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Is ARK Survival Private Server? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, ARK: Survival Evolved and its successor ARK: Survival Ascended both support private servers. Players have multiple options for setting up and accessing private ARK servers, allowing for customized gameplay experiences separate from the official public servers. Whether you’re looking to play with a small group of friends or create a large, thriving community, the flexibility of private servers is a significant draw for ARK players. This article will delve into the specifics of private ARK servers, exploring how they work, the different ways to get one, and address common questions players have.

Understanding Private ARK Servers

The beauty of ARK’s server system lies in its variety. Unlike some games that only offer public servers, ARK empowers players to shape their own gameplay environments. The core idea is to give you control over the rules, the players, and the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental concepts:

Private Servers Defined: Private servers are distinct instances of the ARK game world, hosted independently from the official public servers. These servers offer players a controlled environment where they can dictate various aspects of the game, such as difficulty, resource rates, and even mod availability.
Why Choose Private? The main appeal of private servers is customization. You can tweak settings that suit your playstyle, whether you prefer a more challenging survival experience or a laid-back, creative atmosphere. They allow for focused gameplay with a select group of friends or a community you curate yourself.
Options for Private Servers: You’re not limited to one method of hosting. You can host a game locally on your own computer, rent a server from a hosting provider, or even set up a dedicated server through a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Each approach has its own pros and cons, which we’ll explore further.

Methods of Accessing a Private ARK Server

There are several avenues you can explore when looking for a private ARK server experience:

Hosting Your Own Local Server

This method essentially turns your personal computer into a server.

How it Works: You launch the game and select the option to host a local non-dedicated server. This allows you and a handful of friends to connect and play together.
Pros: It’s free, straightforward to set up, and gives you complete control. You can customize the rules as you wish.
Cons: The server only runs when your computer is on and connected to the internet. Performance depends on your computer’s capabilities, and the number of players you can host simultaneously is limited. The host must always be online for others to play.

Renting a Private Server from a Hosting Provider

Several companies specialize in providing game server rentals, and ARK is a popular choice among them.

How it Works: You choose a hosting provider, select your desired server settings and player capacity, and pay a monthly fee to rent server space. The hosting provider takes care of the server’s maintenance and ensures it’s online 24/7.
Pros: High performance, reliable uptime, larger player capacity, and dedicated support are some of the primary advantages. It removes the burden of managing server infrastructure.
Cons: It’s a costlier option, usually ranging from $15 to $30 per month, depending on your server needs.

Dedicated Server with an Ark VPS

This more advanced method gives you more control and flexibility over the server environment.

How it Works: You rent a VPS, install the necessary software, and configure the server yourself. This approach requires some technical expertise, but it provides a highly customizable environment.
Pros: It gives you root access to the server, allowing for granular control over settings and configurations, including mods and plugins. It’s also generally more cost-effective than renting dedicated servers from game-hosting providers if you are comfortable with server management.
Cons: Requires significant technical knowledge and configuration experience and more effort in server maintenance.

Accessing Private Servers

Joining a private server, regardless of the method used to host it, typically involves these steps:

Obtain Server Details: Acquire the server’s IP address and port number from the host or administrator.
Add to Favorites: In the Steam client, navigate to View > Game Servers, go to the “Favorites” tab, and click “Add a server by IP.” Enter the server IP and port.
Join In-Game: Launch ARK, select “Join ARK,” and find your server in the list. If it doesn’t appear, you can also direct-connect via the server address option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK Private Servers

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify details about private ARK servers:

1. Are ARK Servers Private?

Yes, ARK servers can be private. Players can choose to host their own servers either locally, using dedicated hosting services, or through a VPS, providing customized gameplay experiences.

2. Can I Host an ARK Server for Free?

Yes, you can host a free server using your own computer. This is done by setting up a non-dedicated server through the game’s host settings. However, it’s limited in performance and player capacity.

3. Do Private ARK Servers Cost Money?

Yes, renting a server from a hosting provider typically costs money, usually between $15 to $30 per month, although some providers may offer more expensive options for increased resources and capacity. Using a VPS can also incur costs.

4. Can I Transfer My Character to a Private Server?

Yes, if you are playing on Steam, you can copy your single player character file into the server’s save directory. Rename it using your Steam ID, then you can use your character on the server.

5. Can I Transfer My Single-Player ARK Character to a Non-Dedicated Server?

Yes, a non-dedicated server is created using the same save location as a single-player game, so no transfer is necessary. You just start the non-dedicated server and your character is accessible.

6. Can Friends Join My Single Player ARK Game?

Yes, you can host a non-dedicated server which will allow friends to join. It’s also referred to as playing a local game, or the single-player mode which allows you to invite your friends.

7. Why Can’t I Join My Friend’s Private ARK Server?

Make sure that you have the correct server address and port number. Verify that your game is up to date and that the server is online and available. Restart your game and try joining the server again.

8. What is a Non-Dedicated ARK Server?

A non-dedicated server is a local machine that hosts the game for you and your friends. It’s not primarily dedicated to running the game server, hence the name, and your computer also does other things.

9. Should I Use a Dedicated or Non-Dedicated Server for ARK?

Dedicated servers provide better performance and reliability and support more players, but they usually require monthly fees. Non-dedicated servers are easier to set up and are free, but have performance limitations.

10. How Do I Join a Private Server on ARK?

In Steam, go to View > Game Servers > Favorites, and add the server IP. Launch ARK, then click “Join ARK.” Locate your server in the list and connect.

11. Can I Transfer My ARK Character to Another World?

Yes, character transfers to other maps or servers are possible, but you need to use specific mechanics within the game and sometimes pay for them. You’ll be placed in a random world in the destination region but will get a token to change to one of your choice.

12. What is the Best ARK Map?

The best map depends on preference, but popular choices include Lost Island, Ragnarok, and Fjordur for their size, content, and diverse biomes.

13. What are the Best ARK Server Hosting Providers?

Top providers include ScalaCube, Survival Servers, ShockByte, NodeCraft, and DatHost, all of which are known for providing reliable and efficient server hosting solutions.

14. Are ARK Official Servers Shutting Down?

Yes, the official servers for ARK: Survival Evolved shut down on Friday, September 29th. This has caused many players to turn to private server options.

15. Is ARK: Survival Ascended a Free Upgrade?

No, ARK: Survival Ascended is not a free upgrade. It’s a separate purchase that needs to be bought for about $59.99 across various platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, private servers are a pivotal aspect of the ARK experience, offering incredible flexibility and control for players. Whether you opt for a free non-dedicated server to play with friends or invest in a dedicated server from a hosting company or through a VPS, the ability to customize your gameplay experience is undeniable. With the official servers closing down, private servers are poised to become the new norm for many ARK enthusiasts, fostering communities and allowing for new and exciting ways to play this popular survival title.

Is ARK Survival private server?