Conquering Ark: A Guide To Multiplayer Modded Adventures

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Hey there, fellow Ark survivors! Ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, dino-filled world of Ark: Survival Evolved with your buddies? Want to spice things up even further with some awesome mods? Then you've come to the right place! This guide is your ultimate companion to navigating the thrilling realm of multiplayer modded Ark, ensuring you and your tribe have the best possible experience. We'll cover everything from the initial setup to troubleshooting those inevitable hiccups, so grab your grappling hooks and let's get started!

Setting the Stage: Choosing Your Path and Prep Work

Alright, before you even think about taming your first Dodo, you need to decide how you want to play multiplayer modded Ark. There are a couple of main routes, each with its own pros and cons:

  • Joining a Public Server: This is the easiest option for a quick entry, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. Public servers are pre-configured by other players or server hosts and usually have a pre-selected mod list. You'll need to find a server that's running the mods you're interested in, has a friendly community, and a decent ping. Finding a good server can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but it's a great way to jump right into the action without the hassle of setting everything up yourself.
  • Playing on a Private Server: This is where you call the shots. You can either rent a server from a hosting provider (like G-Portal, Nitrado, or others) or host one yourself. With a private server, you have complete control over the mods, settings, and player list. This is ideal if you want a custom experience tailored to you and your friends. However, it requires a bit more technical know-how, especially if you're hosting yourself.
  • Playing Locally with Friends (Non-Dedicated): This is the easiest way to play with a few friends. One person hosts the game, and others can join. The host must be in the game for others to play. There are limitations, such as a tether that keeps players from straying too far from the host. This setup is convenient for small groups, but it's not ideal for a large server.

Once you've chosen your path, it's time to do some prep work. First, make sure everyone in your tribe has Ark: Survival Evolved installed, as well as any DLCs you intend to use. Double-check that all players have the game updated to the same version. Version mismatches are a common cause of connectivity issues. Next, it's time to think about the mods! The fun begins here, as mods are the lifeblood of a truly customized Ark experience. The mod selection process is a crucial step in preparing for multiplayer modded Ark. Carefully consider the type of gameplay you and your friends want. Are you into boosted rates, quality-of-life improvements, new dinos, or a total overhaul of the Ark experience? Websites like the Steam Workshop are treasure troves of mods. Browse through the available options, read the descriptions, and watch videos to get a feel for what each mod does. A well-chosen mod list can transform your Ark experience.

Choosing Your Mods: A World of Possibilities

The Steam Workshop is your go-to destination for finding mods. When selecting mods for your multiplayer modded Ark adventure, think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to make the game easier, harder, or more immersive? Do you want to add new creatures, structures, or gameplay mechanics? Here's a breakdown of some popular mod categories:

  • Quality of Life (QoL) Mods: These mods focus on making the game more convenient and enjoyable. Examples include mods that increase the stack size of items, automate resource gathering, or add crafting stations. Some well-regarded QoL mods include Structures Plus (S+) for building improvements and Super Spyglass for long-distance scouting.
  • Creature Mods: Unleash a whole new ecosystem of creatures to tame and battle! These mods introduce new dinosaurs, mythical beasts, and other fantastic creatures. Popular examples are Ark additions, which adds numerous creatures, and Primal Fear, known for its challenging boss fights and a diverse array of creatures.
  • Building Mods: Expand your architectural horizons with new building pieces, decorations, and tools. S+ (mentioned above) is a building mod, providing a wide array of snap points, structure types, and improved building mechanics. Other notable building mods include Castles, Keeps, and Forts and Eco's mods.
  • Gameplay Overhaul Mods: These mods significantly alter the way the game is played, introducing new mechanics, resources, and progression systems. The best example is Primitive Plus, a mod focused on a more primitive-based experience.
  • Map Mods: Explore entirely new worlds with custom maps, each offering unique environments, challenges, and resources. There are many maps available, such as the Crystal Isles and Fjordur.

Mod Compatibility and Order: This is a crucial area to understand. Not all mods play nicely together. Read the mod descriptions carefully and check for any compatibility warnings. When in doubt, start with a small selection of mods and add more gradually. The order in which mods are loaded is critical. Generally, utility mods (like S+) go near the top of the load order, followed by content mods (creatures, structures, etc.), and finally, any mods that modify the core gameplay mechanics.

Setting Up Your Server and Installing Mods

If you're opting for a private server, the setup process can vary slightly depending on whether you're renting a server or hosting one yourself. Let's break down both scenarios:

Renting a Server

  • Choosing a Host: Research different server hosting providers and compare their prices, server locations, and player slots. Make sure the provider offers a control panel that supports Ark: Survival Evolved and allows you to easily install and manage mods. Some popular server hosts include G-Portal, Nitrado, and Survival Servers.
  • Configuring the Server: Once you've chosen a host, create an account and configure your server settings. This typically involves selecting the map, setting the player limit, and customizing the game settings (rates, difficulty, etc.).
  • Installing Mods: This is usually done through the server's control panel. The process varies, but you'll generally be able to search for mods on the Steam Workshop, select the ones you want, and add them to your server's mod list. The control panel will then handle downloading and installing the mods for you. Remember to arrange the mods in the correct load order!
  • Starting the Server: After installing the mods and configuring the settings, start your server. Give it some time to load, and then share the server's IP address and password with your friends.

Hosting Your Own Server

Hosting your own server gives you the most control but requires a bit more technical knowledge.

  • Hardware Requirements: You'll need a reasonably powerful computer with a good processor, enough RAM (at least 16GB is recommended), and a fast internet connection. Ark can be resource-intensive, so a dedicated server is ideal. Running the server and playing the game on the same computer can lead to performance issues.
  • Downloading the Server Files: You'll need to download the Ark Server Manager (ASM) or the Ark Server Dedicated Server tool from Steam. ASM is a user-friendly tool that simplifies the server setup process.
  • Configuring the Server: In ASM or the server tool, configure your server settings, including the map, player limit, game settings, and server name. You'll also need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow players to connect to your server. This involves opening specific ports (typically 7777 and 27015) in your router's settings and directing them to your server's IP address. This step can be tricky, so consult online guides or your router's manual if you're unsure.
  • Installing Mods: You can install mods through ASM or by manually adding their IDs to the server's configuration files. In ASM, you'll typically find an option to download mods directly from the Steam Workshop. Just enter the mod ID, and the tool will download and manage the mods for you. Again, pay close attention to the load order.
  • Starting the Server: Once you've installed the mods and configured the settings, start the server. Give it some time to load, and then share the server's IP address and password with your friends.

Connecting and Troubleshooting in Multiplayer Modded Ark

Connecting to the Server

  • Finding the Server: If you're joining a public server, you'll usually find it in the in-game server browser. Search for the server name or filter by the mods you want. For private servers, your friends will need the server's IP address and password. Open the server browser in Ark, click