Noob question from dad who want's the best for his sons

[Vlugge Japie]

Hi all,
My two boys play Ark on the switch. As the youngest has his birthday tomorrow I bought the game for the PC as he wants to play Ragnarok which is not available on the nintendo.
I own one high end system, one somewhat older system and quit a new laptop (the laptop is able to run Ark but not on high res)
It would be great if my two boys could play Ark together at the same time. First I believe I have to buy the game another time so I have 2 serials right?
Second. I need to create a dedicated server or need to rent one. I don't want my kids to play with other people. Ark is suitable for young kids, but not if they play with people I don't know.
So is there a way to create my own dedicated server at home or would that be a big hassle? I read something about specs for a ded server and I believe a simple NUC would not be able to do the job right?
Anyway all of your tips and suggestions to reach my/our goal would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.

Koen

[ItsMeTB]

one of the pc's can host right from the main menu
also, arkservers.io is $15/mo USD. so you can have that option as well.

[Vesuvius]

you can absolutely host your own ... costs zero :) and you can password it

[Vesuvius]

use Ark Server Manager
we run an 8 map cluster on private hardware with it.

https://youtu.be/PPgegBYRME4

https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/thread/5193/downloads

[Hrodh]

You probably will, but look into mods that automate stuff. Don't know how old your boys are and don't want to, but I guess they're in school, or well, should be hopefully again soon and less micro = more time for homework

[Gran]

First: Correct one license per CLIENT. Server license is free

second: Yes it is possible you could use either the older system or the Notebook, depending on which run ark the worst and use that machine as the server.

Since you only want to play inhouse, if you install the Server on a Windows OS i would suggest the ARK Server Manager (run as admin for hassle free firewall configuration) and setup the server with ease an a nice mostly self explaining UI with Tooltips if you hoover over a setting.
The server machine needs internet access, but you don't need to forward any ports on your router . That also means no connecting from the outside hence you don't need to secure the Server with a password. For further comfort you'll add your local server to the favorites on both client machines. So they easily find your server.

But keep in mind that does not prevent them from connecting to any other official or unoffcial server at all.

[Lordbufu]

Originally posted by Vesuvius:

use Ark Server Manager
we run an 8 map cluster on private hardware with it.

https://youtu.be/PPgegBYRME4

https://arkservermanager.freeforums.net/thread/5193/downloads

This yeah, the best solution to hosting at home imo, until recently i have used this to host a LAN (home network) server. You wont need to worry about port forwarding etc if your don't want people from outside your home network to see said server.

And its rather light weight, depending on your "high end system", you can likely run it and play it on the same machine even. Obviously a sepperate machine would be better, but not everyone has the means to make that happen.

*edit: hotdang, we are like flies going after a piece of feces arn't we :-)

[Vlugge Japie]

Originally posted by ItsMeTB:

one of the pc's can host right from the main menu
also, arkservers.io is $15/mo USD. so you can have that option as well.

Yes but if they host they create a non deticated server. In that case the will not have a free world for themself

[ItsMeTB]

giving options, OP didn't mention needing to save money but rather seeking a method for the two kids to play together.

[Vlugge Japie]

Wow Thanks all for all your reactions. I will read through all of it and see if I can manage.

[JEysen_]

add me if you need help with ark or an server :)

[Tex Arcana]

Most wholesome thread ever. As a dad who hosts a server for his kids and family, I salute you!

[Vlugge Japie]

Hi all,
It turns out I'm able to run ark very smooth on the high end system and good enough on the laptop. Great tip on the server manager. It runs on the older pc and I can join the session.
Now I just need to buy the game another time. I will do that on steam as the have this bundle with season pass for €23. cdkeys doesn't sell it anymore.
Should I create a second steam account to do this? I can't find any family procedures or something.

[Evolvei]

Have to have second account.

Nitrado rental for 4 slots for 90 days is $14.30 if you don't want to set up your own PC as a server.

[Gran]

Originally posted by Vlugge Japie:

Hi all,
It turns out I'm able to run ark very smooth on the high end system and good enough on the laptop. Great tip on the server manager. It runs on the older pc and I can join the session.
Now I just need to buy the game another time. I will do that on steam as the have this bundle with season pass for €23. cdkeys doesn't sell it anymore.
Should I create a second steam account to do this? I can't find any family procedures or something.

You need to, yes.

[chloe_matty]

Question. I'm trying to do the same with my husband. We ran into node problems in SP mode. I was looking at using Steam CMD, but I have no clue on port forwarding. We don't have another computer to host the server on. Can we still use one of our computers to run the ArkServerManager without port forwarding? Do they need to be connected via ethernet to the router directly?