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How Long Does It Take for an Ark Server to Reset?

The time it takes for an Ark: Survival Evolved server to reset can vary significantly depending on the type of reset being performed and the server’s specific configurations. There isn’t a single, definitive answer; rather, it’s a range of possibilities dictated by the action you’re initiating. Understanding the differences between a simple restart, a full reboot, server updates, and server wipes is crucial to determining the duration of downtime. Let’s break down these scenarios to give you a clearer picture.

Types of Server Reset Actions and Their Durations

Server Restart

A server restart is the quickest of the reset options. When you restart an Ark server, you are essentially closing all running processes and then starting them up again. This action is less intrusive than a full reboot and generally takes the least amount of time.

Typical Duration: Expect a server restart to take anywhere from a couple of minutes to 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of running processes, the server’s hardware, and any loaded mods or custom configurations.

Server Reboot

A server reboot, on the other hand, is a more thorough process. This involves shutting down all running processes and then physically rebooting the server machine. Because the server’s operating system needs to reload, the reboot takes longer than a restart.

Typical Duration: A server reboot can take a bit longer, generally ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, sometimes even longer for older or heavily loaded servers. This is because the entire system needs to cycle through its startup process.

Server Updates

Server updates are required when the developers of Ark: Survival Evolved release new patches or content. These updates require the server to download and install the new files before becoming available to players again. The time it takes for an update can vary widely.

Typical Duration: The time for a server update is heavily dependent on the size of the patch. Typically, you can expect update downtimes to last around 30 minutes until the update is available on all machines. However, larger updates could require considerably longer downtime.

Server Wipes

A server wipe involves completely erasing the game data and resetting it to its initial state. This is different from the other scenarios, as it’s less about the technical reset and more about the game data itself. Wipes are often used to create a fresh start for players.

Typical Duration: Wipes don’t have a specific downtime window for the server itself, as the action is focused on data deletion. Once the files are deleted, the server can usually restart relatively quickly (similar to a restart). However, the impact of a wipe for players is that it wipes their characters, builds, and tamed dinos.

Types of Server Wipes in Ark

Monthly Wipes: Some servers, called ARKpocalypse servers, have monthly wipes designed to keep gameplay fresh, usually at higher rates for progression and resource gathering.
Beginner Server Wipes: Beginner servers are periodically wiped to provide a fresh experience for new players. These wipes can vary in frequency.

Server Maintenance

Occasionally, servers require routine maintenance to ensure smooth and optimal operation. Server maintenance is not a reset per se, but it does often require downtime.

Typical Duration: Downtime for maintenance is often estimated to last up to 4 hours, although this can fluctuate depending on what the administrator is doing.

Factors That Influence Reset Time

Several factors can influence how long a server reset takes:

Server Hardware: More powerful servers with better CPUs, RAM, and storage generally restart and reboot faster.
Number of Processes: Servers running a large number of mods, plugins, or custom settings may require more time to restart due to the additional processes being initiated.
File System Health: A fragmented or unhealthy file system can slow down the boot and restart process.
Network Conditions: Poor network conditions can significantly delay updates and potentially slow down restarts.
Administrator Actions: Sometimes, administrators may need to manually manage the server or deal with unexpected issues, which can extend the downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of Ark server resets:

Why does my server take so long to restart?
Server restarts take longer than a desktop computer because servers have extensive checks and balances in place to ensure reliability. Reliability is the primary focus, not just speed.
What happens if I restart my server?
Restarting a server closes all running processes and starts them again. It’s a less intrusive option than a reboot and is often sufficient for minor issues.
How do I force restart a server?
You can force restart a server using the command line. Using the shutdown /m \servername /r command will restart the server, and you can use the /t 0 modifier for an immediate restart (e.g., shutdown /r /m \servername /t 0).
Is Ark a CPU-heavy game?
Ark is actually more GPU intensive than CPU intensive, however, both hardware are essential for a stable framerate. Ensure that your components meet the game’s minimum and recommended requirements to avoid lag and performance issues.
Is Ark a laggy game?
Ark can be a laggy game, especially if your computer doesn’t meet the game’s system requirements. To avoid lag, you need sufficient RAM, a good graphics card, and a capable processor. Network conditions can also contribute to lag.
How long can a server last?
Servers can last much longer than most people think, with an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Server lifespan often depends on the quality of hardware, workload, and environmental conditions.
How long can a server stay on?
Servers can stay on as long as their components remain functional. There is no set time limit, meaning servers can run for extended periods provided they are properly maintained.
How often should I update my server?
You should update your server whenever new patches are released by the developers to ensure your game and security remain up to date.
What should I level up in Ark?
The best stats to level up in Ark, depending on your needs, include Food, Stamina, Torpidity, Movement Speed, Health, Melee Damage, Weight, and Fortitude. Prioritizing these stats will drastically improve your survival.
What difficulty level should I be in Ark?
The effective Difficulty value affects the step size in wild dino levels. A standard Difficulty of 5.0 corresponds to 5-level increments. You can adjust the difficulty as needed for your server.
What is difficulty 1 in Ark?
Difficulty 1 alters the range of wild dino levels. At a default of 0.2, dinos spawn with levels 1-30. Setting the difficulty to 1.0 results in spawn levels between 1-120 on the Island or 1-150 on DLC maps.
Should I run a non-dedicated server in Ark?
Non-dedicated servers are suitable for small groups of players on the same network. For larger groups and playing with friends globally, a dedicated server is best.
Why did Ark reset my settings?
If your GameUserSettings.ini file is being reset upon restart, it’s usually due to errors such as incorrect syntax or invalid configuration variables. Ensure all the file’s values and configurations are correct and formatted appropriately.
How do I clear my Ark server cache?
To clear your Ark server cache, unsubscribe from all mods, log out of Steam, delete the mod folders in the game’s directory and workshop folder, and restart your computer. This can help alleviate problems caused by outdated mod data.
Are unofficial Ark servers safe?
Unofficial servers can be safe and often offer alternative gameplay experiences and modding capabilities that aren’t available on official servers. However, it’s essential to choose reliable servers from reputable communities.

Understanding the various reset scenarios and their typical durations is essential for managing your Ark server effectively. Whether you are restarting, rebooting, updating, or wiping a server, each operation carries different time implications. Armed with this information, you’ll be better equipped to plan around server downtimes and ensure a smooth gaming experience for yourself and your players.

How long does it take for Ark server to reset?