Ark Survival Evolved Server Hosting Requirements

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Ark Survival Evolved Server Hosting

Ark Survival Evolved, the popular open-world survival game, has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.

With its vast landscapes, dynamic ecosystems, and the thrilling challenge of taming and breeding dinosaurs, it’s no surprise that many players seek to host their own dedicated servers.

According to recent statistics, Ark Survival Evolved has a peak concurrent player count of over 157,000 on Steam, showcasing the game’s enduring popularity since its release in 2015.

Ark Survival Evolved: A Brief Background

Developed by Studio Wildcard and co-created by the renowned designer, Raphael van Lierop, Ark Survival Evolved is a multiplayer survival game that takes place on a mysterious island filled with prehistoric creatures.

Players must gather resources, craft tools and shelters, and ultimately tame and ride the various dinosaurs that inhabit the island.

The game’s unique blend of survival mechanics, exploration, and dinosaur taming has garnered a dedicated fanbase and a thriving community.

Key Features and Capabilities

Vast open-world environments with diverse biomes and landscapes
Realistic dinosaur behavior and ecosystem simulations
Robust crafting and building systems
Dynamic weather and day/night cycles
Multiplayer support for cooperative and competitive gameplay
Extensive modding capabilities for community-driven content

Intended Uses and Users

Ark Survival Evolved server hosting is primarily intended for players who want to create their own customized gaming experience.

Whether it’s hosting a private server for friends and family, running a dedicated server for a community, or hosting a modded server with unique gameplay tweaks, server hosting allows players to tailor the game to their preferences.

Key Technical Specifications

Recommended Base Requirements

For a smooth and enjoyable Ark Survival Evolved server hosting experience, it’s essential to meet the recommended hardware and software requirements. These requirements vary depending on the desired player count and server settings.

Light Usage (up to 10 players):

CPU: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (4 cores)
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 60 GB SSD
Network: 5 Mbps internet connection

Medium Usage (10-30 players):

CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 120 GB SSD
Network: 10 Mbps internet connection

Heavy Usage (30+ players):

CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 (12 cores or more)
RAM: 32 GB or higher
Storage: 240 GB SSD or higher
Network: 20 Mbps or higher internet connection

Storage Space Requirements

Ark Survival Evolved is a resource-intensive game, and storage space requirements can vary significantly depending on the server settings and the number of players.

As a general guideline, you should allocate at least 60 GB of storage space for a basic server setup. However, for larger servers with more players and mods, you may need up to 240 GB or more of storage space.

Memory (RAM) Requirements

Memory (RAM) plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth server performance and preventing lag or crashes. For a small server with up to 10 players, 8 GB of RAM is the recommended minimum. For medium-sized servers with 10-30 players, 16 GB of RAM is recommended. For larger servers with 30 or more players, you should consider allocating 32 GB or more of RAM.

CPU and Processing Requirements

Ark Survival Evolved is a CPU-intensive game, especially when running a dedicated server. For small servers with up to 10 players, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 with 4 cores should suffice.

For medium-sized servers with 10-30 players, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 with 8 cores is recommended. For larger servers with 30 or more players, you’ll need a high-end CPU like an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 with 12 or more cores.

Network, Bandwidth, and Throughput Needs

Network performance is critical for a smooth and lag-free Ark Survival Evolved server experience. For small servers with up to 10 players, a minimum internet connection speed of 5 Mbps should be sufficient.

For medium-sized servers with 10-30 players, a 10 Mbps internet connection is recommended. For larger servers with 30 or more players, you’ll need a high-speed internet connection of 20 Mbps or higher to accommodate the increased network traffic.

Graphics, Video, and Display Requirements

While Ark Survival Evolved is primarily a server-side application, some basic graphics capabilities are required for monitoring and administrating the server.

A dedicated GPU is not strictly necessary, but a modern integrated graphics solution with at least 1 GB of video memory is recommended.

OS, Platform, and Browser Compatibility

Ark Survival Evolved servers are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. However, most server providers and hosting solutions typically offer Windows or Linux-based servers for optimal performance and compatibility.

Summarize Ideal Config Recommendations

For small to medium-sized Ark Survival Evolved servers with up to 30 players, an ideal configuration would include:

CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 120 GB SSD
Network: 10 Mbps internet connection
Operating System: Windows Server or Linux

For larger servers with 30 or more players, the recommended configuration would be:

CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 (12 cores or more)
RAM: 32 GB or higher
Storage: 240 GB SSD or higher
Network: 20 Mbps or higher internet connection
Operating System: Windows Server or Linux

Conclusion and Final Recommendations and Tips

Hosting an Ark Survival Evolved server requires careful consideration of hardware and software requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. By following the recommended specifications outlined in this guide, you can provide a stable and lag-free server environment for your community.

Additionally, here are some final recommendations

Regularly monitor server performance and adjust settings as needed to accommodate player growth or resource-intensive mods.
Implement server backups and have a disaster recovery plan in place to protect against data loss or downtime.
Stay up-to-date with the latest game updates and patches to ensure compatibility and stability.
Engage with the Ark Survival Evolved community forums and resources to learn about best practices and troubleshooting techniques.

FAQs

1. Can I host an Ark Survival Evolved server on a shared hosting plan?

No, shared hosting plans are not suitable for hosting Ark Survival Evolved servers. Dedicated or virtual private server (VPS) hosting solutions are recommended to ensure adequate resources and performance.

2. Do I need a powerful graphics card to host an Ark Survival Evolved server?

No, a dedicated graphics card is not strictly necessary for hosting an Ark Survival Evolved server. A modern integrated graphics solution with at least 1 GB of video memory should be sufficient.

3. Can I use mods on my Ark Survival Evolved server?

Yes, Ark Survival Evolved supports a wide range of mods and customizations. However, some mods may require additional resources or specific server configurations.

4. How much does it typically cost to host an Ark Survival Evolved server?

The cost of hosting an Ark Survival Evolved server can vary depending on the provider, server specifications, and the number of players. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per month for a dedicated server, or $10 to $50 per month for a VPS solution.

5. Can I host an Ark Survival Evolved server on a home network?

While it is possible to host an Ark Survival Evolved server on a home network, it is generally not recommended due to potential performance and stability issues, as well as potential security concerns. It is better to use a dedicated server hosting provider for optimal performance and reliability.