How to Run a Dedicated Server on ARK: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Are you ready to take your ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended experience to the next level? Running a dedicated server is the ultimate way to create your own dino-filled world, customize every detail, and play with your crew without lag or random trolls.

Whether you want to tame T-Rexes with friends or build a massive tribe, a dedicated server gives you full control and a lag-free vibe.

But let’s be real—setting up a dedicated server can sound like a techy nightmare. Don’t sweat it! This super chill, step-by-step guide will walk you through how to run a dedicated server on ARK in 2025, covering everything from hardware requirements to server tweaks. 

Let’s dive into the prehistoric chaos and get your server up and running!

What is a Dedicated Server in ARK?

First things first—what’s a dedicated server? Unlike a non-dedicated server (where you host and play on the same machine), a dedicated server is a separate machine or service that runs your ARK world 24/7. 

You can join it as a player, but the server keeps chugging along even if you log off, letting your friends or tribe keep exploring.

Here’s why dedicated servers are awesome:

• Always Online: Your world stays active 24/7, perfect for tribes across time zones.
• No Tethering: Unlike non-dedicated servers, players can roam freely without being tied to the host.
• Customizable: Tweak settings like taming speed, difficulty, or mods to match your vibe.
• Better Performance: Dedicated hardware means less lag, even with lots of players or mods.
• Big Tribes: Supports 50+ players, compared to 4-8 on non-dedicated servers.

Why Run a Dedicated Server on ARK?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you’d want to run a dedicated server:

• Total Control: Set your own rules, maps (like The Island or Ragnarok), and gameplay modes (PvP or PvE).
• Private Community: Play with friends or build a public server for new players to join.
• Mod Support: Add epic mods from Steam Workshop to spice up your game.
• No Public Server Drama: Say goodbye to griefers and server wipes on public servers.
• Crossplay: Host for Steam, Epic Games, or even Xbox players with the right setup.

Pro Tip: Dedicated servers are perfect for serious players or tribes who want a persistent world that’s always ready for action.

System Requirements for an ARK Dedicated Server

Running a dedicated server isn’t like hosting a non-dedicated session—it needs some serious hardware to keep things smooth. Here’s what you’ll need for ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended:

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows (Windows 10/11 or Server 2019 preferred) or Linux (Ubuntu 14.04 or newer). ARK: Survival Ascended doesn’t support Linux natively.
• CPU: Quad-core processor (2-4 cores for Evolved, 8+ cores for Ascended) with strong single-thread performance (3.0 GHz+).
• RAM: At least 6GB for Evolved, 16GB+ for Ascended. More players or mods? Aim for 32GB.
• Storage: 20GB+ free disk space (Evolved needs ~18GB, Ascended needs more for mods and saves). SSD recommended for faster load times.
• Internet: Stable connection with 100 Mbps+ bandwidth. Upload speed of 5-10 Mbps minimum for multiple players.
• Ports: Open UDP 7777, 7778, 27015, and TCP 27020 for connectivity.

Hardware Tip: If you’re hosting on your own PC, make sure it’s beefy enough to handle the server and your gameplay if you’re playing too. Otherwise, consider a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or renting from a provider like InterServer or Kamatera.

Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Dedicated Server on ARK

Ready to set up your server? Follow these steps to get your ARK dedicated server running on Windows (Linux steps are similar but require extra tweaks). We’ll use SteamCMD, the go-to tool for downloading ARK server files.

Step 1: Prep Your Machine

• Update Your OS: Ensure Windows or Linux is fully updated to avoid compatibility issues.
• Install Prerequisites:
  • DirectX Runtime: Download from Microsoft or find it in your ARK game folder (_CommonRedist/DirectX).
  • Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable: Also in _CommonRedist/vcredist.
  • For Linux: Install 32-bit binaries and glibc 2.14+ (e.g., on Ubuntu/Debian).

Check Permissions: Ensure the server folder is readable/writable by your user account.

Step 2: Download SteamCMD

• Go to the SteamCMD page and download the Windows or Linux version.
• Create a folder (e.g., C:\SteamCMD or /home/steamcmd).
• Extract the steamcmd.exe or steamcmd.sh file into the folder.
• Run steamcmd.exe (Windows) or ./steamcmd.sh (Linux) to let it update itself.

Step 3: Create a Server Folder

• Make a folder for your ARK server files (e.g., C:\ARKServer or /home/steam/servers/ark).
• This needs at least 20GB of free space for Evolved or 30GB+ for Ascended.

Step 4: Download ARK Server Files

• In SteamCMD, type these commands (replace <install_dir> with your server folder path, e.g., C:\ARKServer):

bash
login anonymous
force_install_dir <install_dir>
app_update 376030 validate  // For ARK: Survival Evolved
// OR
app_update 2430930 validate  // For ARK: Survival Ascended
exit

• This downloads ~18GB of files, so grab a snack—it’ll take 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Configure Port Forwarding

• Open your router’s settings (check your router manual or PortForward.com).
• Forward these ports to your server’s local IP:
  • Game Port: UDP 7777
  • Socket Port: UDP 7778
  • Query Port: UDP 27015
  • RCON Port: TCP 27020
• For Windows, add firewall rules:
  • Open wf.msc (Windows Firewall with Advanced Security).
  • Create inbound rules for TCP 27020 and UDP 7777, 7778, 27015.

Step 6: Create a Startup Script

• In your server folder, create a batch file (Windows) or shell script (Linux):
  • Windows (ARK.bat):

bat
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=MyARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=AdminPass?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?MaxPlayers=50?listen -log

• Linux (start.sh):

bash
./ShooterGameServer TheIsland?SessionName=MyARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=AdminPass?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015?MaxPlayers=50?listen -log
chmod +x start.sh

Replace TheIsland with your map (e.g., Ragnarok, ScorchedEarth_P) and customize passwords/ports.

Step 7: Launch the Server

• Double-click ARK.bat (Windows) or run ./start.sh (Linux).
• The first launch may take a few minutes. Look for “Server has successfully started” in the console.
• If it crashes, check file permissions or increase your system’s open files limit (Linux).

Step 8: Join Your Server

• Launch ARK: Survival Evolved or Ascended.
• Go to “Join ARK,” set the filter to “Unofficial,” and search for your server name (e.g., “MyARKServer”).
• Add it to Favorites in Steam: View > Servers > Favorites > Add Server (use your server’s IP and Query Port).

Customizing Your ARK Dedicated Server

Now that your server’s running, let’s make it your own! Edit the configuration files in ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer (or LinuxServer):

• GameUserSettings.ini:
  • Adjust taming speed (TamingSpeedMultiplier), difficulty (DifficultyOffset), or max players (MaxPlayers).
  • Enable crossplay with -crossplay.
• Game.ini:
  • Tweak dino spawns, structure limits, or other gameplay settings.
• Adding Mods:
  • Subscribe to mods on Steam Workshop.
  • Add Mod IDs to GameUserSettings.ini under [ServerSettings] (e.g., ActiveMods=123456789).

Tips for Running a Smooth ARK Dedicated Server

Keep your server running like a well-tamed Raptor with these tips:Automate Updates: Create a batch file for SteamCMD updates:

bat
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\ARKServer +app_update 376030 validate +quit
```[](https://www.bestarkhosting.com/guides/how-to-host-an-ark-dedicated-server/)

• Backup Regularly: Copy the Saved folder to avoid losing progress.
• Monitor Resources: Use Task Manager or htop to check CPU/RAM usage. More players or mods increase demand.
• Schedule Restarts: Restart every 12-24 hours to prevent memory leaks.
• Use a VPS or Host: If your PC struggles, rent from providers like InterServer, Nitrado, or Survival Servers for better uptime.

Common Issues and Fixes

Running into trouble? Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Server Not Showing in Browser: Double-check port forwarding and firewall rules. Try joining via Steam’s server list.
• Crashes on Launch: Verify file permissions, reinstall prerequisites, or check for mod conflicts.
• Lag or High Ping: Lower graphics settings, reduce player count, or upgrade your internet.
• Can’t Connect: Ensure SteamCMD used login anonymous or your Steam account owns ARK.
• Mod Errors: Confirm all players have the same mods installed.

FAQs

Got questions? Here’s what ARK players often ask:

Conclusion

Congrats—you’re ready to run a dedicated server on ARK like a pro! With this guide, you’ve got the full playbook to set up, configure, and customize your own dino paradise in ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended. Whether you’re hosting for a small tribe or a massive community, a dedicated server unlocks endless possibilities for epic adventures.

So, fire up SteamCMD, open those ports, and start building your dream ARK world. Got any server setup tips or wild ARK stories? Drop ‘em in the comments—I’d love to hear ‘em! And if you want more ARK guides, check out our posts on non-dedicated servers or best ARK mods for 2025

Happy taming, and watch out for those Gigas!