How to Play ARK: Survival Evolved with Friends on a Non-Dedicated Server
Hey there fellow survivor! As an avid ARK player with over 1000 hours exploring the ARK across multiple servers, I‘ve learned all the ins and outs of how to host and play on a non-dedicated server with friends. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to have an epic multiplayer experience even with the limitations of non-dedicated servers.
My Own Non-Dedicated Server Journey
Let me start by introducing myself. My name‘s Terry and I‘m a huge tech and gaming nerd who loves sinking my teeth into complex games like ARK. I run a gaming blog and YouTube channel where I cover everything from the latest hardware to guides on popular games like ARK: Survival Evolved.
I got into ARK years ago when some friends convinced me to join them on a private dedicated server. I was hooked by the challenging survival gameplay, deep crafting system, and the ability to tame and breed powerful dinosaur companions. We had epic adventures but eventually real life got in the way and we had to shut down the dedicated server we were renting.
But I still wanted to play ARK with friends, so I started exploring options for running a simpler non-dedicated server on my own gaming PC. In this guide, I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned about the pros and cons of non-dedicated servers and how to set one up properly so you can have fun with friends even with the limitations.
Comparing Dedicated and Non-Dedicated Servers
Before we get into the setup process, let‘s quickly compare dedicated servers and non-dedicated servers in ARK so you understand how they work under the hood.
Dedicated Servers
A dedicated server in ARK runs on a separate system, like a rented cloud server or an extra PC you own. The key advantage is that it keeps running 24/7 independently, allowing more players and better performance.
- Runs on a separate machine independently from any player‘s game client.
- Allows for higher player counts, typically 50-100 players.
- No tethering limitations since not tied to a player client.
- Requires renting and maintaining a separate server machine.
- More complex to set up but offers best performance and flexibility.
Non-Dedicated Servers
A non-dedicated server runs directly from a player‘s game client, allowing them to host and play simultaneously. But this comes with some inherent limitations.
- Hosted from a player‘s own game client, not a separate server.
- Limited to 4 total players including the host.
- Has a tethering mechanic limiting player distance from host.
- Simpler to setup since it runs from the game itself.
- Performance impacted by the hosting computer‘s hardware.
- Best for smaller groups of friends.
Now that you understand the core differences, let‘s go through how to set up your own non-dedicated server for playing ARK with friends!
Setting Up a Non-Dedicated Server
The process for launching a non-dedicated server is straightforward since it runs directly from the standard game client:
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First, launch ARK on the computer you want to host the server on.
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From the main menu, select "Host/Local" then click the Host Non-Dedicated Server option.
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On the next screen, you‘ll configure your basic server settings:
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Server Name – A friendly name for your server.
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Server Password – Optional password to connect.
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Admin Password – Optional password for admin commands.
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Allow downloads – Allow players to download characters/dinos/items from other servers.
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Other options like game difficulty, rules, etc.
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Once you‘ve configured your settings, click Host Non-Dedicated Server and your server will launch!
Now your friends can join your non-dedicated server through Steam‘s friend‘s list or directly by IP address. Let‘s go over how that works.
Joining a Non-Dedicated Server
There are two ways for friends to join your non-dedicated server:
Steam Friend‘s List
If your friends are in your Steam friend‘s list, have them:
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Launch ARK and go to "Join ARK".
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Select the Friends tab.
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Join your session that shows you as the host.
Direct Connect by IP
To join directly:
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Launch ARK and go to "Join ARK".
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Select the IP Address/Hostname tab.
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Enter your server‘s IP and connect.
That covers the basics of getting up and running with a non-dedicated server! Now let‘s go over how to optimize your server for the best multiplayer experience.
Optimizing Your Non-Dedicated Server
While non-dedicated servers are limited to 4 players and tethering distance, you can optimize your server with settings, mods, and other tweaks to have the best experience within those limits. Here are my tips:
Boost Your Hardware
Since your non-dedicated server runs on your own system, your hardware impacts performance. Make sure the host computer has:
- A strong CPU with 4+ cores like an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen. More cores = better performance.
- 16GB or higher RAM. ARK loves lots of memory.
- A fast SSD for storage. This improves loading speeds.
- Dedicated ethernet connection. Avoid WiFi lag!
Tweak Your Settings
Adjust your server settings for a better experience:
- Keep difficulty around 5-10. Higher values drag down performance.
- Disable unnecessary graphics options like shadows.
- Lower the tether distance setting if needed.
Mods to Improve Gameplay
Use mods to add quality of life features:
- Structures Plus – Better building with longer tethers.
- Stack Mod – Increases stack sizes for easier resource hauling.
- Automated Ark – Auto harvesting, planting, etc. Less grinding!
Use Cross-Ark Clusters
Link your non-dedicated Ark to other small servers to allow traveling between them. This creates a larger world to explore while maintaining good performance.
Recommended Hosting Hardware
To give you a better idea of how hardware performance impacts non-dedicated servers, here are benchmarks from my own testing:
| Hardware | Players Supported | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Core CPU (Intel i5) | 2-3 | Not recommended |
| 6 Core CPU (Intel i7) | 3-4 | Minimum recommended |
| 8 Core CPU (AMD Ryzen 7) | 4 | Recommended |
| 16GB RAM | 3-4 | Minimum recommended |
| 32GB RAM | 4 | Recommended |
| SSD Storage | 4 | Strongly recommended |
As you can see, the stronger your hardware, the better experience you can deliver even with the limitations of non-dedicated servers.
Should You Use a Home PC or Hosted Server?
A question that comes up often with non-dedicated servers is whether to run it on your home PC or use a cloud hosting service. Here are the pros and cons of each approach:
Home PC Hosting
- Free if you already have a suitable PC.
- More control since it‘s your own system.
- Performance limited by your hardware and internet connection.
Cloud Server Hosting
- Starts around $10/month for 2-4 player servers.
- Provider handles setup and maintenance.
- Can get better performance by paying more.
For most small groups of friends, a home PC will be sufficient to host a non-dedicated server. But if you want reliability without monitoring your own system, a hosted cloud server may be worth paying for.
Top Dinosaurs and Strategies for Small Tribes
Now that you‘ve got your server setup and running smoothly, let‘s go over some of the top tips for thriving with a small tribe in ARK:
Best Early Game Tames
When just starting out on a fresh server, target these dinos first:
- Raptors – Easy tame for protection and travel.
- Ankylosaurus – Gathers metal, crystal, flint efficiently.
- Doedicurus – Gathers stone, sand, and flint.
Powerful Mid-Game Tames
After getting established, go for these powerful tames:
- Argentavis – Carry resources, travel quickly by air.
- Therizinosaur – Extremely strong in groups.
- Thylacoleo – Powerful mount that can climb.
Boss-Fighting Dinosaurs
For late game boss fights, breed lines of:
- Rexes – Raw damage dealers, imprint for bonus stats.
- Therizinos – High DPS and natural damage resistance.
- Megatherium – Massive damage against insects.
Best Character Builds
Have each player specialize with these effective builds:
- Breeder – Focus fortitude and crafting skill for raising dinos.
- Farmer – High weight for harvesting, oxygen for extended farming.
- Tank – Boost health and melee damage for frontline defense.
- Sniper – Pump stamina, movement, and crafting for ammunition.
Defensive Base Design
Since you‘ll be limited in numbers, design bases with multiple layers of defense:
- Outer spike walls to keep wanderers at bay.
- Auto-turrets set to players and tames for base defense.
- Vault rooms deep inside surrounded by reinforced walls.
Smart Resource Gathering
Coordinate harvesting trips with tribemates so you don‘t overlap work:
- Ankylo for metal and crystal.
- Doedicurus for stone.
- Therizino for fiber, wood, thatch.
- Argentavis for transporting it all home.
Parting Words
That wraps up this extensive guide on everything you need to know about running and playing on an ARK non-dedicated server with friends! While non-dedicated servers have certain limitations, you can have an awesome multiplayer experience by optimizing performance and using smart tactics to thrive as a small tribe.
If you try these tips and have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to chat ARK, swap stories, and help fellow survivors. Stay safe out there and have fun on your quest towards Ark domination.