Are you ready to unleash the power of Ark Survival Ascended and host your own dedicated server? Running a thriving Ark server for you and your friends requires careful consideration of server specifications. This guide delves into the minimum and recommended requirements for a smooth, lag-free experience, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your dedicated Ark: Survival Ascended server runs flawlessly.
Minimum Server Requirements for Ark: Survival Ascended
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, remember that these are minimum requirements. While you can run a server on these specs, expect potential performance issues, especially with a larger number of players or heavily modded games. Lowering graphical settings won't significantly impact performance on the server-side.
- Processor (CPU): A quad-core processor (4 cores) is the absolute minimum. Anything less will likely result in significant lag and frustration.
- RAM (Memory): 8GB of RAM is the bare minimum. Expect significant performance drops if players start building extensive bases or using resource-intensive mods.
- Storage: A minimum of 50GB of storage space is needed for the base game files. This will increase substantially with mods. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is strongly recommended for faster loading times and overall better performance. A traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) will lead to significantly longer load times and potential lag spikes.
- Operating System (OS): Windows Server or a Linux distribution (like Ubuntu Server) are commonly used. Windows Server offers better compatibility in some cases, but Linux is often favored for its stability and customization options. Ensure your OS is 64-bit.
- Network: A stable internet connection with sufficient upload speed is crucial. Players will experience lag with slow uploads, even if your download speed is excellent. Consider your player count when assessing the required upload bandwidth.
Recommended Server Requirements for Ark: Survival Ascended
For a smoother, more enjoyable experience with better performance and the capacity for more players and mods, aim for these recommended specifications:
- Processor (CPU): An 8-core processor or better will provide significantly improved performance, especially under heavy load. A modern CPU with high clock speeds is beneficial.
- RAM (Memory): 16GB of RAM is a good starting point. For larger player counts or heavily modded servers, 32GB or more may be necessary to prevent performance bottlenecks.
- Storage: A fast SSD with at least 100GB of free space is highly recommended. More space will be necessary if you plan on using many mods.
- Operating System (OS): Similar to minimum requirements, Windows Server or a Linux distribution (like Ubuntu Server) are recommended. Choose the OS you are most comfortable managing.
- Network: A fast and stable internet connection with a high upload speed is essential. Consider a dedicated server hosting provider that guarantees sufficient bandwidth for your intended player count. Gigabit internet is ideal.
Factors Influencing Server Performance
Beyond the hardware, several factors influence your server's performance:
- Number of players: More players mean more strain on the server.
- Mods: Mods increase the server's workload significantly. Carefully choose mods and consider their performance impact.
- Map size: Larger maps demand more resources.
- Player activity: Building extensive bases and engaging in large-scale battles consume considerable resources.
Choosing a Hosting Provider vs. Self-Hosting
Hosting your server yourself gives you maximum control, but demands technical expertise in server management and maintenance. Consider using a dedicated server hosting provider if you lack this expertise or prefer a hands-off approach. They handle the server maintenance, offering various tiers of service to match your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Launching a successful Ark: Survival Ascended dedicated server requires careful consideration of server hardware and network conditions. While minimum requirements allow for basic functionality, investing in a more powerful configuration will lead to a vastly superior experience for you and your players. Remember to factor in the number of players, mods, and map size when making your decision. By following this guide, you can optimize your setup for a smooth and enjoyable Ark experience.
