Are you ready to conquer the prehistoric world of Ark: Survival Evolved with your friends, without the limitations of a host-based game? Setting up a dedicated server on your PS4 offers a more stable and customizable experience. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from initial setup to essential configuration options.
Why Choose a Dedicated PS4 Ark Server?
A dedicated Ark server on your PS4 offers several key advantages over hosting the game from a single player's console:
- Improved Stability: Dedicated servers are less prone to lag and disconnections caused by the host's internet connection or console performance. This results in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
- Increased Player Capacity: Host-based games often have limited player slots. A dedicated server allows for a larger number of players, expanding your tribe and the scope of your adventures.
- Persistent World: The game world continues to exist even when you're offline. This allows your base to grow, creatures to roam, and your progress to persist regardless of who's logged in.
- Customization: Dedicated servers provide more control over game settings, allowing you to tailor the experience to your liking, adjusting difficulty, resource rates, and more.
Setting Up Your Dedicated Server: A Step-by-Step Guide
Unfortunately, setting up a true dedicated server on a PS4 isn't directly possible. The PS4's architecture doesn't support running dedicated server software in the same way a PC does. However, you can achieve a similar experience by using a PlayStation Plus subscription and leveraging the game's built-in options.
1. PlayStation Plus Subscription: The Essential First Step
To host a session that functions like a dedicated server, you’ll need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. This allows you to host online games and, importantly, keep the game running even when you're not directly playing.
2. Starting the Game and Accessing Server Settings
Launch Ark: Survival Evolved. When creating or joining a game, you’ll notice several options that influence the server experience. These aren't true dedicated server settings, but they provide some level of control. Pay close attention to options like:
- Difficulty: Adjust the overall challenge of the game.
- Game Speed: Control how quickly time passes in the game world.
- Maximum Players: Set the maximum number of players who can join your session.
Carefully configure these settings to create the optimal gameplay experience for your group.
3. Keeping the PS4 On and Connected: The "Dedicated" Server Solution
With your PlayStation Plus subscription active and your game settings adjusted, the most crucial step is to keep your PS4 turned on and connected to the internet. As long as the game session remains active on your PS4, it will function as a persistent server that others can join, even if you're not actively playing. Consider using Rest Mode to maintain a lower power consumption while the server continues running.
Optimizing Your PS4 Ark "Dedicated" Server
While not a true dedicated server, you can still optimize your session to minimize lag and improve the overall player experience:
- Wired Connection: Prioritize a wired Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for the most stable and consistent connection.
- Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running on your PS4 to free up resources.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically restart your PS4 to ensure optimal performance.
Alternatives for a True Dedicated Ark Server Experience
If you require the full functionality and control of a dedicated server, consider alternatives such as:
- PC-based Server Hosting: Running a dedicated server on a PC offers complete control and customization options. Numerous hosting providers offer affordable options for Ark servers.
- Cloud-based Server Hosting: Cloud servers offer the convenience of a remote dedicated server without needing to maintain your own hardware.
Remember that these alternatives require external services and incur additional costs. This guide focuses on maximizing the capabilities of the PS4 for those seeking a simpler, no-cost solution.
This guide provides a clear path to create a functioning, persistent Ark session on your PS4. While it doesn't provide the same functionality as a traditional dedicated server, following these steps will allow you and your friends to enjoy a stable and more consistent gaming experience. Remember to adjust your settings to create a fun and challenging world tailored to your group's preferences.
