# ARK Survival Evolved

ARK Survival Evolved is a dedicated game server container that downloads, installs, and runs the ARK: Survival Evolved server via SteamCMD. It is open source and self-hosted, installable on Unraid.

Canonical page: https://ourlocalhost.com/app/2618/ark-survival-evolved

## Description

ARK: Survival Evolved is a dedicated game server container that downloads, installs, and runs the ARK: Survival Evolved server via SteamCMD. It is designed for self-hosters who want to run one or multiple ARK multiplayer survival game instances, with updates handled by restarting the container when a new version is released.

## Platform availability

Available on 1 of 6 install platforms: Unraid.

## Health score

24/100 (Low), based on 2 of 4 factors.
- Easy to install: 35 (1 install platform, install notes, Docker image)
- Light to run: 10 (8 GB minimum RAM)

## Links

- Documentation: https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/ARK_Survival_Evolved_Wiki
- Unraid: https://ca.unraid.net/apps/arksurvivalevolved-05ersw40ekxilk?q=ARKSurvivalEvolved
- Official website: https://survivetheark.com/

## Common questions

### Do I need to change a host kernel setting before first start?

Yes. Set vm.max_map_count to at least 256000 on the host as root. On Unraid, make the setting persistent with a startup User Script or the go file.

### How long can the initial container start take?

The first start downloads the full game-server files and can take a very long time.

### How do I get a newer game version?

Restart the container to pick up a newer game version.

### Can multiple ARK server instances use the same SteamCMD files?

Yes, multiple game servers can share a single SteamCMD directory.

## Alternatives

- 7 Days to Die: In the year 2034 nuclear attacks have decimated the Earth and the remaining population is infected by an unknown virus.
- Palworld: Palworld is a multiplayer, open-world survival crafting game where you befriend and collect mysterious creatures called "Pals".
- Rust (Game): Rust is a multi-player, survival video game.

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Source: Our Local Host (https://ourlocalhost.com/app/2618/ark-survival-evolved), the self-hosted and open-source app directory.