Although ARK can be played on both public and private servers, the latter provides you with greater security and control over your player lobby. Private game servers are available through hosting platforms like Hostari, that let you rent a server for a flat monthly fee.
Before diving into the different hosting platforms available for ARK server hosting, let’s talk about private servers in more detail.
What is an ARK Private Server?
ARK private servers are computers that host the game for you, allowing you to connect with your friends for a seamless, multiplayer experience. Dedicated servers are a form of private game hosting where the server machine is only used to host the game—nothing else. Tons of server hosting platforms support ARK due to the game’s popularity.
Why are ARK Private Servers Important?
Player Customization
Private servers provide increased options for customization, including custom maps, mods, and plugin support. Additionally, you have the ability to kick or ban players from your lobby if needed.
Optimized Gameplay
Although ARK’s official servers have restricted customization and are prone to lagging, private servers offer more control over gameplay aspects, including the pace of leveling and weaponry selection.
Built-in Support
Setting up an ARK dedicated server sometimes requires a bit of additional technical assistance. Typically, server providers offer customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to solve any issues you may have.
Criteria to Consider When Choosing an ARK Private Server
Bandwidth and Memory
Depending on the size of your lobby and game world, you’re going to need high connection speeds and memory. Make sure your dedicated server system requirements are met.
Pricing
Make sure the server is in your budget range, especially if you’re sharing the cost with friends. Pricing plans usually vary in cost depending on the following factors:
Player slots
CPU & clock speed
Storage
Server Scalability
Consider how easy it is to upgrade or downgrade your server. For example, you may find yourself in need of more or less player slots in the future.
Best ARK Private Server Hosting Platforms
As ARK is a well-supported game, it can be tough to choose the best hosting platform to rent from. But fear not! Below, we have a hand-picked list of the top private server hosts for ARK.
Here’s a quick look at the platforms we’ll be covering:
Hostari: Best for Efficient Server Configuration
BisectHosting: Best for Flexible Player Slots
ServerBlend: Best for High-Quality Connections
Now, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Hostari: Best for Efficient Server Configuration
With Hostari, gamers get a hassle-free configuration system that allows them to spend more quality time playing ARK instead of getting sidetracked by the technical aspects.
Our Intel Core i9 9900K processors (with a minimum of 128 GB RAM each) guarantee a smooth gaming experience, free from lags and interruptions.
We have data centers around the globe to accommodate as many players as we can, making sure to never oversubscribe any of our servers to avoid overloading them.
Key Features
Custom Control Panel: Our control panel provides you with an easy and intuitive way to manage your server.
Instant Setup: Your server setup is automated to make the process as effortless as possible.
Automated Server Backups: Server backups are also automated so you can always return to an earlier save in case of technical failure.
Global Data Centers: Hostari serves multiple regions, with high-performing data centers in the US and Canada.
Secure Servers: Our network is kept safe and secure from high-level attacks, including DDoS and UDP floods.
Access Controls: Personalize your gameplay with mods, plugins, and maps.
Pricing
There are four pricing options available, all of which differ in billing cycle:
Reaper ($17.99/month — annual billing)
Controller ($18.99/month — semi-annual billing)
Tamer ($19.99/month — quarterly billing)
Breeder ($21.99/month — monthly billing)
Our starting offer comes with 8 GB RAM and 70 player slots. No matter which plan you end up choosing, you’ll receive automated backups and updates, along with 24/7 runtime and on-demand chat support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Flexible billing cycles.
Efficient server configuration.
Multiple data centers.
Automatic server backups and updates.
Instant setup.
User-friendly custom control panel.
Flexible customer support options.
24/7 support available.
High-level security.
24/7 runtime.
On-demand chat support.
24-hour free trial.
High amount of RAM in the starting offer.
Cons:
High minimum player slot.
Player slots are limited.
Disk space is limited.
2. BisectHosting: Best for Flexible Player Slots
BisectHosting offers complete flexibility when it comes to player slots. Plus, installing mods couldn't be easier with their user-friendly interface eliminating the need for manual file uploads.
With servers located in 17 regions globally, including India, the US, and Singapore, they’ve got you covered for ARK hosting.
Key Features
24/7 Support: They have full-time support to ensure your server is always up and running.
DDoS Protection: Their ARK servers are all DDoS-protected so you never have to worry about security breaches.
Full Mod Support: You can install any mod of your choosing with their easy-to-use Mod installer.
Auto-Update: You can automate your server updates with the auto-update feature.
Pricing
BisectHosting offers two pricing plans for ARK:
ARK Package 1 ($13.99/month — 7 GB RAM)
ARK Package 2 ($19.99/month — unlimited RAM)
Both plans provide unlimited player slots, unlimited NVMe SSD, and instant setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
3-day refund.
Average response time is 20 minutes.
Unlimited player slots.
Full mod support.
Easy-to-use mod installer.
24/7 support.
Instant setup.
Unlimited NVMe SSD.
Cons:
Only two pricing options.
Limited upgrade options.
No add-ons.
3. ServerBlend: Best for High-Quality Connection
ServerBlend operates on the most up-to-date processors, featuring fast and trustworthy CPUs, DDR4 RAM, and NVMe storage. Additionally, their DDoS-protected network guarantees a lag-free gaming experience, with speeds reaching up to 4000 Gbps.
Key Features
Low Ping: All their game servers operate on a fast network to provide the lowest ping.
DDoS Protection: Their servers have free DDoS protection to keep your servers running 24/7.
Complete, User Friendly Control: Their custom control panel allows for easy server configuration.
High Performance: ServerBlend uses Intel Xeon processors with fast SSD or NVMe storage to provide you with high-quality performance.
Pricing
ServerBlend has two plans available:
Standard ($18.00/month)
Premium ($30.00/month)
Premium comes with better hardware and more location choices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
7-day money-back guarantee.
Over 13 global data centers.
Unlimited game switching.
DDoS-protected networks.
Low latency.
Instant setup.
Fast & reliable hardware.
Daily server backups.
Cons:
High minimum player slot.
Limited RAM.
Standard plan has limited location choices.
Conclusion
ARK can be played on public and private servers, but many gamers prefer private ones due to their improved security and customization. Out of all the ways to gain access to a private server, renting one from a server provider like Hostari is the easiest.
At Hostari, our goal is to offer a hassle-free configuration process, allowing you to focus on the game rather than worrying about logistics. Start your free trial to launch your ARK server in a matter of minutes!
