Download the ARK: Survival Ascended server tool from its GitHub page, set it up on a secondary computer or VPS, configure server details like maps and mods, and launch the tool to host your dedicated server.

Set Up the Hosting Environment

To host a dedicated server for ARK: Survival Ascended, you need to prepare your hosting environment. This can be either a secondary computer or a rented Virtual Private Server (VPS). A VPS can be cost-effective if you do not have spare hardware.

prerequisites

  • Secondary computer or rented VPS.
  • Internet connection for hosting and downloading server files.
  • Administrative access to set up software and adjust firewall/port settings.

Install the Server Tool

The server creation tool is essential for setting up your dedicated server. Download the tool from its GitHub repository and extract the files into a suitable directory.

steps

  1. Access the ARK Server Creation Tool from its GitHub page and download the latest version (a .zip file).
  2. Extract the .zip file into a designated folder on your hosting machine or VPS.
  3. Ensure .NET dependencies are installed if prompted by the tool.

Desktop screen showing a browser opened to the GitHub page for ARK Server Creation Tool version 2.8.

The GitHub page displays the ARK Server Creation Tool for downloading version 2.8. — NOOBLETS

Configure Server Settings

Set up your server name, map, cluster ID, game port, and maximum players using the configuration interface.

steps

  1. Open the server creation tool and navigate to the server configuration menu.
  2. Select the desired map, such as "Lost Colony," from the map list.
  3. Create a unique cluster ID and choose port numbers ensuring each server uses different ports.
  4. Specify the maximum number of players allowed on the server.
  5. Optionally modify server settings files such as GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini to personalize gameplay parameters.

Server configuration window with options for server name, map selection, and other settings.

The server configuration window displays options for setting server details and map. — NOOBLETS

Add and Manage Mods

Extend your server's features with mods by adding their codes in the server configuration tool.

steps

  1. Open the server creation tool and select the server to modify.
  2. In the configuration section, add mod IDs manually or create a text file for easy reference.
  3. Use the manual define launch arguments toggle after adding mods to refresh mod data.
  4. Save all configurations and update game files to ensure mods are fully integrated.

A screen showing server configuration windows with mod IDs listed in the configurations.

The server configuration interface lists mod IDs under the mods section. — NOOBLETS

Launch and Maintain the Server

Finalize and start your server to ensure it is operational.

steps

  1. Open the server creation tool, verify all settings, and ensure servers are updated.
  2. Start servers one at a time to monitor their loading process and check logs for errors.
  3. Open necessary router ports to allow outside access if hosting locally.
  4. Regularly back up server files by copying the data in the Saved folder to a backup directory.

Server startup windows displaying a server loading process and logs on a desktop screen.

The server startup process is shown with logs detailing its initialization and status. — NOOBLETS

Troubleshooting and Support

Issues with setup or configurations may arise; here are suggested resources for assistance.

faq

How do I host a dedicated server for ARK: Survival Ascended?

To host a dedicated server, download the ARK Server Creation Tool from GitHub, set it up on a secondary computer or VPS, configure your server's settings, add desired maps and mods, and then use the tool to start your server and test its functionality.

A GitHub profile page of a user named Ragonz viewed in a browser window.

The GitHub profile page of user Ragonz is displayed, featuring links for navigation and following options. — NOOBLETS

Sources

Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.

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