Set up an ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated server on Linux

Install HaruHost

On Ubuntu (x86-64), run:

curl -fsSL https://haruhost.com/install.sh | sudo bash

HaruHost installs as a service. Sign in with the QR code it shows in your SSH session, then open the web panel from any browser.

What HaruHost does for you

• Wine and Proton: nothing to install or configure. HaruHost runs the Windows server on Linux for you.
• Docker: on Ubuntu, HaruHost installs and sets up Docker with one click when you create your first server.
• SteamCMD: not needed. HaruHost downloads the server and everything it needs to run.
• systemd and screen: not needed. HaruHost runs as a service and keeps the server running without an open SSH session.
• Settings: the Auto Config page has the same setting cards as on Windows, such as Dino Settings, Breeding, Harvest Settings, Custom Levels and Player Role Settings, plus GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini cards for any other setting.
• Getting friends in: the Tunnel works on Linux too, or every server gets its port from your port range.

Step by step

1. Run the install command and sign in.
2. In the web panel, choose Add → New game server, pick your Linux server, then ARK: Survival Ascended.
3. Choose Create New Server, set the server name, the map and the passwords.
4. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel, or Ports to use the server's own address.
5. Create the server. If Docker isn't installed yet, HaruHost asks first; press Install, then Create Server.
6. Start the server. The first start creates the world.

Open the port

With the Tunnel, nothing needs to be opened. With Ports, open your port range for UDP in your VPS provider's firewall; HaruHost shows it under Devices → Manage device → Network Settings.

What runs on Windows only

Transfers between maps of a cluster and the ARK Server API need a Windows server. Chat between maps through Discord Chat, mods, players, bans, backups and automations work on Linux too.

Questions