Hosting a PixARK server
PixARK is a voxel survival and creature-taming game from Snail Games USA, a blocky spin-off of ARK. Players build with blocks, tame from over 100 creatures and team up in tribes on procedurally generated worlds. It left Early Access in 2019 and runs as PvE or PvP servers, so a private server lets your group set its own rules.
The PixARK dedicated server is a free download through SteamCMD and officially runs on Windows. Each server generates and saves its own world, and settings such as the player limit, passwords and rates are kept in GameUserSettings.ini. For a world your tribe will keep for months, a stable host with good save handling matters as much as raw hardware.
What to compare
- Memory for big builds. Voxel worlds grow heavier as players dig, build and tame. Compare RAM against your expected player count and how much your tribes build.
- Config file access. Rates, PvE or PvP rules, player limits and passwords are set in
GameUserSettings.ini and launch options. Check the host gives you direct access rather than a short list of toggles.
- World choice and resets. The world is chosen at launch. A panel that makes it easy to start a fresh world or keep the current one saves hassle.
- Backups. Tamed creatures and builds take a long time to replace. Automatic backups and simple restores are worth having on any long-running server.
- Windows hosting. The official server is Windows only. Hosts running it on Linux use a compatibility layer, so check the provider supports PixARK specifically.
- Location. Taming and combat feel better on a nearby datacentre. Pick one close to most of your players.
See the current PixARK hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
PixARK server hosting FAQ
How many players can a PixARK server hold?
The limit is set in the server's settings rather than fixed by the game. Higher counts need more memory, so size the plan for your peak.
Can I host a PixARK server for free?
Yes. The dedicated server is a free download through SteamCMD for Windows. The world is only online while your machine runs it, and a host keeps it available around the clock.
Can I run a PvE PixARK server?
Yes. Servers can be set up for PvE or PvP, so your group can choose whether tribes fight each other.
Are rented PixARK servers for console players?
No. The servers listed here run the PC version on Steam.