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Can You Host an Ark Server With Friends? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes, you absolutely can host an Ark: Survival Evolved server with your friends! Whether you’re looking for a private gaming experience just for your crew or want to explore the prehistoric world with a larger community, Ark provides several ways to make this happen. This article dives deep into the various hosting options available, what they entail, and how you can get started playing with your friends today.

Hosting Options: Dedicated vs. Non-Dedicated

Understanding the difference between dedicated and non-dedicated servers is crucial for choosing the right setup for your gaming needs. Each offers a unique experience with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Non-Dedicated Servers: Simple and Cost-Effective

A non-dedicated server is essentially a local game session hosted on one player’s machine. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to play Ark with friends. Here’s how it works:

Host is Required: The player who starts the non-dedicated session is the host, and their game must remain running for others to play.
Tethering: There’s often a tethering distance limitation, meaning players can’t venture too far away from the host. This can sometimes be mitigated using cheats or mods, but is an inherent limitation of this type of server.
Limited Player Count: The number of players that can join a non-dedicated server is typically limited to 4 players, but this might vary slightly depending on the platform.
No Dedicated Hardware: The host’s computer is responsible for running both the game and the server, meaning the experience can be impacted by their computer’s performance and internet connection.
Cost-Effective: There are no additional costs to host a non-dedicated server, making it ideal for casual gamers or those on a tight budget.

Dedicated Servers: Enhanced Performance and Freedom

A dedicated server is hosted on a separate machine or service, allowing for enhanced performance and greater flexibility. Here’s what you need to know:

Independent Operation: The server runs independently of the host’s game, allowing players to join and play even when the host isn’t online.
No Tethering Restrictions: Players can explore the entire map without any tethering restrictions.
Larger Player Count: Dedicated servers can accommodate a far larger number of players, ranging from tens to even over 100 players depending on the server specifications.
Requires a Dedicated Machine or Service: Dedicated servers require a separate machine to run (which can be your old PC) or a rented hosting service. This means costs are significantly higher than non-dedicated servers.
Advanced Customization: You have far more control over server settings and customization options.
Better Performance: A dedicated server will generally offer better, more consistent performance due to its dedicated resources.

Setting Up Your Ark Server

The process for setting up a server varies depending on which type of server you choose.

How to Set Up a Non-Dedicated Server

Launch Ark: Survival Evolved: Start the game and go to the main menu.
Select Host/Local: Choose the “Host/Local” option.
Host Non-Dedicated Session: Click on “Host Non-Dedicated Multiplayer Session.”
Configure Settings: Customize the game settings, including server name, password (if desired), and player limits.
Start Game: Click “Play Hosted” to start the game and open your server for your friends to join.
Invite Friends: Use the in-game friend invite system to invite your friends to join.

How to Set Up a Dedicated Server

Setting up a dedicated server is more complex and requires some technical knowledge. Here’s a general outline:

Choose a Hosting Method: Decide whether you’ll host the server on your own machine or use a third-party hosting provider (like OVHcloud, ServerBlend, or Scalacube).
Install SteamCMD: If hosting on your own machine, install SteamCMD, which is necessary to download the server files.
Download Server Files: Use SteamCMD to download the Ark server files to a dedicated folder.
Configure Server Settings: Edit the server configuration files to your liking (server name, rules, player limits, etc.).
Run the Server: Launch the server executable file.
Connect to Server: Once the server is running, your friends can join using the server address and port number.

Third-Party Hosting Services

If you prefer not to manage your own dedicated server or lack the required technical knowledge or hardware, consider using a third-party server hosting provider. These providers offer pre-configured servers with various player slot options, locations, and support services. This option provides the best balance of performance, uptime, and ease of use, although it is not free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about hosting Ark servers with friends:

1. Can my friend play on my Ark server without me?

On a non-dedicated server, no. Your server is tied to your game session. If you exit the game, the server shuts down. If using a dedicated server, yes, as it runs independently and can stay online even if you’re not playing.

2. How many friends can play Ark on a non-dedicated server?

Typically, up to 4 players can join a non-dedicated server on most platforms.

3. Is a dedicated server necessary for more players?

Yes. If you want to accommodate more than 4 players or remove tethering restrictions, you need a dedicated server.

4. Does it cost money to run a non-dedicated server?

No. Running a non-dedicated server is free as it uses the host’s computer resources. However, it does impact the host’s game performance and requires the host to be playing in order for others to join.

5. How much does it cost to rent an Ark server?

The cost varies based on the number of slots, server location, and hosting provider. Prices range from around $15 per month for 30 slots to $50 per month for 100 slots, or more for premium services and larger player counts.

6. Can I host a free Ark server?

Yes, some free server hosting options are available, usually with limitations on player slots and performance. Scalacube offers a “Free Plan”, but these tend to be very basic servers with limited support.

7. What is a tethering range?

The tethering range is the distance limit players can move from the host on a non-dedicated server. Players must remain within this range, which can be an annoyance for those trying to explore the game.

8. What are the minimum system requirements to run an Ark dedicated server?

A basic dedicated server should have at least a dual-core processor with over 3 GHz, 6-8 GB of RAM, 10-15 GB of hard drive space, and a high-speed internet connection. The requirements go up if you plan to support a large number of players.

9. How do I invite friends to my Ark server?

On a non-dedicated server, use the in-game friend invite system. For dedicated servers, provide your server address and port number. Ensure that your friends are using the correct address and that the server is running.

10. What do I do if my friends can’t connect to my Ark server?

First, check that you have the correct server address and port number. Verify that your game is updated, and the server is online. Restart both your game and server. Also, make sure that your server’s firewall isn’t blocking incoming connections.

11. Which is better for playing with friends: dedicated or non-dedicated?

For a few close friends playing locally and casually, non-dedicated is sufficient. For larger groups or to play with friends anytime, dedicated is better due to improved performance and freedom.

12. Can I customize my Ark server?

Yes. Both non-dedicated and dedicated servers offer customization options. Dedicated servers provide extensive customization via configuration files and mods.

13. Can I password protect my server?

Yes. You can password-protect both non-dedicated and dedicated servers to keep your game private.

14. What is SteamCMD?

SteamCMD is a command-line tool provided by Valve, used to download dedicated server files for games like Ark. It is needed to set up and update dedicated servers on your own machine.

15. Why rent an Ark server instead of hosting my own?

Renting a server offers better performance, reliability, and uptime. Renting from a third-party service ensures that your server is always available and simplifies the management of your server without requiring technical expertise.

Conclusion

Hosting an Ark server with your friends is entirely possible and offers a fantastic way to experience the game together. Whether you opt for a simple non-dedicated session or a fully customized dedicated server, there’s an option to suit your needs and budget. By understanding the differences between server types and following the appropriate setup steps, you can embark on countless adventures in the prehistoric world of Ark: Survival Evolved with your friends.

Can you host Ark server with friends?