How to Make a Dedicated Server on Ark Xbox One [3 Methods]

If you are a fan of Ark: Survival Evolved you might want to play with your friends on a dedicated server. A dedicated server is a server that runs the game world and allows players to join and interact with each other. Unlike a non-dedicated server a dedicated server does not have a tether distance which means you can explore the map freely without being restricted by the host player’s location. A dedicated server also offers more stability performance and customization options than a non-dedicated server.

Key Takeaways

Method	Pros	Cons	Cost
Second Xbox One	No monthly fee	Requires another console and account	Price of an Xbox One
Nitrado	Easy to set up and manage	Monthly fee	Varies depending on slots and duration
Windows 10 PC	No monthly fee or extra console	Requires a PC and cross-play update	Price of a PC

• A dedicated server is a server that runs the game world and allows players to join and interact with each other.
• A dedicated server does not have a tether distance which means you can explore the map freely without being restricted by the host player’s location.
• A dedicated server also offers more stability performance and customization options than a non-dedicated server.
• There are three methods for creating a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One: using a second Xbox One console renting a server from Nitrado or cross-playing on a Windows 10 PC.
• Each method has its own pros and cons depending on your preferences and budget.

Method 1: Using a Second Xbox One Console

The first method for creating a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One is using a second Xbox One console. This method requires you to have another console and another account that will run the server. The console that runs the server will not be able to play the game so you will need another console and account to join the server as a player.

To create a dedicated server using this method follow these steps:

1. On the console that will run the server launch Ark and select Host/Local from the main menu.
2. Select Run Dedicated Server and choose the map and settings you want for your server.

Map	Description
The Island	The original map of Ark featuring a diverse landscape of mountains forests caves oceans and more.
The Center	A massive map with a floating island lava biome underground world and more.
Scorched Earth	A desert-themed map with extreme weather new creatures and new items.
Ragnarok	A Norse-inspired map with a volcano a dragon boss arena and more.
Aberration	A malfunctioning Ark with a radioactive surface an underground biome and new challenges.
Extinction	An Earth-like map with a post-apocalyptic theme corrupted creatures and titans.
Valguero	A map with a diverse terrain a massive underground cave system and a new creature: the Deinonychus.
Genesis: Part 1	A simulation-based map with five mini-maps: Bog Arctic Ocean Volcanic and Lunar.
Crystal Isles	A map with a fantasy theme featuring floating islands crystal forests and more.
Genesis: Part 2	A map with two huge biomes: Rockwell’s Innards and Rockwell’s Garden.

• Name your server and set a password if you want.
• Confirm your settings and start the server.
• On the console that will join the server as a player launch Ark and select Join Ark from the main menu.
• Filter the servers by Unofficial PC Sessions and search for your server name.
• Enter the password if you set one and join the server.

The pros of this method are:

• You do not have to pay any monthly fee for running the server.
• You have full control over the settings and mods of your server.

The cons of this method are:

• You need another console and account to run the server.
• The console that runs the server cannot play the game.
• The console that runs the server must be online at all times for the server to be accessible.
• The console that runs the server may experience overheating or performance issues over time.

Method 2: Renting a Server from Nitrado

The second method for creating a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One is renting a server from Nitrado. Nitrado is an official partner of Ark that provides hosting services for servers. You can rent a server from Nitrado using their website or their app on your Xbox One.

To create a dedicated server using this method follow these steps:

1. Go to Nitrado’s website or download their app on your Xbox One.
2. Create an account or log in with your existing account.
3. Select Ark: Survival Evolved from the list of games and choose your preferred platform (Xbox or Windows 10).
4. Choose the number of slots (players) you want for your server and the duration (days) you want to rent it for.
5. Customize your server name password settings mods etc.
6. Confirm your order and pay with your preferred payment method.
7. Wait for your server to be installed and activated (this may take up to 15 minutes).
8. Launch Ark on your Xbox One and select Join Ark from the main menu.
9. Filter the servers by Unofficial PC Sessions and search for your server name.
10. Enter the password if you set one and join the server.

The pros of this method are:

• You do not need another console or account to run the server.
• You can easily set up and manage your server using the website or the app.
• You can access your server from any device that supports Ark (Xbox Windows 10 etc.).
• You can backup and restore your server data in case of corruption or loss.

The cons of this method are:

• You have to pay a monthly fee for renting the server.
• The fee varies depending on the number of slots and the duration of your rental.
• You may experience lag or downtime depending on the server location and traffic.

Method 3: Cross-playing on a Windows 10 PC

The third method for creating a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One is cross-playing on a Windows 10 PC. This method requires you to have a PC that can run Ark and the cross-play update that allows Xbox and Windows 10 players to play together.

The PC that runs the server will not be able to play the game so you will need another device (Xbox or Windows 10) to join the server as a player.

To create a dedicated server using this method follow these steps:

1. On your PC download and install Ark from the Microsoft Store.
2. Launch Ark and select Host/Local from the main menu.
3. Select Run Dedicated Server and choose the map and settings you want for your server.
4. Name your server and set a password if you want.
5. Confirm your settings and start the server.
6. On your Xbox or Windows 10 device launch Ark and select Join Ark from the main menu.
7. Filter the servers by Unofficial PC Sessions and search for your server name.
8. Enter the password if you set one and join the server.

The pros of this method are:

• You do not have to pay any monthly fee or buy another console to run the server.
• You have full control over the settings and mods of your server.

The cons of this method are:

• You need a PC that can run Ark and the cross-play update to run the server.
• The PC that runs the server cannot play the game.
• The PC that runs the server must be online at all times for the server to be accessible.
• The PC that runs the server may experience overheating or performance issues over time.

Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Your Dedicated Server

Regardless of which method you choose to create a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One there are some tips and tricks that can help you optimize your server and enhance your gaming experience. Here are some of them:

• Use a wired connection instead of a wireless connection for better stability and speed.
• Adjust your server settings according to your preferences and needs. For example you can change the difficulty level harvest rate day/night cycle etc.
• Install mods that add new features content or quality of life improvements to your server. For example you can install mods that add new creatures items maps etc.
• Update your server regularly to ensure compatibility and security. For example you can update your server when new patches mods or cross-play updates are released.
• Backup your server data frequently to prevent data loss or corruption. For example you can backup your server data using Nitrado’s website or app or manually copy your save files from your console or PC.

Can Enabling 2FA in Fortnite on Xbox Affect the Process of Making a Dedicated Server on Ark Xbox One?

Enabling 2FA in Fortnite on Xbox does not directly impact the process of making a dedicated server on Ark Xbox One. These two actions are separate and should not affect each other. However, it is always good to ensure the security of your gaming accounts by enabling 2FA in Fortnite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can join my dedicated server?

A: The number of players that can join your dedicated server depends on the number of slots you have for your server. A slot is a space reserved for a player on your server. The more slots you have the more players can join your server. However having more slots also means paying more money (if you rent a server from Nitrado) or having more load on your console or PC (if you run a server from another device).

Q: How can I invite my friends to join my dedicated server?

A: There are two ways to invite your friends to join your dedicated server:

• You can send them an invite through Xbox Live or Steam (if they are playing on Windows 10). To do this go to Pause Menu > Invite Friends and select the friends you want to invite.
• You can tell them your server name and password (if you set one) and ask them to search for it in Join Ark > Unofficial PC Sessions.

Q: How can I make my dedicated server public or private?

A: You can make your dedicated server public or private by setting a password for it. A password is a code that players need to enter your server. If you set a password your server will be private and only players who know the password can join. If you do not set a password your server will be public and anyone can join. To set a password for your server go to Host/Local > Run Dedicated Server and enter a password in the Server Password field. To remove the password leave the field blank.