What Happens When You Leave a Non-Dedicated ARK Server?
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The question of what happens when you leave a non-dedicated server in ARK: Survival Evolved is a common one, especially for players new to the game or those exploring its various multiplayer options. The short answer is: the server shuts down. Unlike dedicated servers that remain online continuously, non-dedicated servers are tied to the host player’s game. If the host logs off, the server disappears, and all other players are disconnected. This is a fundamental difference that impacts gameplay significantly. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and implications of this, along with answers to related frequently asked questions.
How Non-Dedicated Servers Function
The Hosting Player’s Role
In a non-dedicated server setup, one player’s computer acts as both the client and the server. This means that the host’s machine is not only running the game for them but is also handling the server-side calculations for all other players connected. The host’s single-player save file doubles as the non-dedicated server’s world. Consequently, when the host player logs off or closes their game, this shared world ceases to exist until they start hosting again.
Temporary Nature of Non-Dedicated Sessions
This reliance on the host’s ongoing presence makes non-dedicated servers inherently temporary. The session only exists when the host is actively playing. If the host player has to go to work, attend to other priorities, or simply wants to play a different game, the non-dedicated server is taken offline. Other players cannot continue their progress or access their characters, structures, or tamed creatures until the host re-establishes the server.
Cost-Effectiveness of Non-Dedicated Servers
Despite these limitations, non-dedicated servers have their advantages. The most significant is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike dedicated servers that require additional expenses for renting server space and infrastructure, non-dedicated servers operate solely on the host’s machine. This eliminates the need for external costs, making it an ideal option for friends or small groups who don’t need a continuous, always-online world.
Comparing Non-Dedicated to Dedicated Servers
Performance and Stability
The temporary nature and reliance on a single computer mean that non-dedicated servers typically offer less performance and stability than their dedicated counterparts. The host’s system resources must handle both their game client and the server processes, potentially causing lag, slowdowns, and a limited number of players that can join. In contrast, dedicated servers offer significantly enhanced performance and stability, as they are hosted on specialized hardware and are not directly tied to any single player’s gaming experience.
Uptime Guarantee
Another crucial distinction is the uptime guarantee. Dedicated servers are designed to run 24/7, allowing players to access the game world at any time, regardless of the host’s availability. With a non-dedicated server, there is no uptime guarantee. The world is only accessible when the host is online and actively hosting. This can be a deal-breaker for players who prefer consistency and want to play independently of the host’s schedule.
Practical Implications of Leaving a Non-Dedicated Server
Loss of Connection for Other Players
When the host quits a non-dedicated server, all other connected players are abruptly disconnected. This can interrupt gameplay sessions and potentially cause frustration, especially if players are in the middle of important tasks, such as taming a high-level dino or building a complex structure. The sudden loss of connection also highlights the dependence of other players on the host’s availability.
Data and Progression Saved
Despite the server’s disappearance, the world data and player progression are typically saved when the host closes the game. The single-player save file acts as the server save, and thus, all player characters, structures, and items remain intact. However, the saved state is only accessible again when the host player restarts the non-dedicated server.
Returning to the Same World
The saving mechanism ensures that you can pick up where you left off in your shared single-player world. When the host creates a non-dedicated server again, the same world state is loaded. Note that the same player must host the non-dedicated server each time to access the same save game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I continue playing if the host leaves a non-dedicated ARK server?
No, you cannot. When the host leaves, the non-dedicated server shuts down, and all connected players are disconnected. The game world is effectively paused until the host restarts the server.
2. Does a non-dedicated server in ARK save player progress?
Yes, a non-dedicated server saves player progress, including characters, structures, and tamed creatures, into the host’s single-player save file. This progression is retained for the next time the server is hosted by the same player.
3. Can I transfer my single-player ARK save to a non-dedicated server?
Yes, your single-player save file is the same file used for a non-dedicated server. When hosting a non-dedicated server, you are effectively using your single-player world.
4. How many players can join a non-dedicated ARK server?
The number of players that can join a non-dedicated server is limited and typically depends on the host’s hardware capabilities. Usually, non-dedicated servers are limited to 2-8 players without compromising performance.
5. What are the limitations of a non-dedicated server compared to a dedicated server?
Non-dedicated servers are limited by the host’s machine resources, cannot provide 24/7 uptime, and often experience reduced performance with multiple players. Dedicated servers are on separate hardware and provide consistent stability and higher player caps.
6. Can friends join my single-player game in ARK?
Yes, friends can join your single-player game by you hosting a non-dedicated server and inviting them. This is effectively sharing your single-player game with your friends.
7. Can I run a non-dedicated server and play the game simultaneously on the same PC?
Yes, but this will put extra strain on your system and may cause performance issues, especially with more players connected. It’s important to have good hardware.
8. Is a non-dedicated server cheaper than a dedicated server?
Yes, non-dedicated servers are free to operate since they run on the host’s hardware. Dedicated servers require monthly subscriptions for server space.
9. Is it possible to transfer player data from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server?
Yes, it is possible. The save files from the non-dedicated server can be accessed and transferred to your dedicated server in order to maintain progression.
10. How do I create a non-dedicated server in ARK?
To create a non-dedicated server, start ARK, choose “Host/Local” then select “Host Non-Dedicated Server”, select the map, adjust settings and then click Host Non-Dedicated Server.
11. What happens if the host crashes while hosting a non-dedicated server?
If the host crashes, the non-dedicated server will abruptly terminate. Players will lose their connection, and may experience some minor data loss. However, it will likely auto-save before crashing.
12. Is there a way to keep a non-dedicated server running even if the host logs off?
No, a non-dedicated server is dependent on the host player. If the host logs off, the server shuts down. You would need a dedicated server to maintain 24/7 uptime.
13. What are the common issues with non-dedicated servers?
Common issues include lag, limited player capacity, dependency on the host’s presence, and lower stability compared to dedicated servers.
14. Do mods work on non-dedicated servers?
Yes, mods can be used on non-dedicated servers, but all players must have the same mods subscribed and enabled on their game client to connect properly.
15. Can the non-dedicated server settings be changed?
Yes, the host can adjust server settings, such as difficulty level, resource gathering rates, and other server parameters, before starting the non-dedicated session.