Understanding how to play ARK: Survival Evolved with friends can be confusing, especially when it comes to server types. Many players wonder about the differences between using all available consoles to run the game and why friends can’t play when the host is offline. This article clarifies the distinctions between ARK Dedicated Servers and Non-Dedicated Servers to help you choose the best option for your gameplay needs.
Non-Dedicated Server Explained
In ARK: Survival Evolved, a Non-Dedicated Server is essentially a game hosted directly by one of the players. This means the host player’s console or PC is not only running the game for themselves but also for all connected guest players. This setup has several key characteristics:
- Host Dependency: The game world only exists when the host player is actively playing. If the host logs off, the server shuts down, and no one else can play in that world.
- Tethering: Guest players are restricted to a certain distance from the host player. This “tether” prevents players from exploring too far apart and is a technical limitation to reduce the processing load on the host’s system. The further guests move from the host, the more strain it puts on the host console.
- Resource Intensive for Host: The host console shoulders the burden of running the entire game simulation, including AI, environment, and player actions, for everyone connected. This can lead to performance issues for the host, especially with more players or in graphically demanding areas.
Essentially, a Non-Dedicated Server is a simpler way to play with friends for shorter, session-based gameplay where everyone plays together in a limited proximity to the host.
Dedicated Server Explained
A Dedicated Server, in contrast, operates independently from player consoles or PCs. It runs on a separate machine that is solely dedicated to hosting the game world. This offers significant advantages:
- 24/7 Availability: A Dedicated Server runs continuously, regardless of whether the server owner or other players are online. This allows friends to play at any time, progressing in the game world even when the original host is unavailable.
- No Tethering: Players on a Dedicated Server are not restricted by tethering. They can explore the entire game world independently, build bases in different locations, and engage in activities across the map without being limited by the host’s location.
- Improved Performance: Since the server runs on a dedicated machine, player consoles or PCs are only responsible for rendering their own gameplay. This results in better performance for all players, especially with larger groups or more complex game environments.
- Larger Player Capacity: Dedicated Servers can typically support more players than Non-Dedicated Servers, making them suitable for larger groups and communities.
Setting up a Dedicated Server generally requires more technical knowledge and may involve costs for server hosting, but it provides a much more flexible and robust multiplayer experience.
Choosing Between Dedicated and Non-Dedicated Servers
The best server type depends on your specific needs and playstyle:
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Choose Non-Dedicated if:
- You primarily play with a small group of friends who usually play together.
- You prefer shorter, session-based gameplay where everyone is online at the same time.
- You want a simpler setup without the need for a separate server machine.
- Tethering limitations are acceptable for your playstyle.
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Choose Dedicated if:
- You want a persistent world where friends can play even when you are offline.
- You desire the freedom to explore the entire map without tethering restrictions.
- You plan to play with a larger group of players.
- You prioritize server performance and stability.
- You are comfortable with a more technical setup or are willing to pay for server hosting.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between ARK Dedicated and Non-Dedicated Servers is crucial for choosing the right setup for your multiplayer adventures. Non-Dedicated Servers offer a quick and easy way to play with friends in sessions hosted directly by a player, while Dedicated Servers provide a persistent, more flexible, and higher-performance environment for serious ARK players and communities.
