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ARK: Survival Evolved has grown tremendously in popularity since its initial early access release in 2015. As an open-world survival game set in a prehistoric landscape, ARK offers a unique multiplayer experience where you can cooperate or compete with other players while taming dinosaurs, building bases, and collecting resources.
Hosting your own ARK server gives you granular control over gameplay settings and mods, ensuring the best experience for you and your friends. But finding the right server host can be tricky with so many options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll compare the top ARK hosting providers across key criteria to help you pick the best one for your needs and budget.
How We Evaluated the Best ARK Server Hosting
We compared over 15 ARK hosting providers across eight key evaluation criteria to identify the best options:
- Pricing – Hosting plans that offer robust features and resources at reasonable prices
- Performance – Guaranteed uptime, low latency, fast CPU and SSD storage
- Ease of use – Effortless server deployment, intuitive control panels
- Customer support – Knowledgeable 24/7 live chat and ticketing assistance
- Server locations – Global and regional server locations to minimize latency
- Mod support – Ability to install ARK mods, maps, and custom content
- Security – DDoS protection, automated backups, and other security safeguards
- Free trial – Risk-free period to test server performance
We then compiled reviews from hosting vetrans, ARK server admins, and customers to validate our research. Below are the top ARK server hosts that deliver on features, performance, support, and value.
1. Apex Hosting – Best Overall ARK Server Hosting
Best for: Dedicated ARK servers with top performance
Apex Hosting tops our list for the best overall ARK server hosting experience with top-tier hardware, unlimited mod support, and excellent uptime guarantees backed by a money-back SLA.
They only utilize premium equipment in their state-of-the-art data centers, including latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs, NVMe SSD storage, and a 10Gbps network backbone. This translates to lag-free gameplay and lightning-fast map loading speeds.
Apex stands out with its easy one-click installs for mods and maps so you can customize your server. Their control panel also offers advanced configurations for breeding stats, player and dino leveling, drop loot tables, and expert settings.
With 24/7 expert support and a 7-day money back guarantee, Apex Hosting checks all the boxes for hosting ARK.
Key features
- Unlimited slots and storage – Host massive servers supporting a high player count
- Worldwide data centers – 18 regional server locations with low latency
- Easy modding – One-click workshop mod installs
- 99.9% uptime SLA – Guaranteed performance with credit if SLA missed
- Web-based control panel – Create, manage, mod your servers effortlessly
Plans starting from: $14.99/month
>> Try Apex Hosting’s ARK Servers
2. Shockbyte – Top Uptime for ARK: Survival Evolved
Best for: High uptime guarantees up to 99.99%
If you’re looking for an ARK server hosting provider that guarantees exceptional reliability and uptime, Shockbyte fits the bill nicely. The company offers strong uptime SLA starting at 99.9%, going up to 99.99% uptime for their premium plans.
Shockbyte leverages top-tier network bandwidth and equipment with anti-DDoS protection to deliver on those promises of uptime with ARK servers that are always online. Their ARK hosting is also configured for optimal performance out of the box even on standard plans.
With their easy to use TCAdmin control panel, you get full control in tweaking ARK server settings, installing mods, uploading save files, and managing your players. So Shockbyte ticks all the right boxes if you want to host ARK reliably.
Key features
- Powerful hardware – Enterprise-grade network; high-frequency Intel CPUs
- Up to 99.99% uptime – Guaranteed uptime with proactive monitoring
- Worldwide locations – Low-latency game servers in NA, Europe, Australia
- ARK mods/plugins – Steam workshop integrations for customization
- 24/7 expert support – Get help instantly via live chat, Discord
Plans starting from: $14.99 /month
>> View Shockbyte’s ARK Hosting
3. Nodecraft – Optimized Game Engine for ARK
Best for: Custom-tuned ARK game engine for performance
Nodecraft stands out as the only hosting provider running a custom fork of ARK’s game engine that is fine-tuned for maximum multiplayer server performance. The optimizations include tweaks to in-game timers, better resource handling, and fixes to common engine bottlenecks.
The difference this custom engine makes is very noticeable with ARK servers at Nodecraft boasting faster world saves, shorter loading times when traveling across the map, and lower lag even with high player counts.
Of course, Nodecraft also checks the other important boxes for ARK server hosting – excellent hardware, support for mods/plugins, automated daily backups, and easy management.
Key features
- Optimized ARK game engine – Custom-tuned for faster performance
- Worldwide data centers – Low-latency nodes in 13 locations
- Easy file manager – Upload downloads and other content
- Automated daily backups – Point-in-time restore capability
- 24/7 live support – Get quick help via chat, Discord
Plans starting from: $10 /month
>> Get Optimized ARK Servers at Nodecraft
4. Survival Servers – Powerful Hardware for ARK
Best for: High-spec hardware even for entry-level plans
Survival Servers is an ARK specialist hosting provider that offers robust server configurations powered by high-end hardware to deliver lag-free gameplay even with hundreds of dinos and structures.
Their entry-level plans are already equipped with Intel Xeon CPUs, fast NVMe SSD storage, and guaranteed gigabit uplinks to keep your ARK worlds responsive no matter what players throw at it. With their easy control panel, you can manage mods, upload backups, restart servers with a few clicks.
Survival Servers data centers are strategically placed worldwide so latency remains consistently low for your players. With excellent support response times and a 72-hour refund policy, they offer a solid hosting option for ARK fans.
Key features
- Powerful server hardware – Xeon CPUs, NVMe SSDs, 1Gbps uplinks
- ARK mods & clustered hosting – Steam mod manager integrated
- 7 global locations – ARK data centers in North America, Europe, Asia
- Easy file manager – Upload and manage content
- 72 hour money-back guarantee – No risk trial
Plans starting from: $17.50 /month
>> View Survival Servers ARK Hosting
5. Host Havoc – Extremely Fast ARK Servers
Best for: Private high FPS ARK servers for competitive gameplay
Host Havoc specializes in hosting feature-rich, high-performance game servers explicitly tailored for competitive online gameplay. Their ARK offerings are no different with server configurations focusing on high, stable FPS (frames per second) powered by top-shelf hardware.
By optimizing every hosted ARK server for consistent high FPS and low latency using powerful Ryzen CPUs and fast NVMe SSD disks, Host Havoc delivers a buttery-smooth experience even in high-intensity PvP scenarios.
Of course, Host Havoc also offers advanced control panels for modding, automated backups, DDoS protection, and excellent 24/7 support. So for private ARK servers where consistent performance is critical, Host Havoc hits it out of the park.
Key features
- Powerful Ryzen CPUs – Superfast single-core for high FPS
- NVMe SSD storage – Faster map and world loading
- Worldwide data centers – Regional low-latency nodes
- Competitive gameplay focus – Consistent server performance
- 24/7 expert support – Quick assistance via chat, Discord
Plans starting from: $15 /month
>> Get Fast Competitive ARK Servers Here
6. BisectHosting – Easy ARK Server Management
Best for: Hassle-free ARK server deployment and management
BisectHosting makes ARK server hosting refreshingly easy for gamers who want great performance without complex setup and administration. Their control panel, server configs, and even pricing are designed explicitly for simplicity and ease of use.
You can launch a new ARK server with one-click that auto-adjusts to the optimal settings and allocates resources based on the number of slots picked. Budget-friendly plans adapt to usage spikes by adding resources dynamically so you never have to worry about capacity planning.
Mod installs are integrated with Steam workshop for one-click AppId deploys. With hourly billing, no long-term lock-ins, and great support, BisectHosting does a fabulous job at simplifying the hosting experience.
Key features
- Easy one-click server creation – Up and running in under 5 minutes
- User-friendly control panel – Intuitive even for newbies
- Steam workshop mod manager – Install mods instantly
- Global data centers – North America, Europe, Australia
- Hourly billing – Spin servers up and down dynamically
Plans starting from: $13.99 /month
>> Sign Up for Easy ARK Hosting
7. GameServers – Top Value ARK Server Hosting
Best for: Cheap ARK servers starting from $1
If you are on a tight budget but still want to host your own ARK server for you and couple of friends, GameServers deserves special consideration. Their micro plans start from an incredible $1 per month for 10 slots, offering terrific value.
Of course at this pricing, hardware resources are lower spec so don’t expect to host a 100-player PvP ARK server. But for smaller private servers to play PvE with mods, the performance is still very reasonable. Their ARK specific server images come pre-optimized for good gameplay too.
So whether you want to gain admin experience on a personal learning server or play PvE coop with friends, GameServers excels as the cheapest hosting option.
Key features
- Cheap ARK servers from $1 – Great value for lower player counts
- Unmetered NVMe SSD storage – Plenty of space for save files and mods
- Worldwide locations – Global low-latency nodes
- Web file manager – Upload/download content easily
- 75% discounts on annual plans – Low cost for extended commitment
Plans starting from: $1 /month
>> Get Cheap ARK Servers at GameServers
8. ServerBlend – High Memory ARK Hosting
Best for: High memory allocation for heavy modded ARK servers
Modded ARK servers with lots of dino spawns, structures, and environmental effects require ample memory (RAM) for optimal performance. ServerBlend has extremely generously specced plans in that department with memory allocation ranging from 8GB all the way to a whopping 64GB.
Of course, CPU cores and NVMe storage keep pace allowing you to host a heavily modded server supporting a high player count without issues. Unique storage shareability options also allow transferring data across game worlds.
With dual E5 Intel CPUs, unmetered NVMe SSD storage, and worldwide server nodes, ServerBlend has the high-end configurations fully covered for optimal ARK gameplay. Their excellent support and transparent lifetime cost guarantee seal the deal.
Key features
- High RAM allocations – Up to 64GB to support heavy mods
- Top-tier hardware – Dual Intel CPUs, NVMe SSDs, 10Gbps net
- Mod flexibility – Share mods and storage across ARK clusters
- Worldwide locations – Global low-latency nodes
- Lifetime cost assurance – Never pay more long term
Plans starting from: $25/month
>> Get High Memory ARK Server Hosting
9. Pingperfect – Top-Notch Support for ARK
Best for: Exceptional 24/7 personalized customer support
Pingperfect really excels when it comes to customer service for ARK server hosting, offering round the clock individualized support instead of a typical ticketing gauntlet experience provided by most hosts. Whether you need help choosing the best location, troubleshooting configuration issues, installing tricky mods, or even getting started, real experts are available 24/7 to actually do it for you remotely.
Of course, the hosting itself covers all the expected checkboxes. High-end Intel i9 CPUs on NVMe SSDs, 100Mbps uplinks with DDoS protection, modpacks a click away. Performance and ease of use for ARK is top notch to match the exceptional human support, albeit at slightly higher costs.
Key features
- 24/7 personalized expert support – Enthusiastic players help you via live chat, remote desktop support
- Strong hardware – Intel i9 CPUs, fast NVMe SSD storage, premium network
- Global locations – NA, EU with more regions added regularly
- Launcher manager – Install hundreds of mods from an intuitive GUI
Plans starting from: $30/month
>> Sign up for top class ARK support
How to Choose the Right ARK: Survival Evolved Hosting Provider
With several excellent ARK hosting providers available, here are key considerations in picking the right one for hosting your servers:
Gamemode and Intended Use
Will your server be PvE or hardcore PvP? Is the goal a small private server for you and friends or a 100+ player public community server? Scale your hosting plan’s specs and pricing proportionally. Entry level plans from most hosts are fine for about 10-20 players for casual play.
Mods
Mods can drastically transform ARK gameplay but also consume more resources. If installing multiple mods, particularly intensive ones like npc Bush People or Structures Plus, get more RAM and storage than a vanilla server needs . Also check if the host supports Steam workshop for easier mod installs.
Location Coverage
Ping and latency has a big impact on multiplayer enjoyment. Choose hosts like Apex with a broad footprint of data centers to get one closest to your players. Make sure they have nodes on the continent where most users reside.
Responsiveness
In online games, lag is the ultimate evil. Prioritize hosts utilizing SSD storage over old school HDD across plans. Also verify they offer the latest Intel, AMD or even server-grade Xeon processors instead of outdated CPUs. These make a tangible difference in ARK.