Running an ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server requires matching hardware to your desired player count, tick rate, and mods. This guide covers verified server requirements for Windows and Linux, explains how processor cores, RAM, network throughput, and storage affect performance, and provides practical configuration and optimization steps for both single- and multi-Instance deployments.
Recommended Minimum Server Hardware
Windows and Linux Baseline
For small, non-modded servers with up to 10–15 players, prioritize fast single-thread performance and at least 16 GB of RAM. Larger tribes, higher tick rates, and heavy mod loads demand additional cores and 32–64 GB RAM. Storage should be SSD with low latency for quick world saves, and sufficient upstream bandwidth is critical to prevent packet loss.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 4 physical cores (8 threads) modern | Minimum; recommend 6+ cores for modding |
| RAM | 16 GB absolute minimum; 32 GB typical; 64 GB for large tribes/mods | Dedicated to server process plus OS overhead |
| Storage | 100 GB SSD free (7200 RPM or better) | NVMe preferred for faster world saves |
| Network | 100 Mbps dedicated; 1 Gbps ideal | Upstream matters most; stable low-latency connection |
| OS | Windows Server 2019/2022 or recent Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+, CentOS 8) | Driver and platform support varies by host |
ARK Server Types and Tick Rate Options
Official PvE, PvP, and unofficial modded servers behave differently under load. Tick rate determines simulation frequency; 15–30 is common for modded sessions, while 60 is typical for competitive PvP. Higher ticks increase CPU demand and network traffic, making core count and frequency the dominant performance factors.
Unofficial Modded Servers
Mods vary widely in intensity; some add minimal load while others substantially increase RAM and CPU usage. Use the mod developer’s recommendations as a baseline and scale RAM upward—often 32–64 GB—for large mod packs. Plan for separate instances when hosting multiple mod profiles to avoid contention.
Single-Instance vs Multi-Instance Deployments
- Single-Instance: One active world on a single set of hardware; simpler management but limited concurrent play environments.
- Multi-Instance: Multiple server processes on the same machine or across VMs; requires careful CPU, RAM, and IO allocation to avoid bottlenecks.
Platform-Specific Considerations
Windows Dedicated Server
Windows Server editions are widely supported and simplify mod installation and server management. Ensure the latest updates are applied and configure the Windows Firewall to allow the server port(s). Monitor memory usage; 32 GB+ is strongly recommended when mods are active.
Linux Dedicated Server
Linux deployments typically use Docker or a native Linux server binary. Docker can simplify updates and rollback but may add slight overhead. Native Linux often yields better resource efficiency; test platform compatibility before heavy mod usage.
| Platform | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server | Stable and widely supported; use Server 2019/2022 for best compatibility | Host provider documentation |
| Linux Server | Native or Docker; verify glibc and kernel version requirements | Community tools and upstream docs |
Network, Storage, and Infrastructure Best Practices
Network stability and low latency are more important than raw bandwidth. Use a wired connection, prioritize low jitter, and ensure your host provider does not throttle game traffic. Storage should be SSD with enough IOPS to handle frequent save writes; snapshots can protect against corruption but should be scheduled during low-activity periods.
Port Forwarding and Security
- Open the server query and game ports on your firewall and router.
- Use a non-standard query port when hosting multiple instances.
- Regularly update server binaries and mods to patch security issues.
Scaling, Monitoring, and Maintenance
Track CPU steal, memory pressure, disk latency, and network packet loss to identify bottlenecks. Vertical scaling (more CPU/RAM) works up to a point; beyond that, distribute instances across machines or choose a host with multiple NUMA nodes. Scheduled backups, automated restarts, and log rotation help maintain reliability.