Why Host Your Own ARK: Survival Ascended Server?
- Full Control: Custom maps (e.g., TheIsland_WP), rates (taming 5x, XP 2x), mods.
- Low Latency: Host on high spec hardware for smooth Unreal Engine 5 gameplay.
- Cost Effective: Self hosting beats rentals for long term play.
Hardware Recommendations
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores / 8 threads, strong single-thread (e.g., AMD Ryzen/EPYC) | 8 cores / 16 threads |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4/5 | 32-64 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB NVMe SSD | 500 GB+ NVMe |
| Network | 1 Gbps unmetered | 10 Gbps, DDoS protected |
| OS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | Same |
Ports Required (UDP unless noted)
- 7777: Game port
- 7778: Peer port
- 27015: Query port (Steam server browser)
- 27020 TCP: RCON (optional, remote admin)
Prerequisites
- Root or sudo access on Ubuntu 24.04.
- Firewall/router port forwarding setup.
- Stable internet (server updates are large).
Step 1: Update Your System
Log in as root or use sudo:
apt update && apt upgrade -y
apt install software-properties-common curl wget tar bzip2 gzip unzip p7zip-full python3 python3-pip lib32gcc-s1 libc6-i386 libncurses5 libncursesw5 libtinfo5:i386 tmux htop -y
Reboot:
rebootStep 2: Create a Dedicated Steam User
adduser steam --disabled-password
usermod -aG sudo steam
su - steam
cd ~
Step 3: Install SteamCMD
mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -
Create symlink:
ln -s ~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh ~/steamcmdStep 4: Download ARK: Survival Ascended Server Files
App ID: 2430930
mkdir -p ~/ArkServer
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/ArkServer +login anonymous +app_update 2430930 validate +quit
This downloads Windows binaries (~32-50 GB). Be patient!
Step 5: Install GE-Proton (for Windows Compatibility on Linux)
Download latest GE-Proton (e.g., GE-Proton9-22 or newer):
sudo mkdir -p /opt/proton
cd /tmp
wget https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom/releases/download/GE-Proton9-22/GE-Proton9-22.tar.gz
tar -xzf GE-Proton9-22.tar.gz -C /opt/proton/
Setup prefix (Wine environment):
mkdir -p ~/ArkServer/prefixes/default
/opt/proton/GE-Proton9-22/proton prefix ~/ArkServer/prefixes/default
chown -R steam:steam ~/ArkServer
Note: GE-Proton runs the .exe seamlessly.
Step 6: Configure Server Settings
Configs generate on first run, but pre-create:
mkdir -p ~/ArkServer/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServerEdit:
nano ~/ArkServer/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.iniExample GameUserSettings.ini (customize!):
[/Script/Engine.GameSession]
MaxPlayers=20
[ServerSettings]
ServerPassword=YourJoinPassword
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPassword
GamePassword=
RCONEnabled=True
RCONPort=27020
ActiveMods=
ActiveMapMods=
OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0
DifficultyOffset=1.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=5.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0
XPMultiplier=2.0
PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=0.5
PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier=0.5
bAllowFlyerSpeedLeveling=True
Save. For advanced tweaks (e.g., no tame limits), edit Game.ini similarly.
Step 7: Open Firewall Ports (UFW)
As root:
ufw allow 7777/udp
ufw allow 7778/udp
ufw allow 27015/udp
ufw allow 27020/tcp
ufw --force enable
ufw status
Forward same ports on your router.
Step 8: Create Startup Script and Systemd Service
Startup script (~/start_server.sh):
nano ~/start_server.sh
#!/bin/bash
cd ~/ArkServer/ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 /opt/proton/GE-Proton9-22/proton run ./ArkAscendedServer.exe TheIsland_WP?listen?SessionName=FitServers_ARK?ServerPassword=?ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPassword?-port=7777?-QueryPort=27015?-port=7777?MaxPlayers=20 -NoBattlEye
chmod +x ~/start_server.shSystemd service (sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/arkasa.service):
[Unit]
Description=ARK Survival Ascended Server
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=steam
WorkingDirectory=/home/steam/ArkServer/ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64
ExecStart=/home/steam/start_server.sh
ExecReload=/bin/kill -s HUP $MAINPID
ExecStop=/bin/kill -s INT $MAINPID
Restart=always
RestartSec=10
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable arkasa
sudo systemctl start arkasa
sudo systemctl status arkasa
Logs: journalctl -u arkasa -f
Step 9: Verify and Join Server
In ARK client: Unofficial → Filter "FitServers_ARK" or direct connect your.ip:27015
Test: Admin login (enablecheats YourAdminPassword)
Step 10: Updating the Server
su - steam
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/ArkServer +login anonymous +app_update 2430930 validate +quit
sudo systemctl restart arkasa
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Server crashes | Increase RAM/CPU; check logs journalctl -u arkasa. Update Proton. |
| Not visible in browser | Verify ports open (nc -u -z your.ip 27015); restart query. |
| Mods fail | Add to ActiveMods=ModID1,ModID2; restart. |
| High CPU | Lower player count; optimize INI (e.g., DisableWeatherFog=True). |
| Proton errors | Reinstall GE-Proton; set PROTON_LOG=1 for debug. |
Pro Tip: Use tmux for console monitoring: tmux new -s ark; ./start_server.sh
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