server software, and cleaning up unnecessary files. By performing these tasks regularly, you can ensure that your server runs smoothly and efficiently.

Adjusting Server Settings for Better Performance

Difficulty level: Intermediate

After installing and configuring your Ark server, you might notice some lag or other performance issues. In this case, you need to adjust the server settings to optimize performance.

Adjust the graphics settings: Lowering the graphics settings can significantly improve server performance. Lower the resolution and other graphics settings to ease the burden on the server’s resources.

Adjust the server settings: Ark has a lot of server settings that you can tweak to improve performance. Reduce the number of structures or limit the number of tamed creatures per tribe. Adjust the game difficulty settings to reduce the load on the server.

Use mods to optimize performance: There are mods available that can help you improve the server’s performance. Mods like StackMeMore can help reduce server load by consolidating items into stacks, while mods like Death Recovery Mod can help reduce the number of death messages generated by the game.

By adjusting these server settings, you can significantly improve the performance of your Ark server, reducing lag and other performance issues, and providing a smoother gaming experience for you and your friends.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Ark Server Hosting

If you’re experiencing issues with your Ark server, don’t panic. There are a few common problems that can be easily fixed with some basic troubleshooting.

Problem: Server not responding

Solution: Make sure your server is online and the correct IP address is being used. Check that the firewall is configured to allow traffic on the appropriate ports. Restart the server if necessary.

Problem: Players experiencing lag or low frame rates

Solution: Check your server settings to make sure they are optimized for performance. Reduce the number of active players if necessary. Check the CPU and GPU usage on the server and make sure they are not maxed out. Consider upgrading your hardware if necessary.

Problem: Players unable to connect to the server

Solution: Check that the correct IP address and port number are being used. Make sure the server is online and the firewall is configured correctly. Check for any network issues on the player’s end, such as a slow internet connection or antivirus blocking the connection.

Problem: Server crashing or freezing

Solution: Check the server logs for any error messages. Make sure the server software is up-to-date. Reduce the number of active players or adjust the server settings to reduce the load on the server. Consider upgrading your hardware if necessary.

Fixing Connection Issues with Ark Server Hosting

If players are having trouble connecting to your Ark server, there are a few things you can check:

Check your server settings: Make sure your server settings are configured correctly, including the server name, password, and port settings. Verify that the settings match the information provided to players.

Check your network: Verify that your network is configured properly for Ark server hosting. Check your router settings, firewall and antivirus settings, and port forwarding configuration to ensure that nothing is blocking connections to the server.

Check the game client: Ask players to verify that they have entered the correct server information, including the server name, password, and port number. Make sure they have the latest version of the game installed and that they have a stable internet connection.

If the above steps do not solve the issue, there may be a problem with the game servers or with the player’s network. It’s important to communicate with players and troubleshoot the issue to identify the root cause and resolve the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions