Dedicated vs. Non-Dedicated Servers in ARK: Survival Evolved – Which One is Right for You?
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The world of ARK: Survival Evolved offers a thrilling, immersive experience where players can explore, build, tame dinosaurs, and conquer challenges. But before you can dive into this prehistoric playground with friends, you need to understand the crucial difference between dedicated and non-dedicated servers. This choice significantly impacts your gameplay experience, influencing performance, player limits, and overall enjoyment. So, let’s break down what sets them apart.
At its core, the key difference between a dedicated and a non-dedicated server in ARK is the machine’s role in hosting the game. A dedicated server is a separate machine or program exclusively set up to host the game. It’s solely dedicated to running the server environment and facilitating multiplayer interaction. In contrast, a non-dedicated server uses your own machine to host the game and run the client (the game application) simultaneously. This means you’re not just playing the game; you’re also acting as the server.
Dedicated Servers: The Powerhouse of ARK
How They Work
A dedicated server operates on a distinct machine or through a hosting service, completely separate from the player’s gaming device. This server runs continuously, often 24/7, and has its own unique IP address. All players connect to this centralized server to play, which is dedicated to providing the game environment. The server handles all the game’s calculations, character positions, and interactions.
Key Advantages
- Enhanced Performance and Stability: Dedicated servers offer superior performance and stability compared to non-dedicated options. They’re optimized to handle multiple players and complex game mechanics without impacting gameplay. This results in smoother frame rates, less lag, and a more consistent experience.
- Higher Player Capacity: Dedicated servers can support a significantly larger number of players simultaneously. This makes them ideal for communities, large groups of friends, or those looking for a more populated server.
- 24/7 Availability: As dedicated servers operate independently, they can run around the clock, meaning you and your friends can access the game anytime, even when the host isn’t online.
- Advanced Customization: Dedicated servers provide greater control over server settings. You can fine-tune rules, customize gameplay elements, and install mods, giving you much more flexibility.
- Improved Security: Dedicated servers offer enhanced security, preventing unauthorized access or exploitation of the server.
Drawbacks
- Higher Cost: Dedicated servers typically come with a monthly cost, whether you’re renting one from a hosting provider or managing a physical server yourself.
- Technical Expertise Required: Setting up and maintaining a dedicated server often requires some level of technical knowledge, including server management skills, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance.
- Initial Setup Time: Getting a dedicated server up and running can be more time-consuming compared to a non-dedicated option, as it involves server configuration and installation.
Non-Dedicated Servers: Simple and Convenient
How They Work
Non-dedicated servers are far simpler in execution. When you select “Host Non-Dedicated Session” in ARK, your computer becomes the server. You play the game as normal, but your machine simultaneously acts as the host for anyone who joins. This is a straightforward, accessible way to quickly play with a small group of friends.
Key Advantages
- Cost-Effective: Non-dedicated servers are free, requiring only the purchase of the game itself. You don’t need to pay any additional fees for server hosting.
- Easy Setup: Starting a non-dedicated server is quick and easy. You don’t need any technical knowledge or complex configurations – simply select “Host Non-Dedicated” from the game menu.
- Flexibility: Non-dedicated servers offer a convenient way to play with friends whenever you want, without the need to invest time or resources into dedicated server infrastructure.
Drawbacks
- Tethering Limitations: The most significant drawback of non-dedicated servers is the tethering system. Players joining your game are limited by a specific range, and anyone who goes beyond this distance will be forcibly teleported back to the host.
- Lower Performance: Since the hosting and gaming are done simultaneously on the same machine, performance is significantly reduced compared to a dedicated server. The host machine has to bear both the game’s demands and the server’s processing burden.
- Limited Player Count: Non-dedicated servers typically have a lower maximum player capacity, often capped at around 4 players (this can vary slightly depending on platform).
- Host-Dependent: The server only runs when the host is playing. As soon as the host shuts down the game, the server goes offline and becomes unavailable to other players.
Which Server is Right For You?
The best type of server for your ARK experience depends on your needs and priorities.
- Choose a Dedicated Server if: You want to play with a large group of players, desire high performance and stability, need 24/7 availability, and seek extensive server customization.
- Choose a Non-Dedicated Server if: You’re looking for a free and easy way to play with a small group of friends, don’t mind tethering restrictions, and only want to play when the host is online.
Ultimately, understanding the differences between these two server types is crucial to ensuring you and your friends enjoy the optimal ARK experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can friends join a non-dedicated server in ARK?
Yes, friends can join a non-dedicated server in ARK. The host needs to start a non-dedicated session through the game menu, and then their friends can join through the game’s join menu. However, they will be limited by the tethering range.
2. How many players can play on a non-dedicated ARK server?
Non-dedicated servers typically have a limit of 4 players. This limit may vary slightly depending on the platform.
3. Does it cost money to run a dedicated ARK server?
Yes, running a dedicated server usually involves costs. You’ll either need to pay for a hosting service or invest in your own server hardware and pay for its maintenance and upkeep.
4. Is a dedicated ARK server better than a non-dedicated one?
Dedicated servers generally offer better performance, stability, and player capacity than non-dedicated servers, so they are better for larger groups or when more robust gameplay is desired. However, non-dedicated servers are more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for smaller groups.
5. Can you switch a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server in ARK?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your world and player data from a non-dedicated server to a dedicated server. This involves copying server save files, although the process may require technical expertise.
6. What is the tethering distance on a non-dedicated ARK server?
The tethering distance on a non-dedicated server is a radius around the host player. If other players move beyond this radius, they will be forcibly teleported back to the host. The precise distance can vary somewhat depending on settings and platforms.
7. Do dedicated servers offer better security than non-dedicated servers?
Yes, dedicated servers generally offer enhanced security as they are not bound by the player’s machine. They prevent unwanted players from joining.
8. Why do non-dedicated servers have performance issues?
Non-dedicated servers experience performance issues because the game and server are both running on the same machine, dividing the resources. This causes performance bottlenecks, especially if your computer struggles with running the game alone.
9. Can I host a dedicated ARK server on my own PC?
Yes, you can host a dedicated server on your own PC, but it requires a powerful machine and a good understanding of server setup and maintenance. This can lead to performance issues if your pc is not up to spec.
10. Are there free dedicated server options for ARK?
While many hosting companies offer free trials, truly free, reliable, and long-term dedicated server options are very limited. Hosting often requires paying fees.
11. What are the benefits of a dedicated server for ARK?
Dedicated servers in ARK offer superior performance and stability, higher player capacity, 24/7 availability, enhanced customization, and more robust security.
12. What is the most significant disadvantage of a non-dedicated server in ARK?
The tethering system is the most significant disadvantage of a non-dedicated server, as it greatly restricts the freedom of other players by tying them to the host player.
13. Can you use mods on a non-dedicated ARK server?
Yes, you can use mods on a non-dedicated ARK server, but all players joining must subscribe to and load all the same mods, and they must all be the same version.
14. Do non-dedicated servers run when the host is offline?
No, a non-dedicated server only runs when the host is actively playing the game. As soon as the host exits the game, the server shuts down, making it inaccessible.
15. Where do I go to host an ARK server?
There are many services for hosting a dedicated server, as well as the ability to host a dedicated server on your own pc. You can find server providers through a simple online search.