What does Non-Dedicated Session Mean in ARK?
ARK is a popular survival game where players can explore, craft, and survive on different maps. When it comes to hosting a server, there are two main options: dedicated and non-dedicated. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of a non-dedicated session in ARK and its differences from a dedicated session.
What is a Non-Dedicated Session?
A non-dedicated session in ARK refers to a hosting scenario where the game server is hosted on a player’s machine, usually the same machine where they are playing the game. This type of session allows friends to join the player’s game world, but it is limited by the hosting player’s internet connection and hardware.
Benefits of Non-Dedicated Sessions
Non-dedicated sessions offer several benefits, including:
- Easy setup: Non-dedicated sessions are easy to set up, as they do not require a separate machine or specialized server hardware.
- Low cost: Non-dedicated sessions are free, as the hosting player is not required to pay for a dedicated server.
- Flexibility: Non-dedicated sessions allow players to join and leave the game at will, making it easy to adjust the player count and gameplay experience.
- Immediate availability: Non-dedicated sessions are available immediately, without the need to wait for a dedicated server to spin up.
Limitations of Non-Dedicated Sessions
While non-dedicated sessions offer many benefits, they also have some limitations:
- Limited player capacity: Non-dedicated sessions can only support a limited number of players, typically 4-8 players, depending on the game’s settings and the hosting player’s machine.
- Limited map selection: Non-dedicated sessions are limited to a specific map, which can be changed by the hosting player.
- Potential lag: Non-dedicated sessions can experience lag and connectivity issues, especially if the hosting player’s machine is not powerful enough or if the internet connection is slow.
Comparison with Dedicated Sessions
Dedicated sessions, on the other hand, involve hosting the game server on a separate machine or a dedicated server. This type of session offers more benefits and flexibility, including:
- Scalability: Dedicated sessions can support a large number of players and can be easily scaled up or down as needed.
- Customization: Dedicated sessions allow for greater customization of the game settings, maps, and rules.
- Reliability: Dedicated sessions are generally more reliable and less prone to lag and connectivity issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a non-dedicated session in ARK is a hosting scenario where the game server is hosted on a player’s machine, allowing friends to join the game world. While non-dedicated sessions offer many benefits, including ease of setup, low cost, and flexibility, they also have some limitations, such as limited player capacity and potential lag. Dedicated sessions, on the other hand, offer greater scalability, customization, and reliability, but at a higher cost.