How to set up your Ark Survival Ascended Dedicated Server
Ark Survival Ascended Server Setup
Want to host a Ark Survival Ascended dedicated Server? What about an Ark Survival Ascended private server? Maybe even a Ark Survival Ascended Nondedicated Server, Good News you came to the right place. For the purposes of this article All these things will be considered the same thing, these instructions are for those that want to setup their own private server on an extra pc.
Technical Warning
Icarus can be installed on a standard windows machine, despite what you read, it works just fine. You will also need knowledge of dynamic vs static ip’s and port forwarding. These things can be set in windows and some in your router, you will need your router username and password. If you are unsure about performing these yourself you can review the steps in the post on the right. Learn how to set a static IP
Things to Know
How many players you plan to have will greatly effect your experience. Most people are looking to setup something for just a couple of their friends or even solo, and that is the main focus of this information.
Bandwidth, your upload speed, will affect how many people can play on your server, generally for every 1mb upload speed you can support 2 players. Also remember anyone using your internet connection while you are playing will effect this. If you are setting this up on your home lan for single player, you do not have to worry about bandwidth.
There are no specs for Icarus currently, dedicated server hosting is pretty new, based on normal unreal engine specs you should have the following.
Ram usage, You will need a minimum of 8GB but 16GB is recommended.
CPU, You will need at least 2 cores running at 3.0 ghz or faster, in todays world you will have to hunt to find something this slow. (reference) I have personal run ark on a I7- 4700 laptop on my lan and it was a flawless experience.
GPU, there are no requirements for a GPU (graphics processor) as a server does not draw on a monitor screen, it simply runs in the background.
Storage, You will need at least 20GB of diskspace, This will increase depending on the number of players, tames, saves, backups etc. Storage is cheap so this shouldn’t be an obstacle for most people. Also it is highly recommended to use an SSD.
Pay Options
If you don’t want to run your own old computer for a server, you can pay for a service. Currently only Nitrado hosts this game with an exclusivity agreement. They are extremely affordable especially if you don’t already have the hardware or are low on bandwidth
Step 2
Create a folder for your ark server on the drive you want the server to be installed.
D:\ArkSAServer (example)
Install the downloaded Steamcmd file
Your folder should look like the following.
Step 3
Right click the ArkSAServer.txt file and edit the Highlighted areas as needed. I highly recommend using Note++ for this as it is very clean and easy to read.
After making the needed changes go to File/Save as and in the save as type field select Batch File.
Step 4
Double Click the batch file on your desktop to run, first it will install the steamcmd files, then it will install the Ark Survival Ascended files.
After entering the code the server will download and install.
After the server installs it will automaticlly run, and you will get an error that no EXE was found. Move the batch file to D:/ArkSAServer/server/Shootergame/Binaries/Win64 You should also see the ArkAscendedServer.exe file in this location. Then drag a shortcut to the desktop to launch your server.
Launch the server from your shortcut, and now your server is up and running.
Step 5
Navigate to ArkSAServer/Server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer Folder
Find the GameUserSettings File
Right click and edit with Note++, Edit the file as needed.
Step 6
Now we will need to get the server administration setup.
The server manager already has the correct ports listed you will need to go into your router and allow the server IP to use the ports.
Ports
game port 7777
query port 27015
Before assigning ports in your router make sure to setup a static ip address. Ports will be forwarded according to your ip and on a dynamic ip your address could change every time your pc restarts breaking your server.
Port Forwarding.com is the best resource I have found, Click this link and find your router to learn how to forward ports.
Done! Run your server.
Issues
Windows server 2019/2022 (other?)
Asus Router
Server not in the List
First thing to note, I usually check the steam server list on my local lan to see if the server is running before trying to connect in game. ASA is the first game I remember that it does not show even by IP, but when I search the server in the game it shows up. I have had this happen to other people as well.
Second thing to note, ASA server search is VERY specific. If you have anything out of order it will not find it. You must be aware of the password box at the bottom of the screen, and also at the top things like PVE/PVP/ALL must always be selected correctly.
When your server doesn’t show and it states its running, I always start with a shutdown of the server and a restart. Servers of any kind can be very goofy. If the server doesn’t show after a second startup check your port forwarding first, that is the most common issue.
When that doesn’t solve the problem start at the top of this page, go slow and make sure you didn’t miss any steps
I Try to help anyone I can on Discord when I am available (Which is far to often). Please Join me there and I can try and help. DISCORD
HELP My ASA Server is no longer showing in the list updated 12/14/2023
12/14/2023 – The ASA team changed the servers, There is now a new checkbox for Player server. When your server is up to date, and your game is up to date they may not be able to find each other in the server list. To Solve this you will need to open your ark console.
Non WindowsGSM console, try pressing ~ to bring up the console;
WindowsGSM install simply click the toggle console button. In the upper right hand corner hit the down arrows button.
copy and paste “Ark.UseServerList 0” into the command line and hit the run command button. You may not see any confirmation that this actually ran. Go back to the game and make sure the show player server box is checked along with all the correct server settings. (pve/pve/all) (Password/yes/no), your server should now be showing in the list.
Note: If you don’t want to leave your computer on all the time, another option is server hosting, I work together with G-Portal and Survival Servers. Mostly G-Portal but sometimes on popular games they can become full. G-Portal offers a discount If you use my link.
