How to Make an ARK Server
Launch your own ARK: Survival Ascended or Evolved server — install with SteamCMD, choose your map, tune rates, optionally link a cluster and add mods. Plus the easy managed option.
ARK is heavy on CPU, RAM and disk. You install the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 376030 for Survival Evolved, 2430930 for Survival Ascended), then choose a map and tune your rates.
You can self-host on a dedicated box, or use managed ARK hosting that handles installation, maps, mods and clusters from a panel.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- SteamCMD installed, and the right app ID (376030 for Evolved, 2430930 for Ascended).
- Plenty of RAM (8 GB small, 12–16 GB+ for Ascended/modded/large tribes).
- Your chosen map, and any Workshop/CurseForge mod IDs.
- (Optional) a cluster ID if you'll link multiple maps.
Set up an ARK dedicated server
Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD downloads the dedicated server files. Install it on your server first.
Download the ARK server
Use SteamCMD with the right app ID — 376030 for Survival Evolved, 2430930 for Survival Ascended.
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2430930 validate +quit
Pick your map
Choose your map (The Island, Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, Aberration and more) in your start command. ASA and modded maps need more resources.
ShooterGameServer "TheIsland_WP?listen?SessionName=My ESAGAMES ARK?MaxPlayers=70" -server -log
Configure rates and rules
Tune XP, harvesting, taming and breeding rates plus PvP/PvE in GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. Make it match your community's playstyle.
Build a cluster (optional)
Run multiple maps with a shared cluster ID so players can transfer characters, dinos and items between servers.
Add mods and go live
Add Workshop / CurseForge mod IDs, start the server and share your IP. Submit it to ARK server lists to bring tribes in.
ARK best practices
Plenty of RAM
ARK is hungry — big maps, mods and tribes want 12–16 GB+ and a strong CPU.
Automatic backups
Schedule saves so a crash or raid never wipes your tribe's progress.
Anti-DDoS
Survival servers are common targets. Filtering keeps your tribe online.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Server takes forever to start
ARK loads slowly, and mods add download time on first start. Give it a few minutes and watch the log.
Mods aren't loading
Check the mod IDs are correct and listed in the right launch parameter; ASE uses Workshop, ASA uses CurseForge.
Cluster transfers don't work
All maps in the cluster must share the same cluster ID and have transfers enabled in their settings.
Out of memory crashes
ARK is hungry. Reduce mods or upgrade RAM — modded maps often need 12–16 GB+.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Skip the heavy setup. Our ARK hosting runs strong CPUs, NVMe and cluster support behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — ASA or ASE, modded and protected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an ARK server?
Install SteamCMD, download the ARK dedicated server (app 376030 for Evolved, 2430930 for Ascended), pick a map, tune your rates in the .ini files, optionally cluster and add mods, then launch.
How much RAM does an ARK server need?
A small map can run on 8 GB, while Ascended, modded maps or large tribes want 12–16 GB+ and strong CPU.
Can I run a cluster of maps?
Yes — give multiple maps the same cluster ID so players can transfer characters, dinos and items between them.
Does it support Survival Ascended?
Yes — use app 2430930 for ASA (Survival Ascended) and 376030 for ASE (Survival Evolved).
Can I add mods?
Yes — add Workshop (ASE) or CurseForge (ASA) mod IDs to your config and the server downloads them on start.
Is running an ARK server allowed?
Yes — the dedicated server is provided officially via SteamCMD. Follow the game's server guidelines.
Keep reading
ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended are trademarks of Studio Wildcard / Snail Games. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. The dedicated server is installed via Valve's SteamCMD; you must own a legitimate copy of the game.
