ARK: Survival Evolved Server Setup Guide 2026
Complete step-by-step tutorial to set up your own ARK: Survival Evolved server
ARK: Survival Evolved
Studio Wildcard • August 27, 2017
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ARK: Survival Evolved Server Requirements
What You'll Need
Software Requirements
- ARK: Survival Evolved installed
- SteamCMD for dedicated servers
- Minimum 8GB RAM (16GB+ recommended)
- Port 7777-7778 forwarded
- High-performance CPU recommended
Hardware Requirements
Minimum (5-10 players)
- • CPU: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320
- • RAM: 8 GB RAM
- • Storage: 60 GB available space
- • Network: 10+ Mbps upload
Recommended (20+ players)
- • CPU: Intel Core i5-8400/AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- • RAM: 16 GB RAM
- • Storage: 60 GB available space (SSD recommended) (SSD)
- • Network: 50+ Mbps upload
Step-by-Step ARK: Survival Evolved Server Setup
Step 1: Install SteamCMD and download ARK server files
Install SteamCMD and download ARK server files
Step 2: Create server directory and batch files
Create server directory and batch files
Step 3: Configure GameUserSettings
Configure GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini
Step 4: Set up server rates and difficulty
Set up server rates and difficulty
Step 5: Configure tribe and PvP settings
Configure tribe and PvP settings
Step 6: Install mods via Steam Workshop
Install mods via Steam Workshop
Step 7: Forward ports 7777, 7778, 27015
Forward ports 7777, 7778, 27015
Step 8: Start server with launch parameters
Start server with launch parameters
ARK: Survival Evolved Server Configuration
Basic Settings
My ARK: Survival Evolved Server20survivalnormalAdvanced Settings
Performance Optimization
- • Allocate 1GB RAM per 4-6 players
- • Use SSD storage for better performance
- • Optimize view distance based on player count
- • Enable server-side optimizations
Security Settings
- • Set strong admin passwords
- • Configure firewall rules
- • Enable whitelist if needed
- • Regular backup schedule
Common ARK: Survival Evolved Server Issues & Solutions
🚫 Players Can't Connect to Server
Symptoms: Server appears offline, connection timeouts
Solutions:
- Check port forwarding configuration (port 25565 for Minecraft)
- Verify firewall settings allow server traffic
- Confirm server is running and listening on correct port
- Test with local IP first, then external IP
⚠️ Server Lag and Performance Issues
Symptoms: Slow response, block lag, entity lag
Solutions:
- Increase RAM allocation (minimum 2GB recommended)
- Reduce view distance in server properties
- Limit entity spawning and mob farms
- Use performance optimization plugins
💥 Server Crashes Frequently
Symptoms: Unexpected shutdowns, error messages
Solutions:
- Check server logs for error messages
- Ensure sufficient RAM allocation
- Update server software to latest version
- Remove problematic plugins or mods
Server Setup Complete! 🎉
Your ARK: Survival Evolved server is ready. Now let's get players to join!