How to Host a Non-Dedicated ARK Server for Friends

As an avid ARK player with over 500 hours played, hosting my own non-dedicated server was a game-changer for enjoying this epic survival game with friends. Instead of joining crowded public servers, you can create your own private world tailored to you and your tribe.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from ideal specs and network requirements to mod configuration and custom settings for the best gameplay experience. Let‘s get started!

Server Requirements

Hosting an ARK server alongside playing the game itself demands some solid hardware. Here are some benchmarks for a smooth experience:

Having an SSD for storage and faster internet speeds also helps. I‘d recommend at least a 4 core/8 thread CPU like an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.

Installing an ARK Server

The steps to install ARK‘s server files depend if you run the Steam or Windows 10 version:

Steam

1. Install ARK server on Steam under Tools
2. Create a batch file to launch the server with start parameters

Windows 10/Xbox App

1. Download the Windows server files from survivetheark.com
2. Extract and run ShooterGameServer.exe to launch

For mods and customization, I highly recommend hosting through a third-party service like Nitrado later on.

Setting Up Your Non-Dedicated Session

Now you‘re ready to host your server alongside playing the game:

1. Launch ARK and under "Join ARK", click "Host / Local"
2. Adjust your [Session Settings] to your liking
3. Click "Host Non-Dedicated Session"
4. Ports 7777-7778 will be used by default

Session Settings

I‘d tweak these core settings first:

• Max Players: 4
• Password: Enabled
• Enable Cheats: Yes (for admin commands)
• Difficulty: 3-5
• XP Multiplier: 2-6x (for faster leveling)

Connecting with Friends

Have friends input your public IP + port 7777 to join the fun!

Pro tip: Share connection info through Discord or a group chat.

Dedicated vs Non-Dedicated ARK Servers

So non-dedicated servers work great for smaller groups on a budget!

Optimizing Your Server

Now for tips to deliver the best experience for you and friends:

Tweaking Ini Settings:
Beyond session settings, you can directly edit the GameUserSettings.ini file for more advanced configurations around breeding, resources, dino stats, and more.

Installing Mods:
From QOL improvements to new items and dinos, mods let you pick and choose custom features. Top picks include Structures Plus, Castles & Keeps, and Eco‘s Decor.

Backing Up World Data:
Protect your progress by making regular file copies of the local save data and uploaded character profiles. Losing 100+ hours is no fun!

Hope this guide gives you the confidence to host your own ARK server quickly and painlessly. Let me know if you have any other questions – happy surviving!