Self-hosting ARK: Survival Ascended gives you total control over rates, mods and rules — but be warned: ASA is built on Unreal Engine 5 and is one of the most hardware-hungry game servers there is. A weak machine will lag badly. Here’s the full process.
Self-host vs managed
| Self-host | Managed host | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | SteamCMD, ports, .ini files | ~60-second deploy |
| Hardware | Your own (10GB+ RAM, fast CPU) | Provided (Ryzen 9) |
| Updates | Manual via SteamCMD | Handled for you |
| Port forwarding | You configure your router | Done automatically |
| Cost | Hardware + power + time | From $7/month |
Hardware you’ll need
ASA’s server is heavy. Budget a fast multi-core CPU, a large amount of RAM (an ASA server can use well over 10 GB, more with mods and players), and SSD/NVMe storage. Underpowered hardware is the number-one cause of a laggy self-hosted ASA server.
Step 1: Install with SteamCMD
Use SteamCMD to download the ARK: Survival Ascended Dedicated Server files to your machine or VPS. The download is large, so give it time and disk space.
Step 2: Port forwarding
Forward the game and query UDP ports your server uses to the host machine in your router, choosing UDP when asked. Mismatched or unforwarded ports are the top reason players can’t find or join your server.
Step 3: Configure the server
Set your server name, max players, an admin password (so EnableCheats works), and your rates and rules in GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. Our server settings guide explains exactly what to change.
Step 4: Mods (optional)
ASA mods come through CurseForge, not the Steam Workshop. Add the mod IDs to your launch configuration and players download them automatically on join. See our mods guide for the details and load order.
Step 5: Launch & connect
Start the server with your map and launch parameters, then join via the in-game server browser or Direct Connect using your IP. Keep the server updated with SteamCMD whenever ASA patches — and it patches often.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does an ARK: Survival Ascended server need?
Plan for well over 10 GB — ASA runs on Unreal Engine 5 and is very memory-hungry, and mods plus more players push it higher. Pair that with a fast multi-core CPU and SSD/NVMe storage; underpowered hardware is the number-one cause of lag.
How do I install an ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated server?
Download the server files with SteamCMD, forward the game and query UDP ports, set your name/password/rates in GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini, optionally add CurseForge mod IDs, then launch with your map and parameters. Update via SteamCMD after every ASA patch.
Why can’t players join my ARK server?
Almost always port forwarding — the game and query UDP ports aren’t forwarded, or are mismatched between your config and router. Double-check you forwarded UDP (not TCP) to the host machine. A managed host avoids this entirely by handling networking for you.
Because ASA’s UE5 server is so demanding, most players let a host handle the hardware. A managed ARK: Survival Ascended server from $7/month runs on Ryzen 9 hardware with updates handled for you — 30% off with XGAMEON.
Ready to play?
Run your own ARK: Survival Ascended server with XGamingServer
Spin up an always-on ARK: Survival Ascended server your friends can join in minutes — no port-forwarding, no tech headaches.
