ARK Hosting: How to Choose and Manage Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server

If you’re looking to host an ARK: Survival Evolved server, you’ll want the best solution for running a stable, fast, and reliable game experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through what ARK hosting entails, how to choose the best server for your needs, and how to manage your ARK server effectively.

What is ARK Hosting?

ARK hosting refers to renting or setting up a server to host an ARK: Survival Evolved game world. It allows players to control game settings, manage the player community, and customize the gameplay experience. Whether you’re hosting for a small group of friends or a large player base, having a reliable ARK host is essential.

Types of ARK Hosting

There are two main ways to host an ARK server:

1. Self-Hosted ARK Server

In this setup, you manage the server hardware and software yourself. This gives you full control over the server but requires more technical know-how.

  • Pros: Complete customization, no monthly fees, and ability to modify server hardware.
  • Cons: Requires technical expertise, more time-consuming, and can be costly to set up and maintain hardware.

2. ARK Hosted Servers

ARK hosted servers are provided by professional game server hosting companies. You simply rent a server, and the hosting company takes care of all the hardware and backend management.

  • Pros: Easier to set up, technical support provided, scalable based on your needs.
  • Cons: Monthly fees and limited hardware control compared to self-hosting.

Features to Look for in ARK Hosting Servers

When choosing an ARK hosting server, it’s essential to find the best fit for your needs. Here are the key features to consider:

1. Performance and Uptime

Ensure the server offers high performance and a stable connection. Look for hosts with 99.9% uptime guarantees and minimal lag or latency issues. The quality of the server hardware, including CPU and RAM, plays a significant role in how well the game runs.

2. Server Locations

Choose a hosting provider with server locations near your player base to minimize lag. Many hosting companies offer multiple locations around the globe, so pick one that’s geographically closer to your players for the best connection quality.

3. DDoS Protection

Having DDoS protection ensures that your ARK server remains online and secure from malicious attacks. Look for hosting providers that offer robust security features to keep your game running smoothly.

4. Customization Options

Look for ARK hosting servers that allow you to easily adjust game settings, add mods, and customize your server’s gameplay. This flexibility can enhance your players’ experience by enabling unique game modes, faster progression, or custom rules.

5. Automated Backups

Automated backups are crucial to protect your game data in case of crashes or unexpected issues. Ensure your host offers regular backups so you can restore your game world without losing progress.

6. Support for Mods

Many players enjoy using mods to enhance their ARK experience. Choose a host that provides easy mod management and integration with platforms like Steam Workshop for adding mods to your server.

7. Control Panel

The control panel is where you’ll manage all the aspects of your server. Look for a host that provides an intuitive and powerful control panel, allowing you to adjust settings, monitor server performance, and restart the server when necessary.

How to Set Up Your ARK Hosting Server

Setting up an ARK hosted server is easy with the right provider. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your ARK server up and running:

Step 1: Choose an ARK Hosting Provider

First, pick a reliable hosting provider that offers the features and pricing that meet your needs. Look for companies that specialize in ARK hosting or provide specific support for ARK: Survival Evolved servers.

Step 2: Select Your Server Package

Most hosting providers offer several packages depending on how many players you expect on your server. Choose a package that matches your expected player count and desired game performance.

Step 3: Customize Your Server Settings

Once you’ve selected your server package, use the control panel to customize your server settings:

  • Adjust game rules (e.g., taming speed, resource gathering rates).
  • Add mods or DLCs.
  • Set up password protection and admin privileges.

Step 4: Launch and Manage Your Server

After configuring your settings, launch your server and share the server address with your players. Use the control panel to monitor performance, apply updates, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Popular ARK Hosting Providers

Here are some well-known providers of ARK hosting servers:

  • Nitrado: Offers a wide range of customization options and mod support for ARK servers.
  • Host Havoc: Known for its high performance and strong DDoS protection.
  • Survival Servers: Provides easy setup, mod support, and great performance for large player bases.
  • GameServers: Offers a global network of servers with high uptime guarantees and excellent customer support.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ARK hosting server ensures that your players enjoy a smooth, customizable, and lag-free gameplay experience. Whether you’re managing a small server for friends or a larger community, having the right host will make all the difference. Look for providers that offer strong performance, excellent customization options, and reliable technical support to keep your ARK world thriving.

Geologic Desires