How to Host an ARK Server: Detailed Guide

Have you ever wondered why ARK: Survival Evolved is so popular among the masses? The question is simple - the world is massive, the challenges are tough, and teaming up with friends brings it all to life. But what if you're tired of lag, trolls, or losing progress on shared public servers? This is why you need to host your own ARK dedicated server.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to host an ARK server on your own machine or through a cloud provider like Hostman. We'll walk through everything you need—from setup to launch.

Ark: Survival Evolved servers list

Key Takeaways

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• A dedicated ARK server gives you full control over settings, players, mods, and performance.
• You can host your own ARK server on Windows or Linux using SteamCMD.
• ARK servers require solid hardware—at least 16 GB RAM and a fast CPU are recommended.
• Hosting through cloud providers like Hostman can simplify setup and improve uptime.
• With the right configuration, your ARK server can run smoothly, even with custom maps and mods.

What Is an ARK Dedicated Server?

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An ARK dedicated server is a private environment where your game world runs independently of the default multiplayer options. Instead of relying on Studio Wildcard’s shared servers, you run your own—from your PC or a remote cloud instance. That means you can control the experience all by yourself, only limited by your own morals.

You can host PvE or PvP sessions, manage mods, control who joins, and set your own rules. For groups that want a consistent, customizable experience, it’s the best way to play.

Benefits of Playing ARK: Survival Evolved Online

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While ARK is a good game for solo leveling experience, the game truly shines in multiplayer. Building a base, taming dinosaurs, and exploring tropical maps becomes even more rewarding with others. Here’s why:

• Shared workload: More fun when you play with your friends.
• Faster progression: Gather resources, craft tools, and level up faster in cooperation with friends.
• Social connection: It's more fun to build, battle, and explore.
• PvP opportunities: Challenge others in combat or form alliances.
• Knowledge sharing: Let the new players learn quickly from experienced survivors.

Multiplayer isn't just about more people—it's about better gameplay, deeper strategy, and shared stories that keep you coming back.

Why Do You Need an ARK Dedicated Server?

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It’s not always useful to rely on public servers since they can lead to a traumatizing experience in ARK: Survival Evolved. A lot of external factors can ruin your game session, among them—lags, cheaters, trolls, server wipes. If you choose to run your own ARK server you become more worry-free of these problems if you have a desire to play peacefully.

You can set your own rules, choose who gets access, and configure performance settings based on your needs. Want to tame dinos faster? Adjust the multipliers. Prefer PvE over PvP? You decide. Plus, your game world will stay active even when you’re not logged in.

Hosting your own server (especially with Hostman’s VPS Server) helps you to stop relying on your own (or someone elses) hardware, which is often the case in peer-hosted multiplayer games. It can be frustrating when the host logs out or their machine crashes, meaning that session ends for everyone. A dedicated setup avoids this entirely.

An example of how to setup your own rule on Ark dedicated server

How To Setup an ARK Game Server: Detailed Guide

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Setting up an ARK dedicated server is pretty simple. Let’s show you some useful steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Server

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Before anything else, make sure your system meets the recommended ark server requirements:

• CPU: Quad-core, 3.5 GHz or higher
• RAM: At least 16 GB (more if using mods)
• Storage: 50 GB SSD minimum
• Upload Bandwidth: 20 Mbps+

You can use Windows or Linux, but many prefer Linux for its stability and lower resource consumption. Make sure your OS is 64-bit and kept up to date.

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

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SteamCMD is the command-line tool used to install game server files.

To install SteamCMD on Linux:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamcmd

On Windows:

1. Download SteamCMD from the official site.
2. Extract it to C:\steamcmd.
3. Run steamcmd.exe.

Step 3: Install ARK Server Files

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Create a folder for the ARK server installation:

mkdir ark-server && cd ark-server

Launch SteamCMD and download the ARK server using the anonymous login:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ark-server +app_update 376030 validate +quit

Use 2430930 if you want to install ARK: Survival Ascended instead of the classic version.

Step 4: Configure the Server

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Once installed, navigate to:

cd ark-server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/

Or on Windows:

C:\ark-server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\

Create and edit these two files:

• GameUserSettings.ini
• Game.ini

Basic settings to add:

[ServerSettings]
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPass
ServerPassword=OptionalPlayerPass
SessionName=HostmanARKServer

Add any gameplay tweaks here as needed (e.g., dino taming speed, resource multipliers).

Step 5: Open Required Ports

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Make sure your firewall and hosting provider allow traffic through these ports:

• UDP 7777 – Game port
• UDP 27015 – Query port
• UDP 27020 – RCON port (optional)

On Linux:

sudo ufw allow 7777/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27020/udp

Step 6: Start the ARK Server

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You can launch the server using a startup script. 

For Linux:

./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?listen -server -log

For Windows, create a batch file like this:

start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?QueryPort=27015?Port=7777?listen

Double-click the .bat file to start your server.

Step 7: Join Your ARK Server

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To connect:

1. Launch ARK: Survival Evolved
2. Click Join ARK
3. Set filter to Unofficial
4. Search your server name or IP address

If your server doesn’t appear, go to Steam → View → Servers → Favorites and manually add:

your.server.ip:27015

Now you’re ready to enter your world!

Conclusion

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Running your own ark dedicated server gives you full control over your ARK: Survival Evolved experience. This is way better if you want to dedicate your precious time to your beloved game, where you want to build a small and warm community of players.

If you're just getting started, consider launching your ARK server on a reliable cloud provider. A VPS from Hostman, for example, allows you to scale resources as your community grows, while enjoying a simplified deployment process and responsive support.

FAQ

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What are the minimum ARK server requirements?

For smooth gameplay, your server should have at least a quad-core CPU (3.5 GHz or higher), 16 GB of RAM, and an SSD with 50 GB or more of free space. A stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps upload speed is also essential.

Can I host an ARK server on my own PC?

Yes, you can self-host an ARK server from your own machine, but this works best for small groups and limited sessions. 

How many players can join my ARK dedicated server?

The player limit depends on your hardware and internet bandwidth. With proper specs (16 GB RAM and above), you can comfortably support 10–30 players.

Is hosting an ARK server free?

You can host it for free on your own hardware, but you’ll cover electricity, bandwidth, and maintenance costs.