Ark Server Hosting Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Ark Server Hosting Requirements

Ark: Survival Evolved has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2015, captivating millions of players with its immersive prehistoric world filled with dinos and challenging survival mechanics.

However, hosting an Ark server can be a daunting task, requiring a robust hardware configuration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Ark server hosting requirements, equipping you with the knowledge to set up and maintain a top-notch gaming environment.

The Ark Server: A Demanding Beast

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s address an interesting fact: Ark: Survival Evolved is renowned for being one of the most resource-intensive games on the market.

This is primarily due to its vast open-world environment, intricate graphics, and the need to simulate complex ecosystems populated with a diverse array of dinosaurs and creatures.

Intended Uses and Users

Ark servers cater to a wide range of users, from small groups of friends to large-scale gaming communities.

Whether you’re hosting a private server for your inner circle or a public server open to the masses, understanding the game’s resource demands is crucial to ensuring a seamless experience for all players.

Key Technical Specifications

To run an Ark server effectively, several key technical aspects must be considered, including:

  • CPU: Ark relies heavily on single-threaded performance, making a powerful CPU with high clock speeds essential.
  • RAM: Adequate memory is crucial for handling the game’s complex simulations and data processing.
  • Storage: Solid-state drives (SSDs) are recommended for faster load times and improved performance.
  • Network: A robust internet connection with sufficient bandwidth is necessary for smooth multiplayer gameplay.

Recommended Base Requirements

The recommended base requirements for hosting an Ark server vary depending on the desired player count and gameplay complexity. Here are some general guidelines:

Light Usage (1-5 players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (4 cores or more)
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 60GB SSD
  • Network: 10Mbps download, 5Mbps upload

Medium Usage (5-15 players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (6 cores or more)
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 120GB SSD
  • Network: 25Mbps download, 10Mbps upload

Heavy Usage (15+ players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 (8 cores or more)
  • RAM: 32GB or more
  • Storage: 240GB SSD or higher
  • Network: 50Mbps download, 20Mbps upload

Storage Space Requirements

The storage space required for hosting an Ark server largely depends on the number of players, mods, and additional content installed.

As a general guideline, you should allocate at least 60GB of storage space for a basic server setup.

However, if you plan to host a heavily modded server or accommodate a large player base, it’s recommended to have 120GB or more of storage space available.

Memory (RAM) Requirements

Ark: Survival Evolved is a memory-intensive game, and hosting a server requires a substantial amount of RAM to handle the game’s complex simulations and data processing.

For a small server with up to 5 players, 8GB of RAM should suffice. However, as the player count increases, you’ll need to allocate more memory to ensure a smooth gaming experience. For medium to large servers, aim for at least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB or more being ideal for heavily populated servers or those running extensive mods.

CPU and Processing Requirements

As mentioned earlier, Ark heavily relies on single-threaded performance, making a powerful CPU with high clock speeds essential. For small to medium servers, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU with at least 6 cores is recommended. For larger servers with 15 or more players, you’ll want to consider high-end CPUs like the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 with 8 cores or more.

Network, Bandwidth, and Throughput Needs

Hosting an Ark server requires a stable and reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to accommodate multiple players. For a small server with up to 5 players, a download speed of 10Mbps and an upload speed of 5Mbps should be adequate.

As the player count increases, you’ll need to scale up your bandwidth accordingly. For medium servers with 5-15 players, aim for at least 25Mbps download and 10Mbps upload speeds.

For large servers with 15 or more players, you’ll want to have at least 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds to ensure a smooth multiplayer experience.

Graphics, Video, and Display Requirements

While hosting an Ark server doesn’t necessarily require a dedicated graphics card, it’s still essential to have a capable GPU if you plan to run the server and play the game on the same machine. For optimal performance, consider a mid-range or high-end GPU from NVIDIA or AMD, such as the GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 580.

OS, Platform, and Browser Compatibility

Ark: Survival Evolved is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Mac. When hosting a server, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your chosen operating system. Most Ark server providers offer support for Windows and Linux environments, with some also providing Mac-compatible solutions.

Summarize Ideal Config Recommendations

Based on the requirements discussed above, here are some recommended configurations for hosting an Ark server:

Ideal Config for Small Servers (1-5 players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4
  • Storage: 120GB SSD
  • Network: 25Mbps download, 10Mbps upload

Ideal Config for Medium Servers (5-15 players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K or AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
  • RAM: 32GB DDR4
  • Storage: 240GB SSD
  • Network: 50Mbps download, 20Mbps upload

Ideal Config for Large Servers (15+ players)

  • CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • RAM: 64GB DDR4 or higher
  • Storage: 500GB SSD or higher
  • Network: 100Mbps download, 50Mbps upload

Recommended Ark Server Hosting Providers

When it comes to hosting an Ark server, several reputable providers offer tailored solutions to meet your needs. Here are four recommended providers to consider:

  1. Nitrado: Nitrado is a well-known provider that specializes in game server hosting, including dedicated Ark servers. They offer various server configurations and customization options, ensuring a smooth and optimized gaming experience.
  2. GTXGaming: With a focus on performance and reliability, GTXGaming provides high-quality Ark server hosting solutions. Their servers are optimized for low latency and high concurrency, making them an excellent choice for large communities.
  3. Survival Servers: Survival Servers is a dedicated Ark server hosting provider that offers a range of plans, from small private servers to large-scale public servers. They prioritize customer support and server optimization for the best possible gaming experience.
  4. G-Portal: G-Portal is a versatile hosting provider that offers a variety of game server solutions, including dedicated Ark server hosting. Their plans are designed to accommodate various player counts and customization needs, with competitive pricing and reliable performance.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Hosting an Ark server can be a resource-intensive endeavor, but with the right hardware configuration and optimization, you can create a seamless and engaging gaming experience for your players. Remember to prioritize a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and robust storage solutions, while also ensuring sufficient network bandwidth to accommodate your desired player count.

Additionally, consider investing in a reputable Ark server hosting provider that offers tailored solutions, reliable performance, and dedicated support. By following the recommendations outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to host a thriving Ark server that keeps your players coming back for more prehistoric adventures.

FAQs

1. Can I host an Ark server on a regular gaming PC?

While it’s possible to host a small Ark server on a gaming PC, it’s generally not recommended due to the game’s resource-intensive nature. Hosting a server can significantly impact the performance of other applications running on the same machine, potentially leading to a suboptimal gaming experience.

2. Do I need a dedicated server for hosting Ark?

While not strictly necessary, a dedicated server is highly recommended for hosting Ark, especially for medium to large servers with many players. Dedicated servers offer better performance, scalability, and dedicated resources, ensuring a smooth and consistent gaming experience.

3. Can I host an Ark server on a cloud-based solution?

Yes, cloud-based solutions like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can be used to host an Ark server. These platforms offer scalable and flexible resources, making them suitable for hosting game servers. However, be mindful of the potential costs associated with cloud-based hosting, as resources are typically billed on a pay-as-you-go basis.

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

The cost of hosting an Ark server can vary depending on the provider, server configuration, and the number of players you plan to accommodate. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a small to medium-sized server, and $50 or more for a large server with extensive resources.

5. Can I host mods and custom content on my Ark server?

Yes, most Ark server hosting providers allow you to install mods and custom content on your server. However, it’s important to ensure that the mods and content are compatible with the server version and follow any applicable terms of service or licensing agreements.

By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to host a high-performance Ark server that provides an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience for your players.

Remember to regularly monitor and optimize your server configuration to ensure optimal performance as your player base grows or as new updates and mods become available.