Greetings! Are you an avid gamer looking for a way to host your own Ark server? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you through the process, step-by-step.
Part 1: Setting Up Your Server
Before you can begin hosting your own Ark server, you need to set up your server. This section will walk you through the process of setting up your server.
Step 1: Choosing Your Hardware
The first step in setting up your server is choosing the right hardware. You will need a computer that meets the minimum requirements to run the game smoothly. Here are the minimum requirements:
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better |
| OS | Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions) |
It is also recommended to use a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster load times.
Step 2: Installing Ark Server Manager
Once you have your hardware in order, the next step is to install Ark Server Manager (ASM). ASM is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of setting up and managing your Ark server. Here are the steps to install ASM:
- Visit the ASM download page.
- Download the latest version of ASM.
- Extract the files to a folder on your computer (e.g. C:\ASM).
Step 3: Creating Your Server
Now that you have ASM installed, it’s time to create your server. Here are the steps:
- Open ASM and click ‘Create New Instance’.
- Choose the settings for your server, such as name, map, and number of players.
- Click ‘Create’ to create your server.
Part 2: Configuring Your Server
Now that you have your server created, it’s time to configure it. This section will walk you through the process of configuring your server.
Step 1: Configuring Server Settings
The first step in configuring your server is to configure the server settings. Here are the steps:
- Open ASM and select your server.
- Click ‘Set Launch Options’.
- Edit the launch options to your desired settings.
- Click ‘Save’.
The launch options are where you can set various server settings, such as difficulty, experience gain, and taming speed.
Step 2: Adding Mods
If you want to add mods to your server, you can do so using ASM. Here are the steps:
- Open ASM and select your server.
- Click ‘Install/Update Mods’.
- Select the mods you want to install.
- Click ‘Install/Update’.
Step 3: Managing Backups
It’s important to regularly backup your server to prevent data loss. Here are the steps to backup your server:
- Open ASM and select your server.
- Click ‘Backup’.
- Choose whether you want to create a full or incremental backup.
- Click ‘Backup’.
Part 3: Connecting to Your Server
Now that you have your server set up and configured, it’s time to connect to it. This section will walk you through the process of connecting to your server.
Step 1: Finding Your Server IP Address
The first step in connecting to your server is to find your server’s IP address. Here are the steps:
- Open ASM and select your server.
- Click ‘Copy Server IP’.
This will copy your server’s IP address to your clipboard.
Step 2: Connecting to Your Server
Now that you have your server’s IP address, you can connect to it in-game. Here are the steps:
- Open Ark: Survival Evolved.
- Click ‘Join Ark’.
- Enter your server’s IP address in the ‘Server Name Filter’ field.
- Click ‘Find Session’.
- Select your server from the list.
- Click ‘Join’.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the minimum hardware requirements?
If you don’t have the minimum hardware requirements, you may experience performance issues or may not be able to run the game at all.
What if I can’t connect to my server?
If you can’t connect to your server, make sure that the server is running and that you have entered the correct IP address.
What if I want to transfer my server to another computer?
To transfer your server to another computer, you will need to copy the server files and ASM to the new computer, then follow the steps to create a new instance and restore your backup.
How do I update my server?
To update your server, simply open ASM and click ‘Update’.
What if I want to host a dedicated server?
If you want to host a dedicated server, you will need a second computer to act as the server. Follow the same steps as above, but install ASM on the server computer instead of your gaming computer.
That’s it! You should now have a fully functional Ark server that you can customize and play with your friends. Enjoy!