How to set up a server for ARK: Survival Evolved

To set up a server for ARK: Survival Evolved, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Choose a hosting platform: The first step is to decide whether you want to host the server yourself or use a hosting service. If you choose to host the server yourself, you’ll need to have a machine with sufficient hardware and an internet connection with a stable, low-latency connection. If you choose to use a hosting service, you’ll need to sign up for an account and choose a hosting plan that meets the requirements of the game.

Install the game: If you’re hosting the server yourself, you’ll need to install the game on the machine you’ll be using as the server. Make sure to install the latest version of the game to ensure compatibility with the latest updates.

Configure the server: Once the game is installed, you’ll need to configure the server by editing the configuration files. You can find the configuration files in the “ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer” folder. You’ll need to edit the “Game.ini” file to configure the server settings, such as the server name, player slots, and any game-specific options.

Set up port forwarding: In order for players to connect to your server, you’ll need to configure your router to forward incoming connections to the machine or hosting account where the server is running. This is known as “port forwarding,” and the specific steps to set it up will depend on your router. You’ll need to find the port number that the game uses and set up your router to forward connections on that port to the IP address of the machine running the server.

Start the server: Once the server is configured and port forwarding is set up, you can start the server by launching the game and selecting “Host” from the main menu. This will start the server and allow other players to connect to it.

Share the server: Once the server is running, you can share it with others by giving them the IP address and port number of your server. You may also want to advertise your server on forums or other online communities to attract more players.