ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular video game with many different in-game features. One of these features is the ability to host your own server and play on it with friends. Server hosting is an option for those who do not have enough bandwidth for hosting or for those who want more control of their server’s settings. There are many ARK server hosting providers out there, so choosing one might be challenging.
If you need help determining what provider to go with, this article will help you make the right decision!
HOW TO HOST AN ARK SERVER
To play ARK with friends, first, decide if you want to share your single-player world or create a dedicated server. Running a home server can require more resources and may result in performance issues if you host it off your own PC. If playing competitively, it is important to have good performance and make sure the other team does not get an advantage because of lag.
The most popular alternative for easy multiplayer ARK gaming is sharing a game server. You can rent space on a larger, shared server for relatively cheap. It’s easy to set up, and then you can take advantage of an established, high-performance network. There are a few things to consider when selecting an ARK server host. Provided below are some questions to ask and points to consider when looking into a new host.
You can even create your own. We have a guide on this here: How to Host an ARK Survival Evolved dedicated server.
PLATFORM: PC, XBOX, OR PS4
There are a few things to consider when choosing an ARK server hosting provider. The first is whether you want to play on PC, Xbox, or PS. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
It’s extremely important to find and obtain the correct server type. PC servers don’t allow Xbox and PS4 players to join. Most reliable hosts will clearly identify the type they provide.
The second thing to consider is the price. ARK server hosting can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good value for your money.
The third thing to consider is the features offered by the hosting provider. Some providers offer more features than others, so it’s important to choose one that offers the features you need.
Finally, you’ll want to read reviews of different hosting providers before making your decision. This will help you get a better idea of what others think of the provider you’re considering.
Choosing an ARK server hosting provider can be a tough decision, but if you take the time to consider your options carefully, you should be able to find one that’s perfect for you.
LOCATIONS: LOCAL OR GLOBAL
When it comes to ARK server hosting, you have the choice of whether to go with a local or global server. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so it’s important to weigh your options before making a decision.
Local servers offer the advantage of being close to you so your ping will be much lower than a global server. They tend to have better uptime and latency since the server is located closer to your own country so you will also be sure to get a good ping.
Global servers, on the other hand, can have the opposite. If you are running a gaming community you will no doubt run into the issue of someone complaining about their ping due to their distance to the server but locating your server in a geographical “good” location for all your players will minimize the risk. You can never make everyone happy though when it comes to server location!
Ultimately, the decision of whether to go with a local or global ARK server hosting comes down to personal preference. If you value customer support and uptime, then a local provider is probably the best choice. If you’re looking to create a community for a larger audience and a wide range of features, then a global provider is likely your best bet.
SLOTS: 10, 20, 30 OR EVEN MORE?
Choosing an ARK server hosting provider can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
One important factor to consider is the number of slots your server will need. If you’re not sure how many players you’ll have, it’s a good idea to choose a provider that offers more slots than you think you’ll need even if you start with a lower number of slots. That way, you won’t have to worry about your server being full and players being turned away as you can simply upgrade the slot amount.
Another factor to consider is the price. ARK server hosting can be pricey, so it’s important to find a provider that offers a good value for the price. Be sure to compare the features and prices of different providers before making your final decision.
By taking the time to choose the right ARK server hosting provider, you’ll ensure that your server has the power and capacity it needs to handle all of your players.
DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT (DLC) AND MODS
When choosing an ARK Server Hosting Provider, be sure to check if they offer support for Downloadable Content (DLC) and Mods. This will ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy all the features and content that the game has to offer. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on an outdated server with no way to access the new content.
CLUSTERS AND CROSS-ARK TRAVEL
When it comes to choosing an ARK server hosting provider, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not they offer cross-ARK travel support. This is a feature that allows players to travel between different servers in the same cluster, making it easy to join up with friends or transfer characters between servers. Not all hosting providers offer this feature, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Another important thing to consider is the size of the server cluster. A larger cluster will give you more options for cross-ARK travel and also provide a more stable game experience overall. If you’re looking for a large, stable cluster provider to call home, be sure to check out our top-rated providers!
LATENCY
No matter what game you’re playing, whether it’s an MMO or a first-person shooter, latency can make or break your gaming experience. High latency can lead to rubber-banding, stuttering, and other frustrating issues that can ruin your gameplay.
When it comes to ARK: Survival Evolved, latency is even more important. This is because the game relies heavily on real-time interactions with other players and with the environment. High latency can cause problems with building structures, taming dinosaurs, and other essential gameplay elements.
Choosing a hosting provider with low latency is essential for having a good ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a provider:
1. Location of the servers: The closer the servers are to your location, the lower the latency will be.
2. Quality of the network: A good hosting provider will have a fast and reliable network to minimize lag and downtime.
3. Hardware specifications: Make sure the hosting provider has good hardware specs to ensure that their servers can handle the demands of ARK: Survival Evolved.
4. Customer support: In case
Control Panel: Standard or Customized
When it comes to ARK server hosting, one of the key considerations is whether to go with a standard or customized control panel. A standard control panel will generally offer all of the basic features and functionality that you need to run your server, while a customized control panel can offer more advanced features and options. Ultimately, the decision of which to choose should come down to what you need and what you are comfortable with. If you are not sure which type of control panel would be best for you, it may be worth contacting a few different providers to get their opinions.
The industry-standard control panel is called TCAdmin2 and is highly customizable. This panel is the most common one you will find in the industry.
ArkServers.IO on the other hand are unique in that they offer a custom-made ARK server hosting solution. They also offer a free trial!
You can also read our guide on Game Server Control Panels for more information.
OFFICIAL UPDATES: MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC
One of the most important aspects of choosing an ARK server hosting provider is whether they offer official updates. These updates can be either manual or automatic, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Manual updates are usually released by the developers as they become available, and you will need to install them yourself. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it does mean that you will always have the latest version of the game.
Automatic updates, on the other hand, are installed by the hosting provider as soon as they are released. This is much more convenient, but it also means that you might not be able to play the latest version of the game right away.
Though be wary of automated updates as with any game, updates change core code so if you are running mods or a custom server then updates could break your server. It might be better to test before you update!
BACKUPS AND FTP ACCESS
If you’re looking for a reliable ARK server hosting provider, be sure to check if they offer backups and FTP access. This way, you can be sure that your data is safe and sound, and you can easily transfer files to and from your server.
MIGRATION: MOVING BETWEEN HOSTING PROVIDERS
If you’re considering moving your ARK server hosting to a new provider, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that your new host supports the same version of ARK that you’re currently running. Secondly, take note of any settings or mods that you’ve installed on your server – you’ll need to reinstall these on your new server. Finally, make sure to back up your world data before making the switch – this will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
Most hosts offer a free migration service to encourage you to move over. Though some charge for this server it can be worth taking advantage of. With that said, you know your setup better than any host can so sometimes it’s best to do this yourself.
DDOS PROTECTION
It’s important to choose a provider that can offer DDoS protection for your ARK server. DDoS attacks can take down your server and cost you money in lost revenue. A good provider will have a robust DDoS protection system in place to keep your server safe. In most cases, this is in place as standard.
BRANDING
Your ARK server hosting provider is an important partner in your game server business. Not only do they provide the infrastructure and support to keep your servers running, but they also play a big role in how your brand is seen by the gaming community.
One way they can keep the price lower is by having you advertise for them. Normally this includes them forcing their company name into your Ark servers name and they charge you to remove it.
If you are only hosting for friends then honestly this is likely not an issue and if it is, then find a host that doe not charge to remove it if it really means something to you.
PRICE: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
This is especially true when it comes to ARK server hosting providers. The price of the service will usually dictate the quality of the service you receive. That’s not to say that the most expensive provider is always the best, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
Location: The location of the server can also be a factor in choosing a provider. If you want your server to be accessible to players from all over the world, then you’ll need to choose a provider with servers in multiple locations.
Features: When it comes to features, more isn’t always better. Take a look at what each provider offers and decide which features are most important to you. There’s no point in paying for features that you’ll never use!
Customer Support: If something goes wrong with your server, you’re going to want to have access to excellent customer support. Make sure to choose a provider that offers 24/7 support so that you can get help whenever you need it.
Hardware: We never stress this enough. Check what hardware the provider uses. They might claim their hardware is “premium” but is it true? It is not always the case!
COMPANY INFORMATION
Once you’ve decided on a couple of server hosts you like the look of, take a look at their individual company information and verify it before you sign up.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
When it comes to ARK server hosting, customer support is important. You want to make sure that the hosting provider you choose has good customer support in case you have any problems with your server. A good way to check this is to read online reviews of the hosting provider you are considering.
REFUND POLICY
When looking for an ARK server hosting provider, it is important to find one that offers a refund policy. This way, if you are not satisfied with the service, you can get your money back. Be sure to read the refund policy carefully before signing up for any service.
YEAR ESTABLISHED
If you’re looking for an ARK server hosting provider, one of the things you’ll want to consider is how long they’ve been in business. A provider that’s been around for a while is likely to be more stable and reliable than a new provider, and they’ll also have more experience dealing with any potential problems that could arise.
Reviews & Ratings
If you’re looking for an ARK server hosting provider, one of the best places to start your search is by reading reviews. Look for reviews from other players who have used the service, as well as any professional reviewers who may have tested out the service. Trustpilot is often the go-to location for this information.
Reviews can give you a good idea of what to expect from a hosting provider, and can help you narrow down your choices. When reading reviews, pay attention to both the positive and negative aspects of each provider to get a well-rounded picture.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the provider’s own website and social media accounts. This can give you a good sense of their customer service and overall professionalism.
In conclusion, the basic steps to take when looking for the best ARK server hosting provider can be found below.
- Pick a platform: Xbox, PC, or PS4
- Pick a location: Closer is usually better but makes sure it’s suitable for all.
- Check your ping.
- Decide how many slots?
- Check support for Mods and DLCs
- Need to migrate? Check the process.
- Check what backup solutions they provide.
- Do a bit of research on your chosen host.
You can always check our guides and reviews as well!
