Are you a fan of Ark: Survival Evolved and want to create your own server to play with your friends? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating an Ark server for free. Whether you want to host a private server for a small group of friends or a public server for a larger community, we've got you covered. Let's get started!
Why Create a Server?
Before we dive into the details of creating an Ark server, let's discuss why you might want to do it in the first place. Hosting your own server gives you full control over the game settings, allowing you to customize the gameplay experience according to your preferences. You can adjust factors such as the difficulty level, taming speed, resource availability, and much more. Additionally, having your own server means you can play with your friends without any interruptions or restrictions imposed by public servers. It's a great way to enjoy the game to its fullest!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Hosting Provider
The first step in creating an Ark server is to choose a hosting provider. There are several options available, but for this tutorial, we will focus on using a free hosting service. One popular choice is to use a cloud-based platform like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), which offer free tier options that can be used to host your server. Another option is to use a dedicated server hosting service that provides free plans specifically for Ark servers.
Step 2: Setting Up the Server
Once you have chosen a hosting provider, it's time to set up your server. The exact process may vary depending on the provider you choose, but the general steps are as follows:
- Create an account with the hosting provider and sign in to their dashboard.
- Create a new virtual machine instance or server.
- Choose the appropriate operating system for your server (e.g., Windows or Linux).
- Configure the server specifications, such as the amount of RAM and storage space.
- Assign a static IP address to your server.
- Install the necessary software and dependencies for running an Ark server.
- Download and install the Ark server files.
- Configure the server settings, such as the server name, password, and game options.
- Start the server and wait for it to be ready.
Step 3: Configuring Server Settings
Once your server is up and running, you'll need to configure the settings to customize your gameplay experience. This includes adjusting factors such as the difficulty level, player and dino stats, resource respawn rate, and much more. You can also enable or disable certain features, such as PvP (Player vs. Player) combat or tribe warfare. These settings can be modified through the server's configuration files, which can be accessed through the hosting provider's dashboard or via FTP.
Conclusion
Creating your own Ark server for free is a great way to enjoy the game with your friends and have full control over the gameplay experience. By choosing the right hosting provider, setting up the server correctly, and configuring the settings to your liking, you can create a server that perfectly suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, embark on exciting adventures, and conquer the world of Ark: Survival Evolved on your very own server!