10 Best ARK Server Hosting in 2025 (As Per Gamers)

• Best ARK Server Hosting
• Renting an ARK Server vs Hosting your Own
• ARK Mobile Server Hosting
• ARK Server Hosting Free
• How to Choose ARK Hosting Providers?
• ARK Server Manager
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Review Summary

Here’s the deal:

You DON’T want laggy gameplay, complicated setup, and regular downtime that drives your friends and players away.

You need to host an ARK server that grows with your community without breaking the bank. You obviously also need quick help when things go south, top-notch security, and a backup plan that’s rock solid.

Most of all, you dream of a thriving ARK world that’s all yours.

Right?

Here’re the best server hosting for ARK that ticks these boxes:

1. Best Overall: ScalaCube
2. Best for Xbox, PS4 & Consoles: Nitrado
3. Best Mods: Survival Servers
4. Popular Choice: GTX Gaming
5. Cheap Hosting: Citadel Servers

Best ARK Server Hosting

I’ve been playing ARK: Survival Evolved for more than half a decade.

The game takes a lot of resource gathering and upgrading to progress which can get boring for some players (my friends included!).

That’s when we (7 friends) chipped in to host our own dedicated server. Since then we’ve had hundred-player weeks quite often.

Unfortunately, we’d go the trial-and-error route to find the best fit. But you don’t. Here are my handpicked game server options for you:

The table should help you shortlist a few options quickly. But before renting an ARK server, make sure to read the detailed reviews below:

1. ScalaCube: Best Overall

With access to a diverse array of plugins and mods followed by an excellent uptime, this is one of the more popular ARK server hosts around.

ScalaCube servers are stacked with fast SSDs, which ensure a 99.9% uptime. The game-playing latency is minimal.

And if you want to stream the game on different devices, say mobile platforms and PCs, ScalaCube’s cross-platform hosting functionality steals the show.

When installing and managing an ARK server, this one packs an intuitive control panel followed by the one-click “Mod” installation feature.

This server host is one of the more customizable options, courtesy of extensive mod support. I tried out “The Center” and “Structures Plus,” which took my gaming experience to a new level. Then, the multifaceted ARK API plugin compatibility allows for broader customizations.

Also, if you rent an ARK server from ScalaCube’s house, security isn’t a cause for concern. You get advanced DDoS protection to keep unscrupulous parties out and to maintain server stability.

I tried connecting with customer support and was surprised to see the availability of a detailed knowledge base for beginners. Raising concerns is easy via the prompt ticketing system.

Regarding the price plans, you can opt for the $15/month pack for ten slots or go as high as $30 for 30 and $70 for 100 slots.

ScalaCube’s instant server setup and compatibility with Epic and Steam games make it a force to reckon with, making it easily the best server hosting for ARK.

And while I listed a few mods, you should try out Scorched Earth and primitive plus for a top-of-the-line gaming experience.

2. Shockbyte: Best under 500 Slots

If you are planning an ARK server rental but are concerned about uptime and instant server setup, Shockbyte is the perfect option to consider.

Shockbyte is known for its round-the-clock customer support and enhanced compatibility with the Steam and even Epic games versions of ARK. There are global servers to keep game-playing latency to a minimum.

Setting up this server is shockingly easy. With access to a free subdomain and a feature-packed control panel, you hardly need to break a sweat.

If you are new to the concept of hosting ARK servers, there is one-click installation support for mods followed by auto-installation support and detailed self-serve website guides.

The ARK-modded server hosting with the previously mentioned clustering support comes in handy. Besides the standard Survival Evolved experience, you can also work with loaded mods and servers like the Ragnarok and Annunaki Genesis.

Plus, with Shockbyte, you can even transfer players within servers. There is cross-play support for enhanced accessibility across multiple devices.

When it comes to server security, Shockbyte makes room for DDoS protection, maintaining stability in the process. Furthermore, the server even automatically backs up your data for seamless recovery.

As far as the pricing tiers go, the non-discounted monthly options include $14.99 for 30 slots and 10 GB worth of memory. Other plans are set at $29.99 and $49.99 per month for 70 and 125-player slots, respectively. With longer commitments, you can push the monthly basic plan to as low as $9.99.

While all the pricing plans are competitive enough, you can get discounts of up to 25% on annual server packages. Also, at 125 slots, this is the best cheap ARK server hosting solution for the Survival Evolved fanatics.

With features like CrossARK transferring, customizable server features, and access to custom maps, DLC maps, and expansion packs, Shockbyte is one of the more competent ARK survival servers around.

3. Survival Servers: Best with Mods

Ideal for PC and PS4, this one offers robust security, effortless server management, and seamless mod integration.

Performance-wise, Survival Servers has its eyes set on high uptime, closing in on 100%. High-performance processors and ultra-fast SSDs power the ARK-optimized servers.

You also get the option to switch servers to minimize gaming latency further.

ARK Survival Servers boasts seamless server management standards, ensuring beginners do not have a hard time using the same. There is an in-house control panel for customizing settings and mods according to preferences.

You can even monitor and control the server status using the start, stop, and restart tabs.

When it comes to customization support, Survival Servers makes way for easy and quick mod installation and allows access to Steam maps and mods. You can even change the custom launch parameters via the control panel.

As far as mod tests are concerned, I would personally recommend testing the Eco’s RP decor and the Classic Flyers for the best possible experience.

Another customization-friendly element has to be the clustering support. This way, ARK players can indulge in a more expansive gameplay by linking different servers and mods.

Suppose server security is a matter of concern. In that case, the Survival Servers ARK hosting solution can be a handful courtesy of the DDoS protection and the server pass-locking function offering controlled access. For additional server stability, there are custom and automated server restarts.

It has a reliable customer support system led by a prompt ticketing system and a detailed knowledge base to help the new ARK evangelists.

As for the price plans, smaller server plans can be rented out at $20 per month. Large servers might need anything in the $30 to $40 ballpark.

With Survival Servers, you can become a lag-free ARK host. Plus, there is free access to community forums and the ability to upgrade plans at any given time.

4. DatHost: Best without Subscription

Try this one to a pay-as-you-go model host if you don’t want any strings attached.

As any reliable ARK server rental would, DatHost offers exceptional, stable performance with 99.9% uptime claims. The servers are spread across the globe, helping lower the gaming latency further.

As for the hardware, this hosting client supports top-tier processors like the AMD Ryzen 7900. Then, there is support for DDR5 RAM, enterprise-grade SSDs, and a fast uplink connection at 10 Gbps.

Setting up this ARK Server Hosting client is instantaneous. There is an in-house control panel for seamless server management.

The UI is clean, and you also get access to standard customization options in the form of one-click mod installation.

As far as extended customizations and support are concerned, DatHost is compatible with the likes of Valheim, V Rising, Palworld, CS2, and other games, in addition to ARK: SE.

DatHost is e-sport certified and boasts exceptional security standards, including DDoS protection. This, in turn, also helps maintain server stability.

The customer support setup is prompt, with a feedback section for garnering customer insights. There is also a detailed knowledge base for the ARK newbies.

Besides the pay-as-you-go model, DatHost also makes way for affordable monthly subscription plans. The plans start at €12.90 per month, but you get a 20% discount on the same with annual commitments.

Overall, DatHost is one of the more reliable ARK hosting options around, especially with Steam and Epic games compatibility and CrossPlay support for access on multiple devices.

5. ServerBlend: Best for Xbox

This hosting solution doesn’t just cater to PCs but also works equally well on consoles.

If you have been reading my reviews, you would know how compatible the Survival Servers hosting client is with Xbox. However, if you are interested in something else that is Xbox compatible and also works with a host of mods, ServerBlend is the one to get.

This is one of the most user-friendly hosting clients courtesy of features like one-click mod installation and near-instant server setup and activation.

There is workshop mod support, allowing the gamer in you to experience enhanced gameplay. There are several configuration editors present, followed by a customizable control panel.

Now that I am already discussing customizations, ServerBlend brings in several useful features.

These include auto installation of Steam-compatible workshop mods, access to maps and events, and one-click plugin support.

Besides DDoS protection for guaranteed server stability and security, ServerBlend also makes room for daily off-site backups.

The customer support system is prompt and active 24/7. It offers live chat support and a dedicated FAQ page for quelling almost every user concern.

This game host offers two packages — standard and premium, priced at $18 and $30 per month. You can start as low as 30+ slots, making it the best ARK server under 50 slots, or you can even go as high as unlimited slots, based on your preferences. There is also a 7-day complete refund policy/.

With access to a large number of trusted locations and support for Clustering, ServerBlend leads the market when it comes to the best ARK Xbox servers.

6. Nitrado: Best for PS4

With a low-ping setup and inclusion of fail-safe hardware, this remains one of the more robust ARK Server Hosting solutions.

Nitrado comes across as another ARK Server Hosting client that works really well with consoles, including PS4. Renting this ARK server makes sense to gamers who want to enjoy cross-platform compatibility across PC, mobile, and even consoles like PS4, Nintendo Switch, and even Xbox.

Using Nitrado is made easy courtesy of the web interface. The customizable panel simplifies server management.

The platform also supports quick installation of Mods and Plugins, supports shared server access, and offers multilingual support as part of the UI.

Customization-wise, this server hosting client allows instant game switching, extensive mod support for a wholesome gaming experience, and access to over 55 games, in addition to ARK: SE.

Like any other ARK hosting service, this one includes DDoS protection in the mix. It keeps external threats out and ensures server stability.

Besides that, it is one of the few clients to offer live Twitter updates about downtime concerns, if any, adhering to the ethos of transparency. Plus, you get access to the latest security patches to keep the machine’s health intact.

The customer support team is human and prompt.

For any concerns raised, you can expect an answer within 24 hours. Once enrolled, you also get access to the community discord and website navigating guides.

Nitrado’s subscription plan starts at $16.19 with the London server in place, featuring an 11ms ping. This plan comprises 11 slots; you can go as high as $39.49 with access to 32 slots. You can even customize your own server based on the runtime or duration and slots you want.

7. PingPerfect: Best with Custom Domain

With a free hosting plan and custom domain, this is one of the more intuitive ARK server hosting options around.

If you prefer a hosting service that doesn’t only cover ARK but also gives access to a free custom domain with every server, try out PingPerfect as soon as possible.

It is probably the only hosting client to officially offer a free trial of its services.

Setting up a server using PingPerfect is near-instant. What stands out is the intuitive control panel, allowing complete control over the servers.

The server offers a host of customization tools, including a Mod manager for one-click installation. There comes a configuration editor to tweak server settings for runtime and slots.

For deleted events, you can backup and restore the config files.

Additional server customization is also an option for the more seasoned users, courtesy of FTP or File Transfer Protocol access.

From the security perspective, PingPerfect makes way for standard DDoS protection, ensuring zero external threats and minimal server stability concerns.

PingPerfect’s customer support system deserves a special mention. While there are multiple channels available — live chat, email, and tickets — what stands out is the round-the-clock support on each. And you get access to knowledgeable humans and not bots.

This is one the best free ARK server hosting courtesy of a trial plan.

The pricing is flexible and depends on the server you choose. It starts at 12.10 pounds for a month and can move between $16.35 or even 14.59 Euros.

This is one of the few servers to offer a money-back guarantee.

And the support isn’t only restricted to ARK: SE. You can use this server to try out other survival, action, and strategy games.

8. GTX Gaming: Best for PC

Now let’s talk about one of the oldest game server hosting companies around.

With over 10 years of experience, GTX Gaming offers reliable, high-performance game servers at a terrific price.

Its ARK servers start at $11.31 for a ten-slot server, 5GB of memory, and a 3.8GHz server. That comes out to roughly $1.31 per slot.

But as you increase your slot count, the price per slot goes down. For example, a 30-slot server is $25.95 ($0.86/slot), and a 250-slot server is $79.10 ($0.31/slot).

Bulk discounts are great for server hosts that want a large server.

ARK is by far GTX Gaming’s top-selling server right now, so they know what they’re doing.

Their ARK servers feature instant setup and are Genesis-ready. You can order an ARK Genesis server that’s ready instantly.

GTX Gaming is one of my favorite hosting companies (more on that in my GTX Gaming review) for many reasons.

They have an automatic mod updater, 24/7 support, free DDoS protection, all ARK maps and DLCs, and a 24-hour refund policy to name a few.

Oh, and their game-switching feature allows you to switch your ARK server out for any other game, whenever you want, free of charge.

GTX Gaming has a great support staff for the game and an extensive knowledge base.

Unfortunately, they only support Steam PC ARK servers – if you want a server for the Xbox One or PS4, you’ll need to check out the Nitrado review.

But if you’re looking for an ARK server on PC, GTX Gaming is my top pick.

9. Host Havoc: Reliable Option

I’d recommend this to anyone with a medium to high budget, who is serious about hosting a server with a large community.

Host Havoc is another great hosting company (more on that in our Host Havoc review) because of their excellent performance, fair pricing, and awesome support.

Host Havoc’s ARK servers start at just $0.50 per slot, but their minimum slot count is 30 players. This means their ARK servers start at $15/month.

However, they also use a tiered pricing system that heavily rewards buying a larger server.

When you buy a server with 100 players (their maximum slot count), the price per slot drops down to $0.30/slot.

Of course, you can add performance upgrades like extra CPU priority and additional RAM, but it’s optional and for most, unnecessary. They also have a 72-hour money-back guarantee on all of their ARK servers which is pretty dope.

Host Havoc really shines with their support – they answered my ticket in a matter of minutes. If you’re new to server hosting and want dedicated support staff to help you through the inevitable problems, this is for you.

10. Citadel Servers: Cheapest ARK Server Hosting

If you’re in the market for a cheap ARK server hosting company, this is for you.

Citadel Servers performance is pretty darn good for the price, and I had a pleasant experience with their support team as well.

Their ARK servers start at $0.87 per slot with a minimum slot count of 15, bringing their minimum monthly payment to $13.05.

It’s important to note, however, that your location may have an impact on price.

Citadel Servers supports more than 1,000 ARK mods with one-click installation and free DDoS protection.

All in all, Citadel Servers is a (almost) free pick for the best ARK server hosting company.

Renting an ARK Server vs Hosting your Own

Hosting your server is okay for you and a few friends, but it’s not a good idea if you want to grow a real community on your server.

Dedicated ARK Server on Your PC

Hosting your own ARK server is a bit challenging to set up if you’ve never hosted a server before, but there are step-by-step guides on the official ARK wiki like this one. You can follow the steps, and your server will be up and running.

Aside from being a bit more challenging, running a server requires a fast CPU and plenty of RAM, especially when you’re hosting a large server.

Open-world games tend to use more RAM and CPU power than games like TF2 or CS: GO. And more players will increase the server’s strain on your PC.

Think about it:

The game is already pretty performance-hungry without a server running. If you’re already struggling to maintain 60 FPS in 1080p, your performance will be worse while running a large server.

Your friends will probably have a lousy connection too, if your PC can’t handle the server.

Server uptime is another big reason why hosting yourself may not be a great idea. The server will only be live when it’s running on your PC.

If your friends only want to play when you’re on, this is fine – but ARK is a game that requires a ton of grinding, and odds are your friends will want to hop on without you, and vice versa.

This means you’ll need to leave your PC on at all times, with the server running.

And if you want to add any mods or DLC packs to your server, it’ll be tough to figure out on your own.

Renting ARK Server Hosting

That’s where ARK server hosting comes in – dedicated hosting companies like GTX Gaming are experts in the field.

Renting from a company like them will make your life way easier – you’ll have better performance, 24/7 uptime, easy mod installation, and a dedicated support team to help you out (among other benefits).

Which is Best for You?

Don’t get me wrong, running an ARK dedicated server on your PC is doable, especially if you have a powerful gaming PC and only want to host a few friends. In that case, there’s little reason to pay for hosting.

But most people – especially those who want to host a real server – should find a good hosting company (like one of the options above).

ARK Mobile Server Hosting

If you want to host an ARK mobile server, Nitrado is the official mobile server provider. You can rent a mobile server from their website, or you can open the Nitrado app from the ARK mobile server menu to rent your server.

ARK Server Hosting Free

You don’t have to pay for ARK server hosting, but there aren’t any free ARK server hosting companies. After all, free ARK hosting sounds more like charity than a business, and it’d probably suck.

If you want to host a free ARK server, you have to host it on your PC.

Hosting yourself isn’t a big deal for a small server with a few friends, but like Rust, the open world of ARK is better when it’s running 24/7.

For reasons we already discussed at the top of this article, hosting yourself isn’t ideal, but it can be done.

If you’re interested in learning how to make an ARK server, here’s a video tutorial that’ll show you what to do:

How to Choose ARK Hosting Providers?

Here are some of the most important things to consider before you buy an ARK server:

You Get What You Pay For

First of all, you get what you pay for.

Expect worse performance from an ARK server host that costs much less than a higher-quality (and more expensive) host.

Quality comes in the form of not just server performance but also support response time, mod support, and more.

At the same time, though, don’t go overpaying for the best host on earth if you only want to run a simple server for yourself and a few friends.

Customer Support

Customer support is a BIG one because you’re bound to run into trouble with your server at one point or another.

You should take a look at their knowledge base – a hosting company with a solid knowledge base is a great sign. Not only will it help you set up and troubleshoot your server, but it also usually means the company knows what they’re doing.

Response time is something else to consider, which you can typically find in reviews. Host Havoc, for example, gets back to me within minutes of submitting a ticket.

On the other hand, GameServers sucks at support. They take hours to reply.

No matter how tech-savvy you are, it’s always good to pay extra for excellent customer support.

Refund Policy

Some companies have a refund policy, which is great if you just want to dip your toe in the water. ARK server hosting isn’t for everyone, and you might realize you’re in over your head.

That’s why refund policies are fantastic. PingPerfect offers a 24-refund policy, as does GTX Gaming. Host Havoc has a 72-hour refund policy, no questions asked.

And some companies even offer free trials.

Either way, a company that is confident enough in the servers to offer a money-back guarantee is worth your time and money.

History

Looking at a hosting company’s history is a great way to assess its quality.

Take a look at how long they’ve offered ARK server hosting, and how long they’ve been in business in general. Older companies will (hopefully) have a good reputation and awesome customer support.

Conversely, a company new to ARK might not know the ins and outs of an ARK server.

This leads us to the next point:

Reviews

A hosting company’s reviews are critical to reading before purchase and will give you an idea of its reputation.

This one is obvious, so I won’t go into much detail here.

Server Locations

Lastly, make sure the hosting company has a server location near you and your friends. The closer you are to the server, the better your performance will be.

Conversely, using a server across the continent (or the ocean) will result in high ping and poor performance, which nobody likes.

Luckily, most hosting companies have server nodes all around the world, including the companies I’ve listed above.

ARK Server Manager

ARK Server Manager is a huge help for server hosts. According to the official community page:

The Ark Server Manager is designed to help you set up and maintain your own Ark: Survival Evolved ™ dedicated servers. It provides a simple user interface allowing you to create and edit server profiles containing all of the settings you need to customize the playing experience for you and your friends.

Essentially, the ARK server manager:

• Manages SteamCMD and server updates
• Organizes settings automatically
• Tracks server status
• Save and load server profiles
• Schedule updates

It’s an insanely useful tool for ARK server hosts, especially on the PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Host My Own ARK Server?

Yes, you can host your own ARK server, either on your PC or via a paid server hosting company.

How Much Does it Cost to Host an ARK Server?

Most ARK server hosting companies charge between $12-$150 for an ARK server, depending on the slot count and performance of your server. You can also host a server yourself for free, but it’s not recommended for most people.

Are ARK Servers Free?

Hosting an ARK server on your PC is free (aside from electricity costs), but renting a dedicated ARK server is not free.

How Much RAM Does an ARK Server Need?

You need to have at least 6GB of RAM for an ARK server, but I recommend 8-16GB of RAM for the best performance.

Review Summary

ARK: Survival Evolved is an open-world survival sandbox with some adventure-style features.

As in Rust, DayZ, and various other survival games, you’ll spawn in the world with the skin on your back, and that’s about it.

Despite these similarities, ARK is incredibly ambitious. Should you invest the time, the game will see your progress from a naked man with a spear to a futuristic power ranger with dinosaurs as pets.

But if you think you can hop in, play for a few hours, and wield an army of dinosaurs and technology, you’re mistaken. ARK takes a ton of time, energy, and in many instances, grinding before you can tame top-tier dinosaurs and wield immense power.

However, there are servers with features that increase the speed at which you gather loot and level up. These options aren’t available on every server, though. Check the best ones in 2025 here:

If you want to take total control of your ARK experience, play with friends, and have a blast without worrying about griefers or annoying rules, hosting your own ARK server is the best option.