Create a batch file named start-server.bat and place the file in the Ark-server/ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64/ folder. Example of Script:
ShooterGameServer.exe "TheIsland?SessionName=MyArkServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MyPassword?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?MaxPlayers=10"
On Linux, create a shell script with the name start.sh and place it in the Ark-server/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ folder:
#!/bin/bash
ShooterGameServer "TheIsland?Listen?SessionName=ArkServer?ServerPassword=JoinPassword?ServerAdminPassword=AdminPassword" -server -log
Once finishing the script, type the following to make it executable:
chmod +x start.shNow, individuals can run the script efficiently that they have made.
Port forwarding is an essential step in in-game hosting because it allows players outside the home network to connect to the server.
Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.Repeat the process, but change TCP to UDP and enter the port numbers in the specific local ports section:
After creating the UDP rule, close the program and open “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall, then scroll to find ShooterGame (Ark).
For all ShooterGame apps, check the Ark Survival Evolved private server boxes and public boxes.
Log in to the router and then navigate to the port forwarding option. If it is not in the settings, upgrade the router.
The last step is to join the Ark dedicated server. Once the server is working, connect it to the device.
Local hosting is used when all players are connected to the same network and share an IP address. For example, all players are in the same house while connecting to the server.
Launch the Steam client and click on View > Servers.
On server software, select the favorite tab.
Click Add a server and enter localhost:27015.
After this, add this address to your favorites. Then, go back to the Favorites tab and refresh the page. The server is now listed.
Dedicated Ark servers are separate programs or machines made to host Ark servers and games. They run 24/7, have a unique IP address, and serve individuals. Dedicated servers offer superior reliability and performance compared to non-dedicated servers, and they can handle more players or provide smoother gameplay. They host many PC games. Ark dedicated server hosting manages and maintains physical server resources, allowing customers to use them.
Unlike non-dedicated servers, which depend on the host being online, Ark dedicated servers run independently. This can handle more players and reduce lag, giving a smoother experience.
You can customize game settings to suit your Ark preferences. This includes adjusting taming speed, resource gathering rates, and player stats, and enabling mods to enhance gameplay.
Server hosting provides better security control, allowing individuals to monitor and manage potential threats and disruptive players effectively.
With an Ark dedicated server, individuals can control who can join the game, set rules, and manage players’ behavior while maintaining a stable environment.
Knowing the Ark dedicated server hosting requirements is essential. The OS must meet the 64-bit requirement (ShooterGameServer is a 64-bit executable and cannot run on a 32-bit install of Ubuntu or Windows). The server is tested on Ubuntu 14.04 and supports Windows hosts where the prerequisites in _commonredist can be installed. To run Ark, a PC needs:
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UDP 27015 | Query port for Steam server browser. |
| UDP 7777 | Game client port. |
| UDP 7778 | Raw UDP socket port (always game client port +1). |
| TCP 27020 | RCON for remote control server access (optional). |
| Server Instance | Game Port | Raw UDP Port | Query Port | RCON Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server game instance 1 | 7777 | 7778 | 27015 | 27020 |
| Server game instance 2 | 7779 | 7780 | 27016 | 27021 |
| Server game instance 3 | 7781 | 7782 | 27017 | 27022 |
| The server game instance has four completely different ports | 9999 | 10000 | 37015 | 37016 |
Query ports could not be between 27020 and 27050 because of Steam using those ports.
Ark can be hosted on both Windows and Linux platforms.
The Windows platform offers a user-friendly interface, especially for non-command line operations. Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable can be found in the Steam Ark game folder under the CommonRedist/vcredist/folder. DirectX (DXSETUP can be found in the Steam Ark game folder under the CommonRedist/DirectX/June2010/ folder).
It is preferred due to its stability, reduced overhead, and best performance on dedicated servers. It requires command-line operation but is more customizable. A 64-bit Linux server requires the installation and running of SteamCMD.
sudo apt-get install lib32gcc-s1The game server usually requires glibc 2.14 or greater. Ubuntu 14.04 and Debian 8 automatically fulfill this requirement, but older versions of Glibc on Debian 7 do not. To install the required version of glibc on a Debian 7 host:
/etc/apt/sources.list.# Experimental/unstable (sid) repositories
deb http://ftp.debian.org/debian/ experimental main
deb http://ftp.debian.org/debian/ sid main
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -t experimental install libc6-devRefer to distribution documentation and support forums for help with older distributions that do not include glibc_2.14 or newer.
There are two different software and tools needed to host an Ark dedicated server:
Before setting up a server, ensure the following:
When installing a server, ensure the server is configured correctly and ready for players. Follow these steps to install a server.
SteamCMD is a command line tool for downloading and updating Ark server hosting files. To install:
C:\steamCMD on Windows or /home/username/steamCMD Linux. Extract the downloaded SteamCMD files into this folder.login anonymous” command to log in without a Steam account.Once SteamCMD is set up, download the Ark server files.
app_update 376030 validateSteam> login anonymous
Steam> force_install_dir <install-dir>
Steam> app_update 376030 validate
Steam> exitAfter downloading, server files need to be configured according to preferences.
[ServerSettings]
ServerName=ArkServer
ServerPassword=YourPassword
MaxPlayers=20[/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode]
DinoDamageMultiplier=1.0
PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier=1.0
PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=1.0Access router settings and forward ports to the server’s local IP address:
Allow the inbound and outbound traffic on the ports through the system firewall settings.
Once all are configured, launch the server.
ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?Listen?SessionName=MyArkServerCustomize the command for different maps and configurations.
wf.msc. Then press the “Run as administrator” option.Firewall configuration may need specific application input.
A firewall is based on modern distributions and different interfaces for some Linux distros. It is best to use direct iptables commands. All firewall changes require sudo. Open ports 7777, 7778, and 27015 for UDP and 27020 for TCP. Individuals can adjust the port leads by editing the script.
This script opens ports that can persist across reboots. UFW is available for firewalls on Ubuntu:
#!/bin/sh
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
echo "This must be run as root"
exit 1
fi
for port in 7777 7778 27015; do
ufw allow $port/udp
done
# Uncomment the next line if you want to open the default RCON port
# ufw allow 27020/tcpThis script will open the ports in a way that persists across reboots. It is used on RHEL 7, CentOS 7.x, and Fedora.
#!/bin/sh
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
echo "This must be run as root"
exit 1
fi
for port in 7777 7778 27015; do
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=$port/udp
done
# Uncomment the next line if you want to open the default RCON port
# firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=27020/tcp
firewall-cmd --reloadThis is a temporary solution; individuals can use it if neither of the other scripts applies to their systems. To make iptables safe for reboots, it is essential to watch the distribution documentation on how to add firewall ports to the existing configuration files and add scripts to the boot process.
#!/bin/sh
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
echo "This must be run as root"
exit 1
fi
for port in 7777 7778 27015; do
iptables -t filter -I INPUT -p udp --dport $port -j ACCEPT
done
# Uncomment the next line if you want to open the default RCON port
# iptables -t filter -I INPUT -p tcp --dport 27020 -j ACCEPTThere are a lot of websites with tutorials on port forwarding. It is advisable to visit portforward.com, which offers tutorials for many routers. Forward port 27015 is the game port and 27016 is the query port. 7777 is the most common port that usually works. Individuals must forward both UDP and TCP so the server can appear on any list. Also, make sure that ports are open by using the tool from portforward.com and then entering ports forwarded in the start-server.bat file that was created earlier. For example:
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?Listen?SessionName=<server-name>?ServerPassword=<joinPassword>?ServerAdminPassword=<AdminPassword>?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?MaxPlayers=<max-players>You can access the server through Steam server lists or the Ark unofficial list. Search by name in the Ark list or find the IP address in the Steam server list. Add individual server IP to Steam favorites and use the favorites game tab. The game list has a server limit showing at one time. The server could or couldn’t appear on unofficial sites all the time.
To update the server when a new version is released, repeat the same SteamCMD commands shown in the previous session. Use the correct command for your platform. To automate the process further, refer to the SteamCMD guides. Using the system startup file, integrate the update mechanism to run before starting the game. SteamCMD provides additional tools for easy installation and more straightforward, seamless updates.
The Ark Server Manager is a popular and effective tool for managing and configuring a dedicated server for the game Ark: Survival Evolved. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing and setting up a server, making it easy to customize settings, manage mods, and ensure smooth operation.
Running an Ark dedicated server offers control, customization, and community-building opportunities. Ensure your hardware and software meet the requirements before setting up the server. Use tools like SteamCMD and Ark Server Manager to simplify server management. Setting up a dedicated Ark server allows the creation of a customized and controlled gaming environment, offering the best experience for players. Following these steps, individuals can quickly establish an engaging and reliable platform for Ark. Regular maintenance and community engagement will help keep servers active and thriving. Choose VPS Malaysia for a reliable and best Ark dedicated server. Have any questions? Ask in the comment section below!
Ready to elevate your ARK gaming experience? Explore our Dedicated Server services now!
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