With so many game server hosting companies out there, it can be hard to know where to start. At CompareGameServers, we hear from new providers almost daily—often created by passionate tech enthusiasts eager to break into the market.
Our mission? To help you, the server shopper, cut through the noise and find the best fit for your gaming needs. While this guide focuses on ARK: Survival Evolved or ARK: Survival Ascended, the insights here apply to virtually any multiplayer game requiring server hosting.
Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an ARK Server
Before diving into a server purchase, consider your needs:
- Will your server host a large community or just a few friends?
- Do you need it located in a specific region for better performance?
- Are you planning to use mods to customize your ARK experience?
Clarifying these early will steer you toward the best setup.
How Many Slots Do You Need?
Start by estimating how many players will join your server—then add an extra 20% buffer, just in case.
When comparing options on our ARK: Survival Evolved page, you’ll notice a “slots” selection. Each slot represents one player space on your server. More slots mean more players—and more server resources—so expect higher pricing for larger groups.
Picking the Right Server Location
Your second big decision is where your server should be hosted. Hosting it near you and your fellow players will significantly reduce lag.
Most hosting companies on on our website offer servers in the U.S. and Europe, with some extending to Asia, Africa, and Australasia. On our hosting comparison page, use the “Location” filter to select your preferred region and update your results accordingly.
Must-Have Server Features
If you plan to mod ARK: Survival Evolved, look for hosts that include Mod Support by default. This can spare you the headache of troubleshooting plugin conflicts and compatibility issues on your own.
Another critical feature is DDoS Protection. The online world isn’t always friendly, and malicious actors sometimes target game servers. Enabling DDoS protection from the start can shield your server from potentially lengthy downtimes.
Also worth noting is De-Branding—removing the host’s name from your server title. Some providers include this for free; others charge extra. If a clean, custom server name matters to you, keep an eye out for this option.
Finding the Best Value
While going with the cheapest or priciest host might be tempting, the smartest choice comes from evaluating the full picture. Consider:
- Modding and plugin support
- Host reputation and years in operation
- Money-back guarantees
- Included features like de-branding
We’ve compiled all this data on our ARK: Survival Evolved server hosting page, complete with sortable tables and flexible filters. It’s your one-stop destination for finding the provider that balances quality and value. So, are you read to CompareGameHosting? Start today!
