Why Run Your Own ARK Server?

ARK: Survival Evolved

Let’s be honest — the official servers are a mess. Hosting your own gives you:

  • Full control over rules, mods, and settings

  • A grief-free world for just your friends or your tribe

  • The ability to adjust difficulty, XP rates, breeding speed, etc.

  • No more wiped saves or surprise shutdowns

  • Support for mods like Structures Plus, Primal Fear, Fjordur, etc.

If you’re serious about ARK — especially modding — a private server is the way to go.

What Actually Matters When Choosing a Host

ARK: Survival Evolved

Don’t get distracted by flashy ads. Here’s what makes or breaks an ARK host:

Performance (Big One)

ARK is very demanding. Make sure your host offers:

  • High single-thread CPU power (important for ARK)

  • At least 8 GB RAM

  • SSD/NVMe storage

  • Servers close to your location

Modding Support

ARK’s modding scene is huge. You want:

  • One-click Steam Workshop mod installs

  • Auto mod updates

  • Good support for big total conversions (like Extinction Core)

Control Panel & Ease of Use

Look for hosts with:

  • An easy-to-use control panel (like TCAdmin or custom dashboards)

  • Scheduled backups

  • Server logs and crash recovery

  • In-browser file editing (for GameUserSettings.ini etc.)

Good Support

ARK can be buggy. You want a host that:

  • Responds quickly

  • Knows the game

  • Offers 24/7 support in your language/timezone

Trusted Hosting Providers (What They’re Actually Good At)

ARK: Survival Evolved

No paid placements here — just hosts that ARK players actually use and recommend.

GTXGaming

  • One of the most popular for ARK

  • Tons of config options

  • Excellent modding support

  • Not the cheapest, but reliable

HostHavoc

  • Great performance for the price

  • Easy UI and fast setup

  • Known for helpful support

  • Canada-based but has worldwide locations

Survival Servers

  • ARK-focused dashboard

  • Fast mod installs

  • Good for total conversions

  • Slightly more technical, but powerful

Nitrado

  • Official partner of ARK

  • Supports crossplay (Xbox/Windows)

  • Good for console players

  • UI can be confusing for new users

Pricing (What to Expect)

ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK hosting isn’t super cheap — the game’s just too demanding. Expect:

  • $15–$30/month for 10–20 slots

  • Mods and maps (like Ragnarok or Crystal Isles) usually free

  • More RAM = more expensive, especially for mod-heavy servers

  • VPS or dedicated box needed for huge modpacks or communities

Tips Before You Choose

  • Pick a location close to your group — low ping = happy players

  • Don’t overpay for more slots than you need (you can upgrade later)

  • Make sure the host supports automatic mod updating

  • Ask about Dino wipes, backups, and file access

Our Honest Take

If you want something solid with great modding support, start with GTXGaming or HostHavoc. Both are trusted, gamer-friendly, and used by long-time ARK players. For console or crossplay, go with Nitrado (just be ready for a learning curve). If you’re super technical or want to save money, rent a VPS or dedicated server — but be ready to manage everything yourself.

My Personal Best 12 ARK: Survival Evolved Server Hosts
HostDomain NamePriceMin SlotsSlotsDDoSUs LocationsOther LocationsRAMNotesEstablishedVotesHost Link
nitrado.netnitrado.net$16.2010200YesN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A44
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
nodecraft.comnodecraft.com$10.0010200YesN/AN/AN/AN/A201380
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
shockbyte.comshockbyte.com$15.0030200YesN/AN/AN/AN/A201333
US Locations:
VirginiaOregon
Other Countries:
CanadaGermanyUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandFrancePolandSingaporeAustralia
gfgfgsdN/A
survivalservers.comsurvivalservers.com$15.5010255YesN/AN/AN/AN/A201299
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
hosthavoc.comhosthavoc.com$15.0030200YesN/AN/AN/AN/A2014191
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
gamever.iogamever.io$12.501080YesN/AN/AN/AN/A202134
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
g-portal.comg-portal.com$14.00101000YesN/AN/AN/AN/A2017176
US Locations:
Texas
Other Countries:
Bahamas
N/AN/A
scalacube.comscalacube.com$19.0020120YesN/AN/AN/AN/A201588
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
logicservers.comlogicservers.com$16.40151000YesN/AN/AN/AN/A201523
US Locations:
N/A
N/AN/A
godlike.hostgodlike.host$32.00N/A30YesN/AN/A8GB8GB Ram20210
US Locations:
CaliforniaNew York
Other Countries:
UkraineGermanyPolandUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandFranceFinlandSingapore
  • Personal firewall
  • Server management via Discord
  • Monetization platform
8GB Ram
bisecthosting.combisecthosting.com$24.00UnlimitedUnlimitedYesN/AN/AN/A8GB RAM201446
US Locations:
WashingtonOregonCaliforniaTexasIllinoisGeorgiaFloridaNew YorkVirginiaNew Jersey
Other Countries:
CanadaUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandFranceNetherlandsGermanyPolandIndiaSingaporeAustralia
  • Server hosting for 80+ games
  • Pre-install 2,000+ Minecraft modpacks automatically
  • 24/7/365 support troubleshooting your server and mods
  • Full file access
  • 20 Locations across the globe
  • Advanced DDOS protection
8GB RAM
skynode.proskynode.pro$24.00N/A30YesN/AN/AN/ACANNOT run Genesis 220170
US Locations:
CaliforniaTexasNew York
Other Countries:
NetherlandsGermanySingaporeAustralia
N/ACANNOT run Genesis 2

Final Thoughts

ARK is one of the most rewarding survival games out there — but only if the server works. Renting your own is worth it for the stability, control, and peace of mind.

If you need help picking the right plan, modding your server, or just want advice — leave a comment or shoot us a message. We’re happy to help.

Now go tame that T-Rex