The Best ARK: Survival Ascended Server Hosting

What ARK: Survival Ascended demands from a server

ARK: Survival Ascended is the Unreal Engine 5 remake of ARK, and its servers are noticeably heavier than the original game's. Studio Wildcard does not publish an official minimum, but community guidance puts a single map at around 16 GB of RAM at the low end, with 32 GB more comfortable once you add mods and players. The map is what costs memory, not the player count, so adding slots raises the bill far less than adding maps.

This page covers ARK: Survival Ascended. For the original game, see ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting.

What to check before you rent

• RAM per map. Each map in a cluster runs as its own process, and community reports put each extra map at roughly another 12 to 18 GB. A two-map cluster therefore needs a far bigger plan than a single map.
• CPU and storage. Fast single-core performance and NVMe storage help with startup, saves and world loading.
• Mod support. Ascended mods come from CurseForge, so confirm the host can install and update them and lets you control the mod list.
• Config access. You will want GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini access and easy restarts, plus a way to restore an earlier save.
• Cluster and transfer support. If you want characters and dinos to travel between maps, check that the host supports clusters.
• Backups and DDoS protection. Long-running tribes are hard to replace, and public servers attract attacks.

See the current Ascended hosting deals for offers from listed providers. If you want a whole machine for a cluster, see dedicated servers.

ARK: Survival Ascended hosting FAQ

How much RAM does an Ascended server need?

Community guidance starts around 16 GB for a single map and recommends 32 GB for comfort with mods. Each extra map in a cluster adds a large amount on top, so ask your provider what they advise for your exact setup.

Is Ascended more demanding than Evolved?

Yes. Ascended runs on a newer engine and its servers need considerably more memory and CPU headroom than an Evolved server of the same size.

Can I run several maps together?

Yes, as a cluster on a host that supports it. Each map runs separately, so plan memory and cost per map.