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How to Set Up an ARK: Survival Evolved Server on AnonVM – Full Guide

If you're planning to host an ARK: Survival Evolved server, AnonVM’s offshore VPS hosting is a perfect choice, providing excellent performance and privacy-focused features. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your ARK server running smoothly on AnonVM.

Why Host an ARK Server on AnonVM?

ARK: Survival Evolved is a multiplayer game that requires a robust server for an uninterrupted and smooth experience. AnonVM’s offshore VPS options provide privacy, uptime, and powerful resources to ensure your server is reliable and stable.

Step 1: Choose the Right AnonVM VPS Plan

To host an ARK server, you'll need a VPS with ample resources. For optimal performance, aim for at least 8GB of RAM and a multi-core CPU. AnonVM’s offshore VPS options let you choose the best configuration for your server’s needs.

1. Go to AnonVM’s website and review their VPS plans.
2. Select a VPS plan with a minimum of 8GB RAM and enough CPU power.
3. Complete the setup, choose your preferred server location, and finish the payment.

Step 2: Connect to Your VPS Server

Once your AnonVM VPS is set up, use SSH to connect to the server.

1. Open a terminal (or use PuTTY on Windows).
2. Use the following command to access your VPS:
    

   ssh username@your-server-ip
3. Enter your password when prompted to gain access to your server.

Step 3: Install Required Dependencies

To run an ARK server, your VPS needs specific dependencies.

1. Update your server and install the required packages:
    

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y sudo apt install -y curl wget screen lib32gcc1

Step 4: Download and Install SteamCMD

You’ll need SteamCMD to download and manage your ARK server files.

1. Create a directory for SteamCMD:
    

   mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
2. Download the SteamCMD installer:
    

   wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
3. Extract the downloaded files:
    

   tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

Step 5: Install the ARK Server Files

With SteamCMD ready, you can now install ARK: Survival Evolved server files.

1. Start SteamCMD:
    

   ./steamcmd.sh
2. Within SteamCMD, run the following commands:
    

   login anonymous force_install_dir ~/ark_server app_update 376030 validate quit

Step 6: Configure Your ARK Server

To set up the server with your preferences, create a startup script with specific configuration options.

1. Navigate to the ARK server directory:

    

   cd ~/ark_server

2. Create a startup script:

    

   nano start.sh

3. Add the following script (customize the options as needed):

    

   #!/bin/bash ./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer "TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyARKServer?ServerPassword=yourpassword?ServerAdminPassword=youradminpassword?MaxPlayers=50" -server -log

4. Save and close the file.

5. Make the script executable:

    

   chmod +x start.sh

Step 7: Start Your ARK Server

To run your ARK server and keep it active, use a screen session.

1. Start a screen session:
   screen -S ark_server
2. Run the server:
    

   ./start.sh

Press Ctrl + A, then D to detach from the screen session and leave the server running in the background.

Step 8: Connect to Your ARK Server

Once the server is live, you and your friends can join the game.

1. Open ARK: Survival Evolved on your PC.
2. In the game’s server browser, choose Direct Connect.
3. Enter your server’s IP address and port (default port is usually 7777):
    

   your-server-ip:7777