Setting up a dedicated server for ARK: Survival Evolved provides a stable foundation for large-scale tribe warfare, community events, and persistent world building. Unlike a local session, a dedicated machine runs the server software independently, ensuring the game continues even when no single player is actively logged in. This guide walks through the entire process, from hardware selection to final configuration, using the latest methods for both Steam and Epic Games versions.
Choosing Hardware and a Hosting Location
The first critical decision involves where the server will live and what hardware it will use. You can either rent a dedicated server from a provider or host the game on a powerful machine in your own home. For a smooth experience with multiple players, prioritize a robust CPU over maximum RAM, as ARK relies heavily on processing power for physics and dinosaur AI.
When selecting a host, network latency is the defining factor for player satisfaction. Locate your server physically close to the majority of your intended player base to minimize ping. If you are renting, choose a data center region that matches your target audience; if hosting locally, ensure your upload speed is reliable and sufficient to handle constant data uploads.
Installing the Server Software via SteamCMD
Setting Up the Command Line Tool
To install the ARK server via SteamCMD, you first need to create a dedicated directory for the files and download the tool. Open a command prompt and run the following command, replacing the path with your desired installation folder. This retrieves the latest server files directly from Valve’s infrastructure.
SteamCMD + ARK Installation: steamcmd +force_install_dir +login anonymous +app_update 376030 validate +quit
After the download completes, you will have a complete file structure containing the server executable and all necessary libraries. It is recommended to run the server at least once in a temporary window to generate the default configuration folders and ensure the Steam authentication servers recognize your instance.
Configuring Server Properties and Admin Settings
Once the files are in place, you must adjust the GameUserSettings.ini file to define the identity and rules of your world. This file controls the server name, password, PvP settings, and difficulty scaling. Locate the file within the ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer directory and adjust the parameters to match your vision.
Server Name and Password: Set ServerName and ServerPassword to control access.
PvP and Taming Rates: Adjust bPVEAllowTaming and PlayerExperienceMultipliers to tailor the gameplay pace.
For administrative control, you must generate an AdminCodes file. Create a list of Steam64 IDs for the players who will have full control over the server console. These individuals can ban users, modify structures, and access creative modes, making them essential for community management on higher security settings.
Port Forwarding and Network Configuration
To allow external players to connect, you must configure your router to forward the specific ports used by ARK. Without this step, users attempting to join via your public IP will be blocked by the network firewall. The standard ports ensure the server communicates efficiently with the central master server and client sessions.
