How Many People Can Play Ark Non-Dedicated?
ARK is a popular survival game that allows players to explore, tame dinosaurs, and build structures on an island. One of the most exciting features of ARK is its ability to play with friends, whether it’s online or offline. In this article, we’ll explore the limits of non-dedicated servers in ARK and answer the question: how many people can play ARK non-dedicated?
Direct Answer
The direct answer to this question is that a non-dedicated server in ARK can accommodate a maximum of 4 players. This means that you can invite up to 3 friends to join your non-dedicated server, making it a great way to play with a small group of friends.
What is a Non-Dedicated Server?
Before we dive deeper into the details, let’s clarify what a non-dedicated server is. A non-dedicated server is a type of server that runs on a single player’s machine, rather than on a dedicated server hosted by a third-party provider. This means that the host player is responsible for maintaining the server, including configuring settings, managing player permissions, and ensuring the server remains online.
How to Host a Non-Dedicated Server
To host a non-dedicated server in ARK, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Launch ARK and navigate to the "Multiplayer" menu
- Select "Host a Non-Dedicated Server"
- Choose the game mode you want to play (e.g., Survival, PvE, PvP)
- Set the server settings to your liking (e.g., difficulty level, respawn timer, etc.)
- Invite your friends to join the server using the game’s built-in invite system
Benefits of Non-Dedicated Servers
Non-dedicated servers offer several benefits, including:
- Easy setup: Non-dedicated servers are easy to set up and require minimal technical expertise.
- Flexible settings: You have full control over the server settings, allowing you to customize the game experience to your liking.
- Cost-effective: Non-dedicated servers are free, making them a great option for small groups of friends who want to play together.
- Low latency: Non-dedicated servers typically have lower latency than dedicated servers, making for a more responsive gaming experience.
Limitations of Non-Dedicated Servers
While non-dedicated servers offer many benefits, they also have some limitations, including:
- Limited player capacity: Non-dedicated servers can only accommodate a maximum of 4 players.
- Host responsibility: The host player is responsible for maintaining the server, which can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise.
- Server instability: Non-dedicated servers can be prone to instability and disconnections, especially if the host player’s machine is not powerful enough to handle the game.
Comparison to Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers are a popular option for players who want to play with larger groups of friends. Dedicated servers can accommodate a maximum of 16 players, making them a great option for large-scale multiplayer games. However, dedicated servers require a significant amount of technical expertise and can be costly to set up and maintain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, non-dedicated servers in ARK can accommodate a maximum of 4 players, making them a great option for small groups of friends who want to play together. While they have some limitations, non-dedicated servers offer many benefits, including easy setup, flexible settings, and low latency. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of ARK, non-dedicated servers are definitely worth considering.
FAQs
- Can I host a non-dedicated server on my console?: Unfortunately, non-dedicated servers are only available on PC.
- Can I play with friends on a non-dedicated server?: Yes, you can invite up to 3 friends to join your non-dedicated server.
- How do I set up a non-dedicated server?: To set up a non-dedicated server, follow the steps outlined above.
- What are the benefits of non-dedicated servers?: Non-dedicated servers offer easy setup, flexible settings, cost-effectiveness, and low latency.
- What are the limitations of non-dedicated servers?: Non-dedicated servers can only accommodate a maximum of 4 players, the host player is responsible for maintaining the server, and server instability is a risk.