How To Set Up Your First ARK Server

Setting Up Your First ARK Server with Tempest Dedicated Servers

Starting an ARK server can be a thrilling experience, offering countless hours of fun with friends or even attracting a large community of players. Thanks to Tempest's dedicated servers, you'll have full control over the machine, providing endless customization possibilities. This guide will walk you through the basics of installing, setting up, and initially configuring your ARK server.

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Prerequisites
Installing ARK Server Files
Initial Configuration
Starting the Server
Basic Server Maintenance

1. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

A dedicated server provided by Tempest. Windows OS
SSH access (or direct access) to the server.
Basic knowledge of Linux commands (assuming the server is running Linux).
At least 20GB of free space on your server for the base game. Mods and maps will require additional space.

2. Installing ARK Server Files

1. Connect to Your Server:

2. Using an SSH client, connect to your dedicated server.

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

3. Install SteamCMD:
ARK server files are distributed via Steam's command-line tool, SteamCMD.
Update and Upgrade Your System:

sudo apt-get install steamcmd

4. Create a Directory for ARK:

mkdir ~/ark_server

5. Download ARK Server Files:
Navigate to the directory and initiate the download.

cd ~/ark_server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ +app_update 376030 validate +quit

3. Initial Configuration

1. Locate the Server Configuration Files:
Two primary files control the server: GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini.
You'll find them in ~/ark_server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/.

2. Set Server Basics:
Open GameUserSettings.ini and modify the following (among other settings you want to change):

[ServerSettings]
ServerName=YourServerName
ServerPassword=YourSecretPassword
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPassword

3. Advanced Configuration:
For more in-depth configurations such as taming speed, XP rate, etc., you'll want to delve deeper into the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files. The ARK wiki provides comprehensive information on these settings.

4. Starting the Server

1. Navigate to the Server Directory:

cd ~/ark_server/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/

2. Start the Server:

./ShooterGameServer TheIsland?listen?SessionName=YourServerName -server -log

Replace TheIsland with other map names if you're using a different map.
The server will now start, and you'll see log outputs.

5. Basic Server Maintenance

* Updating the Server:
Periodically, ARK releases updates. To ensure your server stays updated:

cd ~/ark_server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ +app_update 376030 validate +quit

* Backing Up Server Data:
Regularly back up your server files, especially the Saved folder within the ShooterGame directory. This ensures you can restore your server in case of any unforeseen issues.

Conclusion

Setting up your first ARK server using a dedicated machine from Tempest offers complete control over your gaming experience. Dive in, explore more configurations, and build a community around your unique ARK world. Happy hosting!

Updated on: 08/08/2023

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