Can I Play Ark: Survival Evolved With Friends Only? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can play Ark: Survival Evolved with friends only. The game offers several ways to create a private and controlled environment for you and your tribe. This flexibility is one of the reasons Ark has maintained its popularity. You can customize the game to your liking, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience with your chosen companions. From the dangers of the wild to base-building and taming dinosaurs, doing it with friends makes it even better. This guide will walk you through all the options, so you can roar into action.
Hosting Your Own Private Ark Adventure
There are two primary ways to create a private Ark experience: non-dedicated servers and dedicated servers. Each method has its pros and cons, depending on your needs and technical capabilities.
Non-Dedicated Servers: Quick and Easy
A non-dedicated server is the simplest method to get a private game going. When you host a non-dedicated server, your computer acts as both the server and the client.
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Pros:
- Easy Setup: It’s incredibly easy to set up directly from the game menu.
- No Extra Cost: There are no additional costs associated with hosting a non-dedicated server; it’s included with the base game.
- Ideal for Small Groups: Perfect for playing with a small group of close friends.
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Cons:
- Limited Player Count: Non-dedicated servers typically limit the number of players to around 4.
- Tether Distance: Players are limited by a “tether” distance from the host player. If players move too far from the host, they get pulled back or disconnected. This can be frustrating for exploration and large-scale projects.
- Host Dependency: The server only runs when the host player is online and playing.
To create a non-dedicated server:
- Launch Ark: Survival Evolved.
- Select “Host Non-Dedicated Server” from the main menu.
- Configure your server settings, including the map, difficulty, and rules.
- Check the “Private Game” box to restrict access to your friends.
- Set an admin password.
- Invite your friends through Steam or by sharing the server name.
Dedicated Servers: Full Control, More Commitment
A dedicated server involves running the server software on a separate machine, independent of your gaming computer. This provides a more stable and customizable experience.
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Pros:
- Increased Player Capacity: Dedicated servers can support many more players than non-dedicated servers, depending on the hardware.
- No Tether Distance: Players are free to explore the entire map without restrictions.
- Server Uptime: The server runs continuously, even when the host isn’t playing, enabling your friends to play whenever they want.
- Extensive Customization: Dedicated servers allow for extensive customization of game settings, mods, and server rules.
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Cons:
- Technical Expertise: Setting up a dedicated server requires more technical knowledge and configuration.
- Hardware Requirements: Running a dedicated server demands significant hardware resources, including CPU, RAM, and storage.
- Cost: You’ll need a dedicated computer or server hosting service, which entails ongoing costs.
- Maintenance: Dedicated servers require regular maintenance and updates.
There are a few ways to set up a dedicated server:
- Self-Hosting: You can host a server on your computer if you have the required hardware and technical skills. This method involves installing the Ark server software using SteamCMD and configuring the server files manually.
- Server Hosting Services: Numerous companies specialize in hosting Ark servers. These services provide pre-configured servers and user-friendly interfaces, simplifying the setup and management process. This is an option, where renting an Ark Survival Evolved server can cost you somewhere between $15 and $30 per month depending on your requirements.
Private Servers on Consoles
The process is similar on consoles, though the level of customization can vary depending on the platform. Console versions of Ark also support non-dedicated servers, and dedicated servers can be set up through similar processes as the PC version, often relying on third-party hosting solutions.
Customizing Your Private Ark Experience
Regardless of whether you choose a non-dedicated or dedicated server, the ability to customize your gameplay experience is essential. You can adjust various settings to tailor the game to your preferences.
- Difficulty: Adjust the game’s difficulty to suit your group’s skill level.
- Taming Speed: Modify the taming speed to make the process faster or more challenging.
- Resource Gathering: Adjust the resource gathering rates to control the pace of progression.
- Engram Points: Customize the number of engram points awarded to players, allowing them to learn more crafting recipes.
- Mods: Dedicated servers can use mods to add new creatures, items, and features to the game.
These settings can be found in the game’s configuration files or through the server’s web interface if you are using a hosting service.
FAQs: Playing Ark With Friends Only
1. What is the difference between a dedicated and non-dedicated Ark server?
A non-dedicated server is hosted on the same machine the player uses to play the game, limiting player count and range. A dedicated server runs on a separate machine, offering more player capacity, no tether distance, and continuous uptime.
2. Can my friend play on my Ark server when I’m offline?
Only on a dedicated server. With a non-dedicated server, the server shuts down when the host player logs off.
3. How many players can join a non-dedicated Ark server?
Non-dedicated servers typically limit the player count to 4 players.
4. Is it free to host an Ark server?
Hosting an Ark server on your own computer can be free (besides the cost of electricity and hardware). However, using a server hosting service incurs monthly fees.
5. What are the minimum requirements for hosting an Ark dedicated server?
Generally, the minimum recommended configuration for your Ark dedicated server is: 8 GB RAM, 20 GB minimum disk space, 2 CPU cores with more than 3.0 GHz (for 10 to 15 players).
6. How do I make my non-dedicated Ark server private?
When setting up the non-dedicated server, check the “Private Game” box and set an admin password.
7. Can I use mods on a non-dedicated Ark server?
Yes, but the process can be more cumbersome than on a dedicated server. Ensure all players have the same mods installed and enabled.
8. What does “tether distance” mean on a non-dedicated server?
Tether distance refers to the maximum distance other players can be from the host. If they exceed this range, they will be pulled back towards the host.
9. How much does it cost to rent an Ark server?
Renting an Ark Survival Evolved server will usually set you back anywhere between $15 and $30 per month depending on your requirements.
10. How do I invite my friends to my private Ark server?
For non-dedicated servers, invite them through Steam or provide them with the server name. For dedicated servers, share the server’s IP address and port.
11. Can I play Ark co-op locally with a friend?
Yes, Ark supports 2-player local co-op on a single device.
12. Can I play Ark with crossplay between PC and console?
Crossplay compatibility depends on the specific versions of the game and platforms involved. Check the latest game information for updated crossplay support details.
13. What is SteamCMD and how do I use it for Ark?
SteamCMD is a command-line tool used to download and update Steam games and dedicated server files. It’s essential for setting up a dedicated Ark server on your own machine. Use app id 376030 for Survival Evolved or use 445400 for Survival of The Fittest.
14. Are there any free Ark servers available?
Yes, some community-hosted servers are free to join, but they may have different rules and settings than what you prefer for a private game with friends.
15. How can I learn more about gaming and education?
The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for exploring the intersection of gaming and education. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover articles, research, and community resources.