Choosing ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting
ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most demanding survival games to host. A single map can use several gigabytes of RAM before you add mods, and the game is sensitive to processor speed and disk performance, especially once a server holds a lot of tamed dinos and structures. That is why choosing a plan with too little memory is the most common mistake with ARK hosting.
This page covers ARK: Survival Evolved. If you play the newer Unreal Engine 5 version, see ARK: Survival Ascended server hosting, which has different hardware needs.
What matters most for an ARK server
- RAM per map. Each map you run is its own server process with its own memory use. A single map on a small group is one thing. A cluster running several maps multiplies the requirement, so budget per map and not for the whole cluster in one go.
- Mods and the Steam Workshop. Most ARK communities run mods. Check that the host supports Steam Workshop mod installs and lets you set the load order, as heavy mod lists use more memory and can slow startup.
- Cluster and transfer support. If you want survivors, dinos and items to travel between maps, you need a host that supports clustering. Look for it in the feature column of the table above.
- Config access. ARK is tuned through
GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. You want direct access to both, and the option to restore a previous version if a change causes problems.
- Backups and save protection. Long-running ARK worlds are hard to replace. Automatic backups matter more here than on most games.
- Location and DDoS protection. Public servers are a common target, and lag on a server this heavy is easy to notice.
Set it up faster with our tools
ARK has hundreds of settings. Our free ARK config generator builds your server settings, and there are generators for Game.ini and max level too. If you are new to it, the step-by-step guide how to host an ARK dedicated server walks through the whole process.
See the current ARK hosting deals for offers from listed providers. If you want a whole machine to run a cluster on, see dedicated servers.
ARK server hosting FAQ
How much RAM do I need for an ARK server?
It varies by map, mods and player count. Many hosts start plans for a single map at around 6 to 8 GB, and modded or clustered setups need more. Ask the provider for their recommendation for your exact setup.
Is there free ARK server hosting?
Not from the hosts on this page: every ARK plan here is paid. The free route is to run the server yourself. ARK's dedicated server software costs nothing through SteamCMD, so a spare PC that can stay on, with the ports forwarded, will do for a small group. Our guide on how to host an ARK dedicated server covers it step by step. A non-dedicated session started from inside the game is free too, but the world closes when the host player leaves.
Can I run a cluster with several maps?
Yes, on hosts that support clusters. Each map runs separately, so plan memory and cost for every map you add.
Can I install Steam Workshop mods?
Most ARK hosts support them. Check how mods are installed and whether you can control load order and remove problem mods easily.
Is this the right page for ARK: Survival Ascended?
No. Survival Ascended is a separate game with its own server requirements. Use the Survival Ascended hosting page.
US
CA
UK
NL
DE
AU
SG
RU
IN
FR
ES
SE
JP
BR
PL
FI
HK
ZA
