Set up an ARK: Survival Evolved 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

• 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, on the branch you picked, Latest or Preaquatica.
• 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 cards as on Windows, such as Base Config, Dino Settings, Breeding, Harvest Settings, Custom Levels, Player Role Settings and Cluster, plus GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini cards for any other setting.
• Workshop mods: the mods on the Mods card and a custom map's mod are downloaded for you, as on Windows.
• Getting friends in: with the Tunnel, the server shows in ARK's server list at a public address, even from a home connection behind CGNAT, and players move between the maps of a cluster.

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 Evolved.
3. Pick Latest or Preaquatica.
4. At Config Import, bring the launch script, Game.ini or GameUserSettings.ini of a server you ran before, or start fresh.
5. Set the Server Name, the map and the passwords on the Auto Config cards.
6. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel and a region, or Ports to use the server's own address.
7. Create the server. If Docker isn't installed yet, HaruHost asks first; press Install, then Create Server.
8. Start the server. The first start creates the world.

On a VPS with Ports

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

Servers made before Auto Config on Linux

Older Linux servers that use Manual Config keep their settings, and Manual Config's editor changes GameUserSettings.ini, Game.ini and the start file directly. They can be switched to Auto Config to get the cards.

Questions