🦕 Setup ARK Server — Survival Evolved Multiplayer
Dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved server for dinosaur survival with friends
📦 Resources & Setup Scripts
Grab the automated bash script from GitHub to follow along with the video.
Quick Install:
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/ark/ark-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x ark-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash ark-ubuntu.shTutorial Steps
1 Download & Run the Installer
The script installs Docker, pulls the ARK server image, and downloads the game server files via SteamCMD. The initial download is large (~20 GB). The server runs on ports 7777, 7778, and 27015 UDP.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/ark/ark-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x ark-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash ark-ubuntu.sh2 Configure the Server
Edit GameUserSettings.ini to set your server name, password, and player limit. Configure XP, taming, and harvest multipliers for your preferred gameplay style.
# Edit server configuration
nano /opt/ark/data/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini
# Key settings in [ServerSettings]:
# ServerName=My ARK Server
# ServerPassword=yourpassword
# MaxPlayers=20
# TamingSpeedMultiplier=5.0
# XPMultiplier=2.03 Connect with the Game Client
Open ARK, go to Join ARK, filter for unofficial servers, and search your server name. Alternatively use the Steam server browser or direct connect with IP and port.
# Direct connect (Steam server browser → Add Server)
<your-server-ip>:27015
# Or via ARK in-game direct connect
<your-server-ip>:77774 Admin Management
Use RCON or in-game admin commands to manage your server. Enable admin commands by entering the server admin password in-game under the admin section of settings.
# Connect via RCON
docker exec -it ark-server rcon-cli
# Common admin commands (in-game after EnableCheats):
# admincheat broadcast Hello World!
# admincheat KickPlayer <steamid>
# admincheat BanPlayer <steamid>
# admincheat SaveWorld
# View live logs
docker logs -f ark-serverPorts Used
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 7777 UDP | Game traffic |
| 7778 UDP | Raw UDP socket |
| 27015 UDP | Steam query (server browser) |
Overview
ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival game where players tame dinosaurs, gather resources, and build tribes on prehistoric islands. A dedicated server allows a persistent 24/7 shared world with full control over dinosaur taming speeds, XP rates, and all gameplay parameters.
Why Use It
Self-hosting ARK gives you the ability to run boosted servers (faster taming, breeding, harvesting) for a more casual experience, or official-rate servers for a challenge — all without paying for unofficial server hosting. You also control mod installation and server settings completely.
When You Need It
Who Should Use It
Real Use Cases
Main Features
How to Use After Installation
Security Best Practices
Ports and Firewall Notes
ARK uses UDP and TCP port 7777 for game traffic and port 27015 UDP for Steam query. Open both 7777 TCP/UDP and 27015 UDP in your firewall. ARK is notoriously port-hungry — if running multiple servers, each needs unique ports.
Backup and Maintenance
Common Mistakes
Troubleshooting
Alternatives
Alternatives include ARK: Survival Ascended (the remaster with better graphics), unofficial server hosting services, and the official small tribes or casual servers. Self-hosting gives maximum control and no ongoing fees.
When Not to Use It
Avoid self-hosting ARK if you have less than 12 GB RAM available — the server is extremely resource-intensive. Also avoid if you need a very stable environment for breeding timers; ARK servers require regular maintenance and can crash unexpectedly.
PrismaTechWork Professional Help
PrismaTechWork provides end-to-end infrastructure services — from initial deployment and security hardening to ongoing monitoring, automated backups, and dedicated support. Whether you need a single-server setup or a multi-site network, our team ensures your infrastructure is built right, secured properly, and maintained reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM does an ARK server need?
ARK is one of the most resource-intensive game servers. The server process itself uses 6 to 10 GB RAM at minimum, and can exceed 12 GB with mods and many online players. Plan for a server with at least 16 GB total RAM. CPU performance also matters significantly for tick rate and tame processing.
Can I run multiple ARK maps on one server?
Yes, but each map runs as a separate server process. Each instance needs its own port range and RAM allocation. Link them together as a cluster using the ClusterDirOverride setting so characters and items can be transferred between maps via the obelisk transfer system.
How do I install Steam Workshop mods?
Find the mod IDs on the Steam Workshop page for ARK. Add the mod IDs to the ActiveMods parameter in GameUserSettings.ini (comma-separated). The server will automatically download and install mods via SteamCMD on startup. All connecting players must also subscribe to the same mods on Steam.
What are the key settings I should customize?
Key settings in GameUserSettings.ini include: TamingSpeedMultiplier, HarvestAmountMultiplier, XPMultiplier, MatingIntervalMultiplier, EggHatchSpeedMultiplier, BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier, and ServerMaxPlayers. For casual play, set taming to 5-10x and harvesting to 3-5x. Set your preferred difficulty in Game.ini.
How do I use RCON to manage my ARK server?
Enable RCON in GameUserSettings.ini with RCONEnabled=True, set RCONPort and ServerAdminPassword. Use an RCON client like ArkManager or mcrcon to connect and send commands like DoExit to restart the server, SaveWorld to save manually, and admincheat KickPlayer to kick a player.
Can I run an ARK server on Linux?
Yes. ARK Survival Evolved has a native Linux dedicated server binary available via SteamCMD. Docker images using the linuxgsm or steamcmd base images make deployment straightforward on Ubuntu or Debian. ARK: Survival Ascended (the remaster) currently has less robust Linux server support.
How do I prevent wild dinos from destroying my base?
Set PreventOfflinePvP=True and EnableExtraStructurePreventionVolumes=True in GameUserSettings.ini. Use turrets and plant species X traps as server-side defenses. On PvE servers, wild dinos cannot destroy player structures by default. For PvP, consider the setting to disallow building in certain terrain types.
How do I back up ARK saves automatically?
Set up a cron job to copy the ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks directory to a backup location every few hours. Use a compression script to create timestamped archives. ARK also has an AutoSavePeriodMinutes setting to control how often it autosaves. Enable KeepSavedWorldFiles to retain multiple autosave generations.