16 Best Ark Server Hosting for 2024

Features 

Lesser Configuration Time

With Dathost's simple settings menu, it is easier to change or modify more than 200 aspects of your ARK server with just a single click. They have already completed the configuration, so you can start playing immediately. 

Their one-click installer lets you install any mod from the Steam Workshop, simplifying modding. You can rely on it to switch between PvE and PvP mode or alter specific multipliers.

One-Click Installer

With this feature, your ARK server can easily install ArkAPI plugins and Steam Workshop mods. For Steam Workshop mods, enter the mod ID, and for ArkAPI plugins, submit a zip file, and Dathos will handle the rest.

No Delay or Lag

To ensure that you never suffer lags. Dathos ARK servers have the best networks, contemporary CPUs, and SSDs.

SSDs improve overall performance and gameplay by reducing or eliminating latency. Their servers are also geared to deliver the lowest possible ping. 

Automatic Updates and Backups

Dathost ensures access to the most recent ARK server upgrades. To make sure everything goes smoothly, they make daily backups of all game data and update it.

Other server data is backed up once every 3 to 7 days, depending on the account type and specification, making this a noteworthy DatHost feature.  

DDoS-Protected Servers

With DatHost's DDoS protection, you can be sure your ARK server won't ever go offline. Even the most severe attacks can be handled with up to 2 Tbps.

Great Customer Support

DatHost has an excellent customer support team. They will answer all your queries in a friendly, responsive, and helpful manner through emails. Their Help Center provides answers for customers who need instant help. 

Although they do not offer a live chat or ticket system, their customer service is quick and effective.

Pricing

DatHost offers several pricing plans for their ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting, starting at €12.90/$13.95 per month.

Their quarterly plan offers 10% off at €11.61/$12.55 per month, while the yearly plan offers 20% off at €10.32/$11.16 per month. All these plans provide unlimited slots and usage, along with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

The DatHost package price includes all your requirements, such as an accessible MySQL server, Automatic Backups and Setups within seconds, SSD Drives, Custom Domain names, Premium Networks, etc. Unlike competitors, they will not charge you extra costs or hidden fees for CPU power, opening the server to the public, debranding, Fast-DL, or DDoS protection.

They have multiple payment options and accept payments from PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro. 

Support

DatHost has a friendly, responsive, and helpful customer support team. If you have questions about DatHost, check out their Help Center, where you can find many frequently asked questions. If not, email them at [email protected], and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Suppose you wish to request a refund or have an invoice canceled. You should email them at [email protected] within 7 days of the invoice date. Your message must include your DatHost user ID and the payment date.

Verdict

DatHost offers premium game servers and provides a simple and easy-to-use interface. The Trustpilot rating of 4.7 proves that the business excellently offers high-quality and affordable products while meeting customer expectations.

ScalaCube provides Ark Survival Evolved Server hosting alongside several other games like Minecraft that it specializes in. It comes with an easy-to-use dashboard, automatic setup, and a 24/7 uptime promise. You get great results regardless of geographic location because server options span Europe, the US, and the UK. It did let us down slightly with its lack of Oceanic servers.

Features

Let’s take a closer look at what these top Ark servers have to offer:

Instant Server Setup

ScalaCube uses an automatic installation process, so your server is ready in just a few minutes. You can then enter the online dashboard to configure it further to your liking. You get an Ark dedicated server, so all the resources promised are reserved just for you and your clan.

Intuitive Dashboard

The online dashboard strikes the right balance between control over server settings without overwhelming users. 

Security

There’s nothing worse than a rival or unscrupulous internet user decides to bombard an Ark server you’re hosting with traffic to take it down. Fortunately, as a bonus to the industry-standard server security, ScalaCube has advanced DDoS protection. And it promises 24/7 uptime, so you can play day and night without fear of being taken down.

Of course, sometimes there’s planned maintenance, but you will be informed ahead of time. Plus, if you do have security issues, customer support is only a few clicks away.

SSD Drives

Your dedicated Ark server uses solid-state drives for optimum gameplay. This reduces the potential for in-game lag at the hardware level. Initial loading can take several minutes if you have a lot of mods installed, but once it’s up, everything runs smoothly.

Mod Access

Modded Ark servers are more fun, and ScalaCube supports all Steam Workshop mods, as well as:

• Scorched Earth
• The Center
• Genesis 1 and 2
• Primitive Plus
• Ragnarok
• Aberration
• Extinction
• Crystal Isles
• Valguero

You can set those up with a few clicks from the control panel.

Pricing

Pricing is great value for this level of performance. Technically you get free Ark server hosting, in that opening an account and setting up doesn’t cost a thing. That’s just a marketing ploy, however. Pricing goes from $19/mo for 20 players and reaches $48/mo for 120 people.

All Ark dedicated servers have the same resources. This is more than enough to support up to 120 simultaneous players and intensive expansion packs.

You get:

• 32GB RAM
• 8 x 3.4 GHZ CPU
• 320GB SSD Storage 

Support

ScalaCube has several tutorials for the games they host. For Ark, you can learn how to set up a password for extra privacy, enable in-game seasonal events, add custom maps, etc.

If you need a direct response, you can submit an online ticket. The consensus among users is that customer support is fast and helpful.

We weren’t really impressed by the hidden cancelation request page. We also came across a few stories of customers waiting far too long for support to process these.

Verdict

Overall, ScalaCube has everything you need for lag-free and feature-rich Ark private servers. Plans are affordable and easily scalable. Plus, all the mods are available, along with Ark crossplay between Steam and Epic Games. The hardware is also incredible, but there needs to be some more love for Australian players.

HostHavoc will have your Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server setup in minutes. The popular gaming host gives users full FTP access and a command-line manager. Plus, mods are a cinch to install via the powerful TCADMIN V2 control panel.

Features

Whether it’s Ark Survival Evolved crossplay or advanced security, HostHavoc is packed with features:

All Mods and DLC

Installing mods and DLC on your Ark server setup is simple. Just browse the library and choose what to include. The current map can be swapped in seconds with a click.

Everything from Extinction to Genesis 1 and 2 is here. Epic and Steam versions are also supported, which means workshop items can be added at will.

Command Line Manager

The more technically-minded server managers get command-line access, so you can set ARK server parameters yourself. Nonetheless, newbies don’t need much technical know-how as things are good to go out of the box.

The TCAdmin panel has every option you need, from changing the tickrate to improving FPS, or adding cheats like God Mode.

FTP and File Manager

The user-friendly web interface and FTP client are great for accessing and managing files. You can manually backup Ark data and install API plugins. There is also a web-based mod installer for Steam Workshop files, API, and expansions.

10 Data Centers

With global dedicated server hosting, Ark provides a strong connection regardless of you or your clan’s geographic location. 10 data centers are located in:

• Six US states
• England
• The Netherlands
• Germany
• Australia

Security

The control panel login is secured via 2-step authentication. The server handles UDP floods and Source Engine attacks with advanced DDoS prevention.

Free Migration

Move your current Ark server to HostHavoc for free.

Pricing

All Ark private server plans come with a three-day money-back guarantee and 99.9% uptime. Setup is instant, with access details emailed within minutes of payment being made.

Player Slots

You can have between 30 and 100 players, with prices ranging from $15 to  $30.

Unlike others, HostHavoc is not forthcoming about the precise CPU but it’s perfectly capable of hosting the game. If in doubt you can pay an extra $4 for priority but it isn’t necessary.

You will need more RAM to run newer maps, however. You get 8GB by default, but 12GB at $7.50 is more beneficial, and 16GB at $15 is ideal to run Genesis 2.

Battle Metrics - $3

This is a useful add-on service that tracks your server, gives player analytics, and allows you to set up various alerts.

Support

You can contact HostHavoc’s 24/7 technical support via a ticket. Initial response time ranges from a few minutes to an hour but it can obviously take longer to solve a complex problem.

You can read up yourself in the knowledge base, which walks through Ark server configuration, including mods, Steam/Epic crossplay, admin commands, еtc.

Verdict

In short, if you want all the resources needed to host Ark with up to 100 players, HostHavoc is a great solution. There are very rarely start-up problems or in-game lag. The control panel and other server management methods are suitable for beginners as well as advanced users. If we are to pick a fault it’s that you cannot buy a plan with less than 30 slots. Other reviews suggest staff are not very helpful when it comes to problems with game mod errors, so keep that in mind.

Fozzy Ark Server Hosting is a reliable and feature-rich solution for hosting Ark: Survival Evolved servers. With its high-performance infrastructure, customizable settings, and dedicated support, it aims to enhance the gaming experience for Ark players. Let's dive into the key features, pricing, support, and overall conclusion of Fozzy Ark Server Hosting.

Features

Fozzy offers a range of standout features:

High-Performance Infrastructure: Enjoy low-latency gameplay and smooth performance thanks to Fozzy's powerful hardware and optimized network connectivity.

Customizable Server Settings: Tailor your Ark server to your liking with Fozzy's flexible settings, allowing you to adjust player limits, resource rates, and difficulty levels.

User-Friendly Control Panel: The intuitive control panel makes server management effortless, enabling easy configuration of settings, installation of mods or plugins, and monitoring of server performance.

DDoS Protection and Regular Backups: Fozzy prioritizes server security, implementing DDoS protection to mitigate attacks. Regular backups ensure the safety and integrity of your game data.

Pricing

Fozzy Ark Server Hosting offers competitive pricing plans to suit various needs. Their pricing structure typically depends on factors such as server capacity, features, and duration of subscription. It is advisable to visit their official website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Support

Fozzy provides dedicated customer support to assist users with any server-related inquiries or issues. Their support team is responsive and knowledgeable, offering guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and technical support. Users can typically reach out to them via live chat, email, or support tickets for prompt assistance.

Ultahost's ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting comes packed with powerful features that make it an excellent choice for gamers and game server administrators alike. With its robust hardware infrastructure and advanced software tools, Ultahost ensures that players get the ultimate gaming experience, while server admins have all the tools they need to manage and customize their server to their liking.

Features

Global Server Locations. Maximize your Ark server rental experience with lightning-fast speeds and low latency across 8+ global server locations.

Lightning-Fast NVMe SSD. Enjoy lightning-fast data transfer on our Enterprise-grade NVMe SSD storage arrays, hosting your Ark game server for an unparalleled 10x reliable gaming experience.

99.99% Service Uptime. The service guarantees 99.9% uptime, offering reliable and dependable performance. Customers can rest assured that their needs will be met.

8+ Payment Methods. Payment options available include Paypal, direct debit, credit cards, swift transfer, Payoneer, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.

Intel Xeon Processors. Customers of VPSMania's Game Servers can be assured of the highest quality performance and reliability, thanks to Intel Xeon Gold and Platinum Processors powering all their servers. VPSMania's commitment to quality ensures customers get nothing but the best from their servers.

Security & Updates. Ark Survival Server Hosting ensures the security of its clients' servers through automated updating of game instances and their plugins to the latest version, as well as patching against common exploits. Through this, Ark Survival Server Hosting enables its clients to enjoy a secure and hassle-free gaming experience.

Pricing

Ultahost offers several pricing plans for their ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting, starting at $14.90 per month for the Basic plan, which includes 2GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, and 50GB SSD storage. The Standard plan is priced at $29.90 per month and comes with 4GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, and 100GB SSD storage.

For larger server needs, Ultahost offers the Professional plan at $59.90 per month, which includes 8GB RAM, 6 CPU cores, and 200GB SSD storage. The Enterprise plan is the largest plan available, priced at $99.90 per month, and comes with 16GB RAM, 8 CPU cores, and 400GB SSD storage.

All of the plans come with unlimited bandwidth, DDoS protection, and the ability to customize and manage the server through the user-friendly control panel. Customers can also choose to pay on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis depending on their preference and budget.

Support

Ultahost provides several support options for their ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting. Their support team is available 24/7 to assist customers with any issues or concerns they may have. Customers can contact Ultahost's support team via live chat, email, or support ticket.

Verdict

Ultahost's commitment to customer support is commendable. With 24/7 ticket and email support, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base, users can easily find help and guidance when needed. However, the lack of live chat and phone support might be a downside for some users who prefer more immediate assistance.

Overall, Ultahost's ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting is a great choice for those who prioritize performance and reliability. The pricing plans and support options offer great value, and the customizable settings provide the flexibility to tailor the hosting environment to individual preferences.

With all custom maps, mods, DLC, and expansion packs supported, Shockbyte immediately ranks as a top Ark hosting provider. Hosting games since 2013, this trusted name allows up to 125 players with servers stationed across continents. Lag is not something to worry about here. You also get a free MYSQL database. 

Features

Automations

Shockbyte takes all the hard work out of being an Ark dedicated server manager, with automations at every level.

Updates are installed automatically, while mods are one-click (including Steam Workshop integration). Backups can be scheduled from daily to longer intervals – also automatic.

Uptime and Security

Over a week of gameplay, we experienced zero downtime. Shockbyte promises 100% uptime, which might be a bit overdramatic, but the point is you’ll not be frustrated by interruptions.

DDoS protection also keeps your server safe from outside attacks.

Multicraft Control Panel

Multicraft is a popular and user-friendly game server control panel that can be tweaked for different titles. It’s best known for Minecraft but works wonderfully with Ark too. 

FTP and Server Console

There’s also full FTP and server console access, giving experienced users more than enough control to make their own tweaks.

Free Migration

If you host Ark somewhere else and want to move over to Shockbyte they’ll handle the process for free. Just put in a support ticket after purchasing one of the plans. 

Global Servers

Data centers are located throughout North and Europe, as well as Singapore and Australia. Clans with a multi-national membership base will all experience top performance with your Ark survival evolved dedicated server. 

Pricing

All plans come with unlimited SSD storage of the high-performance NVMe variety. This ensures low-latency gaming.

North American and European server locations are free, while Singapore and Australian locations require an additional $5 per month. Overall, pricing is very competitive.

• Raptor - $14.99/mo

30 player slots

• Sabertooth - $29.99/mo

70 player slots

• Rex - $49.99/mo

125 player slots

The site does not list the amount of RAM with their Ark plans, but since it supports Genesis Part 2, we can assume there’s enough to run smoothly. Its Trustpilot score is 4.4/5, and there are no user reports of memory shortages.

Customers get a 72-hour cooling-off period, in which they can request a refund.

Support

Basic queries can be answered with a bit of reading in the knowledge base. If you require a personal response, there’s a ticketing system and a live web chat. Staff is on hand 24/7, but they could be faster in their response.

Verdict

In terms of price, Shockbyte is hard to beat and its performance is not far behind. It could do with more clarity about hardware specs, and Asia-Pacific users are let down with a $5 extra fee. Nonetheless, with instant Ark server setup, an intuitive control panel, and numerous automations, it’s a hassle-free experience.

ServerBlend embraces the community side of Ark Survival Evolved server hosting. Rather than just one payee, it can be arranged for multiple members of your group to chip in. 

Performance-wise, it’s up there with the best. You get a brilliant dashboard and mod manager, with automatic updates supported. 

Features

Ark dedicated server settings and features can be confusing, so let’s see if ServerBlend makes it easy:

Access

Get full FTP access and the powerful TCAdmin panel to configure the game server. Procedural map generation is supported for free, but clustering requires an additional $14.60 fee.

All Mods

Every single map, DLC, and event is supported and can be installed with one click. The mod manager user interface is one of the best we’ve seen. It easily lets you automatically update when new releases are made.

Server Locations

You never have to worry about poor connections or in-game lag related to location because ServerBlend has Ark private servers across the world. In the US this includes New York, Texas, Virginia, Florida, and California. You can also choose servers in:

• Canada
• The Netherlands
• France
• England
• Germany
• Poland

Sydney, Australia is also an option, though this is only applicable to the premium plans.

If your plan supports the location, you can switch between places. 

Offsite Backups

In the off chance that there’s a hardware failure or any of your game files become corrupted, everything is promptly restored thanks to daily offsite backups. Customers don’t need to do anything.

Game Switching

If you’d like to try a different game like Rust or Conan Exiles, most plans have adequate hardware to easily switch over. To do this, send support a message and they will set things up for free in just a few minutes. 

Pricing

ServerBlend splits Ark server rental pricing between a Standard and Premium plan. Pricing differs for both depending on the number of player slots required.

What sets the premium plan apart is higher quality hardware and more server locations (inc Australia).

All pricing is based on monthly billing:

Standard

• 30 slots - £12.98 (Approx $18) to 100 slots - £38.22 (Approx $52.80)

Under Standard, you only get 5GB of RAM. So, to run Genesis 2 an upgrade to 16GB at £5.04 (Approx $7) is required. 

Premium

• 30 slots - £21.63 (Approx $29.90) to 100 slots - £46.87 (Approx $64.70)

Similarly, premium also requires a Genesis 2 RAM upgrade of 16GB for £5.04 (Approx $7) is required. 

ServerBlend offers a great 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the server before committing.

Support

ServerBlend’s support options include 24/7 live web chat and a ticketing system. You can also email staff directly. When we sent a test ticket, we were pleased to receive an initial response within 15 minutes.

The site’s support page has several useful tutorials, such as setting up, Ark-specific options, and billing. The FAQ section also answers more general questions.

Overall, this is one of the better support systems for Ark hosting.

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about ServerBlend’s top Ark servers. It’s easy to use, has lots of automation, and great support. Similarly, server coverage is also excellent, even if Australians are forced to go premium. Having just 5GB of RAM as standard is a bit of a let-down because Ark requires more, which means you’ll need to pay more. Group payment is a nice touch, however, since a lot of clans divide the costs anyway. 

Survival Servers makes Ark server rental easy. It has experience hosting over 30 different games. Not only does it support Ark PC, but it also lets you host a PS4 server. Moreover, survival provides a custom management panel just for Ark, and full FTP access.

Features

Server settings Ark users can configure include:

Location Switcher

Using cloud hosting, getting an Ark server to rent that lets you switch locations is simple. You will rarely experience in-game latency and connection problems, thanks to this feature.

Genesis One Click

You can install maps, mods, and DLC with just one click and then proceed with automatic updates. This includes the latest Genesis Part 2. Ark official mods and Steam Workshop are supported.

At the moment all of these are reserved for the Steam PC version. Epic Games and PS4 servers do not yet have compatible mods.

There is also a procedural map generator for easily creating random maps.

Cluster Support

Move between worlds with a few clicks by adding a cluster game server. A CrossARK setup uses one map per server.

Custom Ark Game Panel

The custom admin panel makes Ark server configuration easy. The interface has beginners in mind, offering straightforward links down the left side. On the other hand, experts can use 100 different settings.

You can use third-party tools, set your own launch parameters, and get clear Ark server status updates and statistics. 

Security

Use 2FA for extra security when logging into the admin area and benefit from automated DDoS protection.

Pricing

By default, your Ark Survival Evolved server hosting has enough RAM for the Genesis 2 map. Super-fast NVMe SSD Drives ensure optimum game performance.

Monthly player slots start at $24 for 10 and reach $95.41 for 255.

You can run clusters over 15 servers, for a total price of $739.50.

Committing to three months upfront gives a 10% saving, six months - 15%, and 12 months 25%.

There is currently no money-back guarantee. 

Support

Customer support staff are available seven days a week, but response time will vary based on ‘ticket severity’. You cannot email directly and there is no live web chat. 

Setup, however, is instant and core settings are configured for you.

Verdict

If you want to run a PS4 server, Survival Servers is a top choice. Just keep in mind that Ark cross-platform between consoles and PC is not available. That’s not Survival’s fault though, it’s just not possible.

We particularly liked the custom control panel. The server hardware is powerful and modern.

The lack of a money-back guarantee is a bit of a concern, though.

GTXGaming is one of the oldest and best Ark server hosting services. It supports all maps and DLC and has great coverage worldwide. The new Crystal Isles expansion is good to go.

Features

GTXGaming’s Ark unofficial servers are brimming with features to create an easy Ark dedicated server manager experience. 

Instant Setup

You get a tailor-made Ark Survival Evolved hosting server. So, you don’t have to do anything to set it up. As soon as you pay, you get an email. Mods are updated automatically.

Good Ark Servers

GTXGaming’s Ark private server data centers span the globe and include:

• East and West Coast US states
• England
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Russia

And more.

So, no matter where your players are located, they’ll get a strong connection.

Ark Cluster Server Hosting

With cluster support, combining different servers for resources and map jumping is easy. Simply make an order for each server and inform the customer service team that you want them clustered. 

Crossplay

Is Ark cross-platform on PC? Yes, but only between Steam and Epic Games. You cannot Ark cross-platform with PS4, PS5, or Xbox.

DDoS Protection

Data center wide DDoS protection guarantees server uptime. So, nobody can take your server offline by flooding it with requests. 

All Maps and Mods

All Ark maps and mods are ready from the start. The automatic updater sends out alerts and installs new releases automatically. This includes Steam workshop items, though you must select them manually.

Procedural maps let you generate random maps with a few clicks.

Offsite Backups

You never have to worry about your Ark data being lost or corrupted with secure offsite backups. These are made automatically whenever the server is restarted.

Game Control Panel and FTP Access

Although most settings are ready by default, tech-savvy users can use an excellent control panel to manage their Ark game and full FTP access to add files and scripts manually.

Game Switcher

Bored with Ark? Support easily lets you jump over to hosting any of their other supported games. And you can come back at any time.

Pricing

GTXGaming’s dedicated server Ark hosting is tailored to your specific needs. This can be overwhelming for some, but the site is good at explaining how many resources you need. E.g. The newer Genesis 2 map requires 14GB-16GB of RAM and you’ll be prompted to purchase this amount.

Base pricing depends on the number of simultaneous player slots you need open on the server. All pricing is monthly. You can, however, get 5% discounts for three months upfront. You get 10% off for six, and 15% when paying for the year.

But if you’re not happy with the purchase, you can make use of the 24-hour refund policy.

Player Slots

You can have from 10 to 250 players. Prices go from £9.99 (approx. $14.80) to £63.99 (approx. $88.40).

All these Ark dedicated server plans include 5GB of RAM, an SSD drive, choice of server location (though some are charged an additional fee), and a 3.8GHz CPU.

Additional Memory

You can get from 8GB to 32GB additional memory and prices vary between £2.99 (approx. $4) and £23.99 (approx. $33.10). Genesis 2 requires 14GB (£8.99/approx. $12.40), but it’s at its best at 16GB (£10.99/approx. $15.20).

Drive Upgrade

• NVMe M2 Enterprise - £4.99 (Approx $7)

Support

Customer support is available 24/7 by email support ticket. You can jump ahead of the line by paying an extra £1.99 (Approx $2.75) a month.

Verdict

If you’re looking for Ark survival Evolved dedicated servers that you can configure to your precise liking, GTXGaming is one of the best. But it would be nice if there was enough memory for all content by default.

Nitrous Networks offers a straightforward Ark Survival Evolved private server solution. It supports up to 70 players and data centers across the US and Europe. So, operating a fun and accessible game couldn’t be easier. The downside is that it’s not yet compatible with the RAM-heavy Genesis 2 update.

Features

Ark host server settings are easily configured at Nitrous Networks. Let’s take a closer look at all its standout features:

Instant Activation

Setup and the appropriate Ark server settings are configured for you within minutes of payment. Of course, you can also do it yourself via the admin panel. You also get full FTP access, which is good for making backups.

Mods

All maps, mods, and Steam Workshop items are supported and easily installed via the TCAdmin control panel. This is a one-click install but you don’t get automatic updates, so you’ll have to check in to see what’s new.

Cluster support is free, as is procedural map generation. 

Ark Server Manager: Multiple Servers

Cluster mode allows you to purchase multiple server plans and link them all together for increased resources and open slots. Just inform support of your intention after making your order.

Security

All the typical server-side security measures are pre-installed and anti-DDoS is free. So, nobody will be able to interrupt your game with 99.9% uptime. 

Free Website

A nice touch is an option for a 45-day free Enjin Premium website. These are designed for server communities, so make a great destination for your clan and player friends to hang out between sessions.

Free Mumble Voice

Similarly, an excellent free add-on is Mumble Voice, a voice chat server for players to converse. You get enough capacity for player slots, so up to 70 people can hang out.

Pricing

You can purchase Ark Survival servers, hosting between 20 and 70 players. The location of your server does not affect the price - it’s between £16 (approx. $22) /mo and  £56 (approx. $77.30) /mo.

All plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee in case you are not happy with the service. 

Support

Nitrous Networks lack any significant help pages but customer support is available 24/7. You can reach them via a ticketing system rather than live webchat or direct email. 

We received a response in about 30 minutes.

Verdict

Nitrous Networks is a competent choice and stands out with extra features like Mumble Voice and Enjin. We’re knocking off a star, however, because 8GB of RAM is not sufficient for the Genesis Part 2 expansion pack.

Low MS has tonnes of options so you can get the best Ark server hosting for you. All plans start with a 1Gbps dedicated connection, and you can choose from data centers across the US and Europe. From just $11.60 per month, it’s also great value for money.

Features

When considering server configuration, Ark players need lots of features that are easy to implement. Low MS has got it right:

Server Control

Manage your server with full FTP access and a user-friendly web control panel. Stop, start and restart at the click of a mouse, and schedule updates and restarts for when your players are offline.

Easy Installers

Install Ark mods and plugins with one click, including Steam Workshop integration. We had no trouble loading any of the popular maps and mods.

Server Locations

Choose the ideal location for your Ark Survival Evolved server hosting. This can be changed at any time to improve performance. Choices include:

• Six US states on the East and West
• Finland
• Poland
• Germany
• England
• Australia
• Singapore

Low MS promotes 24/7 uptime and advanced DDoS protection. This can withstand prolonged attacks as strong as 10 Gbps.

Game Switching

Low MS is capable of hosting all kinds of games and a quick support ticket can move you off Ark Survival Evolved and back again at any time. 

Pricing

The base plan is a non-dedicated server; Ark must use a shared CPU. Poor performance is negated somewhat as most servers use powerful 5GHz Intel I9 9900k processors, which can easily run multiple games at once.

10GB of DDR4 RAM is allocated, and game files are stored on a regular SSD drive. At this level the monthly costs are:

• 10 Slots - $12.50
• 28 Slots - $35
• 45 Slots - $56.25
• 63 Slots - $78.75
• 80 Slots - $78.75

Upgrading to a dedicated CPU is an additional $13.87, while two is $27.74.

You’ll want 15GB of RAM for the Genesis 2 expansion, which costs $8.32.

• 20GB = $16.64
• 30GB = $31.90

You can upgrade to a NVME SSD drive (roughly 6x faster) for $6.93.

Support

The support team is available between 10am and 10pm GMT, which works out 6am and 6pm on the US East Coast.

The online ticketing system responds to queries within an hour. Alternatively, you can use Discord as a live chat method.

Verdict

Low MS has great coverage and enough server options to satisfy both small and large groups. While the best hardware can get pricey, the only necessary upgrade is RAM. The control panel is well designed with the straightforward installation of maps, mods, and DLC.

One of the more well-known names in game hosting, GameServers has a robust network of data centers that cater to most regions of the world. This makes it our top pick for hosting a Ark server with disparate groups of players. Of course, it provides so much more than just good locations. 

Features

After instant setup, your first port of call is the modes of access:

Custom Ark Control Panel

The custom game control panel was built from the ground up with the game in mind, and it’s all the better for it. All Ark dedicated server settings are organized by intuitive links and most of the core features are already configured.

FTP access allows you to install content manually, though that’s not necessary thanks to the powerful mod interface and one-click installation. Mods will update automatically when checking this feature.

Because there are no automatic backups, FTP access is the best way to dump all the data on a regular basis.

Server Clusters

Cluster support is free and allows you to seamlessly move between Ark worlds hosted on different servers.

Procedural Maps

Procedural maps (PGARK) are also free. With this on, the game generates random maps automatically based on a few settings defined by the admin. It’s one way to keep the game players on their toes.

Server Locations

No matter where you are in the world, you’d expect smooth coverage. Server locations include:

• Nine major US cities in strategic locations
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan

And more.

What’s more, location switching is fast and free. Just send a message to support and they’ll handle the rest.

Pricing

All Ark survival evolved dedicated servers come with at least 16GB of RAM. This is sufficient for all current content. Memory is accompanied by a 4 core 3.0Ghz CPU, 10TB of bandwidth (unlikely to exceed), and robust DDoS mitigation of 10Gbps.

Plans are based on player slots:

• 10 Slots - $29.95

Each slot thereafter costs an additional $0.99

• 70 Slots - $69.95

For an additional monthly fee, you can purchase a voice server from TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, or Mumble. These too are based on slots and can reach up to $50 for 400 Ventrilo slots.

GameServers give you five days to request a full refund. It must be because of a technical fault, however, not just because you’ve changed your mind.

Share Payments

ClanPay support allows players to split the cost of payment between them via a donation system. They can view how much is in the pot and voluntarily chip in to cover server costs.

Support

Customer support is available 24/7 via online ticket or direct email at [email protected].

There is not much in the way of help pages or FAQs, but the support staff is fast and helpful, so you shouldn’t worry.

Verdict

GameServers stands out with great hardware as default and unrivaled server coverage. It also ticks all the boxes when it comes to ease of use. If we’re to be picky, it could up the maximum number of supported players and provide a better refund policy. Performance cannot be faulted with a dedicated Ark server.

With a no credit card required 24-hour trial, Nodecraft can be fully tested before committing to a plan. There’s also a good seven-day money back guarantee, making it the best Ark server hosting when it comes to fair financial dealings. It also has some excellent features, though it’s far from perfect.

Features

Nodecraft tailors all the features you need to operate Ark, including support for all maps, mods, and Steam content. 

One-Click Installer

The one-click installer makes everything easier. That’s after Nodecraft setup the core game for you and configures the most common settings.

Cross-platform

Ark Survival Evolved cross-platform works between the two PC versions – Steam and Epic Games. Nodecraft seamlessly lets players log in regardless of which version they are using. Unfortunately, this does not apply to consoles but that’s the same with all hosts.

Automatic Backups

Each plan comes with an increasing amount of backup space. These can be done manually or on schedule. Once the space is filled it will be automatically overwritten, so your latest backups will always be on hand.

Custom Control Panel

Nodecraft utilizes its own custom-designed control panel to make managing Ark servers as easy as possible. Even beginners can get the hang of it, though there are enough settings for experts to make the most of it as well.

Ark Survival Evolved Mobile Control

The host deserves praise for developing a couple of excellent mobile apps for iOS and Android. These offer most of the same features you’ll find on the custom web dashboard, allowing you to control your server while on the go.

Game Switcher

Not everyone wants to play Ark 24/7 and Nodecraft’s hardware accommodates several popular titles including Minecraft and the Left 4 Dead series. So, you can switch between games with ease and return to Ark at a later date with your data still intact.

Pricing

You get four main plans to choose from, all of which support unlimited players, game switching, and DDoS protection.

• Nano - $9.98/mo

2GB RAM, 10GB Storage, 20GB of Backups

• Keelo – 19.98/mo

4GB RAM, 20GB Storage, 40GB of Backups

• Megs - $27.99/mo

6GB RAM, 30GB Storage, 60GB of Backups

• Omega - $39.98/mo

8GB RAM, 40GB Storage, 80GB of Backups

Support

Nodecraft support can be contacted by web email form or live web chat if your query is urgent. All correspondence is saved under the ‘Conversations’ tab, so you can work through any step-by-step guidance without losing it. 

If you prefer to talk to a human, there’s also a toll-free US phone number: 1888-907-3220.

The knowledge base is limited, but there are helpful guides for billing, migration from other hosts, and how to use the control panel.

Verdict

Nodecraft has several unique features that help it stand out, but it also fails in other important areas. For example, all four initial Ark Survival Evolved server hosting plans have insufficient RAM to accommodate expansions. You can also run out of storage space on their SSD drives quite quickly, with only a couple of days warning before account termination. 

Still, the genuine free trial lets you test these limitations and no other host supports unlimited player slots.

Hosting your Ark server at PingPerfect comes with several unique benefits. You get additional web space to develop your clan website at no extra cost. Plus, you can share admin controls among trusted players. It excels with a mobile app that lets you manage your server when away from the desktop.

Features

These top Ark servers come with all the features you’d expect and then some:

All DLC and Mods

Get the full gaming experience with support for all DLC and mods, including Steam Workshop. The server supports crossplay between the Steam and Epic Games versions of Ark.

Everything is just a one-click install, so beginners will have no trouble configuring their favorite world.

Game Panel and FTP

A custom game panel lets you change the most common settings with a few clicks. There’s also full FTP and file management access for uploading game data, scripts, and other files manually.

Mobile and Share Controls

PingPerfect’s standout feature - it can manage Ark server settings on the go with iOS and Android apps. The intuitive design allows for easy access to all the same settings you get on the web browsers. What’s more, you can easily share permissions with other users, if you have trusted friends you want to delegate to.

Community Website

All plans include 1GB of standard web hosting so you can build a clan/community website. This might be a place to hang out, share stats, and advertise to new players. You’ll need some experience, though, as it doesn’t come on a pre-built platform like Enjin or with voice chats like Mumble. You have to install them.

Server Locations

PingPerfect has excellent server locations, even if many require additional fees to use. These include:

• UK
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• France
• Poland
• 10 US states
• Russia
• Singapore

And more.

Game Switching

If you send support a ticket, you can easily switch to another game they support for free. It’s just as easy to go back to your Ark server configuration.

DDoS Protection

Ping’s blanket DDoS protection ensures all customers are protected from attackers that want to take servers offline.

Backups

PingPerfect performs regular automatic backups, so you never have to worry about losing data. You can also make your own via FTP access.

Pricing

All Ping plans come with a 48-hour money-back guarantee. At the base level, users receive a standard SSD drive, 10GB of RAM, and regular support. Pricing boils down to the number of open player slots:

• 10 Slots - $13.87
• 20 Slots - $18.03
• 50 Slots - $27.74
• 75 Slots - $40.22
• 85 Slots - $55.48
• 100 Slots - $66.57

To install Genesis Part 2, it’s an extra $19.42 in RAM. There are two more RAM upgrades that will dramatically increase the monthly cost of the Ark dedicated server.

A faster NVMe drive is more reasonably priced at $1.39/mo. 

Support

Customers can reach support staff 24/7 by email at [email protected] or by phone at: +44 843-462-0003. 

It has no live web chat, but we like that you can speak to a real person right away.

There’s also a basic knowledge base to help you get started and to learn the control panel.

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about PingPerfect. Its pricing is competitive, and the mobile control panel lets you solve issues when you’re on the go. All the features you could want are there. Our main qualm, which is common with Ark hosts, is you’ll need to pay extra for RAM upgrades to accommodate the latest expansions. 

A lot of locations also cost extra and there’s a confusing difference between, for example, a regular London location which has no extra cost and an ‘Extreme Performance’ London location. This costs $20.80 more. We’re also not a fan of having to pay for priority support.

One of the few on our list to provide Ark hosting servers from your PC to console, you can get full management over a PS4 server. That doesn’t mean there’s cross-platform between the PC and PS4, but it does mean you can have fun with your private clan on the PlayStation while managing everything on desktop. 

Features

You can set up servers within minutes with your GPortal web interface and FTP credentials emailed. Here’s what you get:

Easy Web Interface

The simple GPortal control panel displays CPU and RAM usage in real-time. Links at the top turn the server on and off or restart it. Then down the side are all the basic settings, mod installer, backups, and user permissions. The latter allows you to assign other admins to help manage the server.

PS4 Servers

These good Ark servers for PS4 support up to 100 simultaneous players and all the PS4 compatible expansions, including Genesis Part 1. Other than having to sign in on the console, you get the same GPortal management panel, with a few console-specific settings.

Backup Space

All plans come with 50GB of backup storage for your saved games and configurations. These are not automatic, so you must set them from the control panel or copy them within the FTP. 

All Mods

Whether your server is for PC or PS4 all the latest mods and expansions are available. For PC, that means Genesis Part 2, Extinction, and Crystal Isle. It is also integrated with Steam Workshop files. Just click what you want to install in the panel, and it’ll be available in seconds.

GameCloud Switching

GPortal uses GameCloud for easy switching between games. This means you can jump over to another supported game without buying a whole new hosting plan. Switching back to your Ark server setup is just as simple.

DDoS Protection

GPortal utilizes Corero for robust protection against outside DDoS threats.

Locations

Lots of great locations provide coverage for servers, including, but not limited to:

• Washington, LA, and Dallas
• Montreal, Canada
• Sydney, Australia
• China
• Brazil
• Japan
• England
• Russia

Pricing

Overall, pricing is good but it’s also confusing because almost every server location differs in price. 

If you pay for 90 days upfront you get a 10% discount, 180 days is 15%, and a year is 20%.

You can choose between 10 and an incredible 1,000 player slots on PC. 

PS4 is limited to 100 slots.

To make things easier you can visit the site and use the slider to see the exact Ark server list price for different slots for your chosen location.

• USA

10 Slots - $14

1,000 Slots - $550

• Canada

10 Slots - $14

1,000 Slots - $550

• Australia

10 Slots - $13.05

1,000 Slots - $721

• China

10 Slots - $11.70

1,000 Slots - $646.40

• Brazil

10 Slots - $35.91

1,000 Slots - $1,940.58

• Japan

10 Slots - $19.20

1,000 Slots - $1,050.53

The rest are available on the website.

Support

GPortal loses a star for poor customer support, which is an issue across review aggregators. You can reach them by email ([email protected]). The phone number is +49-69-380-766670 (Mon - Fri 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CET). This is from 8 AM to 1 PM on the US East Coast.

Users report unhelpful responses and delays to refund. Without a clear money-back guarantee, we advise customers to purchase with a credit card should they run into billing problems. 

Nonetheless, they have a helpful Wiki page that walks you through the basics.

Verdict

GPortal deserves praise for its PS4 dedicated ark server plans. As well as the ability for PC customers to have up to 1,000 players. Past support issues and pricing disparities, however, will rightly turn some people off.

We’d crown Citadel Servers for best all-rounder. It doesn’t necessarily excel in one area, but it does everything you need well. From a good control panel to full mod support and global Ark dedicated servers, it seems to have it all.

Features

Setup is instant and you’re immediately met with some great game server features.

GUI Control Panel

The TCAdmin panel was built for ease of use, providing easy sliders and buttons to configure the server to your liking. Stop, start, and restart with the click of a mouse, and set your own launch parameters.

FTP and File Manager

Use the CPanel-based web panel for file management and other server settings, or upload/backup files fast and securely with full FTP access.

One-Click Installations 

Everything comes with a one-click installation, with over 1,000 mods supported. This features all official DLC and expansions, popular third-party content and mod packs, and Steam Workshop files.

API Support

Citadel is one of the few hosts to have full API implementation, so you can run Ark server scripts without extensive technical know-how.

Automatic Backups and Updates

You can set game updates and backups to install automatically. The system will even recognize when the server is in use and wait for players to finish before updating, so as not to disrupt gameplay.

Multi-Server Clustering

You can connect two or more Ark private servers in a cluster at no extra cost. This lets you create multiple worlds on their own server and travel between them instantly in-game.

Locations

Your server can be located in regions across the world, including, but not limited to:

• 11 US states
• Canada
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Singapore 

Crossplay

DDoS Protection

Pricing

Customers can fully test their server with a three-day money-back guarantee. When committing to a plan there is different pricing based on location, the highest being $4.99 for Singapore. Their home base of Vermont VT, USA, is free.

To have a dedicated server core. I.e. your own physical machine at the data center, rather than a walled-off set of resources from several servers, it’s an extra $22.84 a month. 

By default, there is enough RAM to run Genesis 2.

Regardless of location, every slot is $0.85, with a minimum of 15 slots ($12.75) and maximum of 255 ($216.75).

Support

Citadel Servers has a fast and knowledgeable customer support team on hand 24/7. They can be reached by account ticketing or direct email at [email protected]. You can also find an email form on the support page.  

There’s little in the way of help pages, but with instant setup and user-friendly web panels, most people will pick things up right away. 

Verdict

If you want a well-priced dedicated or non-dedicated server Ark can run on, Citadel ticks all the right boxes. It has many open player slots, plenty of RAM, and multiple methods for easily managing your server.