Server hosting

ARK: Survival Evolved

Dedicated server hosting for ARK: Survival Evolved. Port setup is usually not required, the admin password is generated per server, and you choose the official map and the game version from the panel.

The starting value for maximum players is set automatically to match the memory of your plan, and you can change it in the game panel. How many people can play comfortably depends on the map, the number of dinosaurs and structures, mods and other factors (it is not a guaranteed figure).
ARK: Survival Evolved is a trademark of Studio Wildcard. BESTNET-GSERVER is not an official partner of Studio Wildcard.

HIGHLIGHTS

We take care of the fiddly parts of running an ARK: Survival Evolved server.

Port assignment, admin password generation and switching the map or the game version are all done from the game panel.

🔌 Port configuration typically not required

Two ports — one for the game and one for queries, which is what puts your server in the server list — are assigned automatically and written into the game settings for you. The address is shown in the game panel. In the rare case that a query port needs to be added, you only add one port in the game panel and restart.

🔑 Admin passwords auto-generated per server

No shared initial password is reused: one is created for each server. You can read it in Files in the game panel, and you can also set a value of your own.

🗺️ Choose the official map and the version from the panel

You can pick from the 13 official maps, including the latest Aquatica, in the game panel. Note: some maps, including Aquatica, are paid DLC for the game. If you want to use mods that stopped working after Aquatica, you can also select the pre-Aquatica version.

💴 8GB from $13.27 a month

No upfront lump sum and no minimum term, and the price stays the same after renewal. See how our pricing compares.

PRICING

Pricing Plans

Simple monthly-only pricing. You can easily upgrade or downgrade between the three plans while keeping your data intact.

Small

Configuration for small groups

  • 20 players starting maximum
  • 8 GB Memory
  • 50 GB NVMe SSD
  • vCPU 3 Cores
  • Backups 3 generations
$13.27/mo
Order now

Medium

For standard group sizes

  • 70 players starting maximum
  • 12 GB Memory
  • 80 GB NVMe SSD
  • vCPU 4 Cores
  • Backups 5 generations
$19.97/mo
Order now

Large

For larger groups, heavier maps and plenty of mods

  • 125 players starting maximum
  • 24 GB Memory
  • 100 GB NVMe SSD
  • vCPU 8 cores
  • Backups 10 generations
$36.72/mo
Order now

The starting value for maximum players is set automatically to match the memory of your plan, and you can change it in the game panel. How many people can play comfortably depends on the map, the number of dinosaurs and structures, mods and other factors (it is not a guaranteed figure).
Our servers are for the Steam (PC) edition of ARK: Survival Evolved. You can enable crossplay with the Epic Games (PC) edition in the startup settings. Players on the Epic Games version may not be able to join servers running the Aquatica map, the pre-Aquatica version, or mods. Connecting from the console or mobile editions of the game is not supported. ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) is a different game, and these are not ASA servers.

TRANSPARENCY

Ending confusing pricing structures.

Confusing pricing practices are widespread in the game server hosting industry.
We do not accept this.

Practices commonly seen in the industry

Confusing pricing

  • ✗
    Cheap first month, then skyrocketing prices Discounts like “50% off the first month” make the monthly rate appear low, but prices jump several times higher from the second month onward.
  • ✗
    Forced long-term upfront payment While advertising “¥◯◯◯ per month,” that price only applies when paying 12 months upfront—monthly payments cost significantly more.
  • ✗
    Discounted pricing displayed for first year only Large displays of “First-year limited price” or “Campaign price” obscure the regular prices from year 2 onward and auto-renewal price changes.
  • ✗
    Cancellation fees and minimum terms When discounts apply, early cancellation incurs penalties. Once your gaming needs change, it’s difficult to leave.
  • ✗
    Auto-renewal trap Auto-renewal happens at the initial discount price, but you suddenly find yourself charged the regular price (sometimes 2–3 times higher) without realizing it.
Our commitment

Clear and transparent pricing

  • ✓
    Displayed price = Price you pay The monthly rate listed on the page applies consistently and continuously. No hidden price increases.
  • ✓
    Month-to-month billing with no lock-in Pricing is simple: monthly only. No annual contracts or long-term commitments.
  • ✓
    Clear total price display There is nothing charged on top of the amount shown here.
  • ✓
    No cancellation fees or minimum terms When your gaming needs change, cancel anytime. We never charge penalties.
  • ✓
    Pro-rata billing for upgrades and downgrades Plan changes are settled by difference only. No need to “just pick the bigger plan” to be safe.

PAYMENT

We do not store card numbers with us.

Payments are processed by PayPal, Square, and Stripe.

We do not store all digits of card numbers

For credit card payments, the card number itself is stored by a payment processor (Stripe) that complies with PCI DSS. We only retain the card brand, last 4 digits, expiration date for card identification, and an encrypted token used for recurring billing.

Security codes are not stored

Regardless of the payment method, we do not store the card’s security code (CVV/CVC).

3D Secure (cardholder authentication) supported

Stripe credit card payments support 3D Secure, a cardholder authentication service provided by card companies. You can use VISA, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express.

You can confirm the handling for each payment method below.

Stripe Credit Card Payment (Auto-renewal available · 3D Secure supported)
The card number itself is safely stored by a payment processor (Stripe) that complies with PCI DSS. We do not store all digits of the card number on our servers; we only retain the card brand, last 4 digits, expiration date for card identification, and an encrypted payment token used for recurring billing. Subsequent invoices are processed using this token.
PayPal Payment (Auto-renewal available)
With PayPal auto-renewal, card information is not stored on our servers or with payment processors. We only retain the recurring payment agreement ID issued by PayPal and billing information such as the next billing date and amount. The source of payment funds (PayPal balance, registered bank account, registered card, etc.) is managed entirely within your PayPal account.
Square Payment (One-time payment)
Payments via Square are one-time only. Auto-renewal is not supported, and we do not store any information (card, token, etc.) used for future charges. If you wish to continue using the service, you will need to complete the process again at each renewal.
Cancellation and Payment Method Removal – Available Anytime
You can delete or change your registered payment method anytime from the client portal (PayPal auto-payment can be disabled from the “Pre-approved Payments” settings in your PayPal account). If you wish to stop service renewal, please submit a cancellation request (“at the end of the billing period”) from the client portal. There are no cancellation fees or minimum usage periods.

We will issue an invoice approximately one week before the payment due date and send it to your registered email address. For more details, see Payment Methods for Service Charges →

INFRASTRUCTURE

Unglamorous preparation to keep things running.

Our servers are installed in data centers in Japan equipped with the following infrastructure.

Data pathway Players Line A Line B Network redundancy (dual paths) Game Server Configuration with backup units Storage Distributed across multiple NVMe SSDs (Ceph) Power pathway Commercial Power Normal operation UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) N+1: One unit more than required Backup Generator During extended outages Power to serversIf one point fails, an alternate path or backup equipment takes over.
Server Redundancy

Equipment is operated with backup units included. We prepare so that the failure of a single unit does not directly result in service interruption.

Storage Redundancy (Ceph)

Data is held distributed across multiple NVMe SSDs. Even if one unit fails, data is not lost.

Network Redundancy

Multiple paths to the Internet are secured. Communication can be maintained even if one path experiences an outage.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) N+1 Configuration

We provide one more unit than necessary so power does not cut out during outages. Even if one device fails, power supply continues.

Backup Generator

In preparation for extended power outages, we have installed a generator. It takes over while the UPS maintains power.

We prepare from the infrastructure side with the highest priority: game servers that don’t stop.

PRICE BENCHMARK

How our price compares

As of October 2026, compared with the 8GB plans that major
Japanese game server providers offer for ARK: Survival Evolved.

Major Japanese providers (as of October 2026)

The 8GB plans offered for
ARK: Survival Evolved

about 2,270–2,730 yen
/mo (one-month term)
  • Memory 8GB
  • The number of CPU cores differs between providers
  • Per-core performance also differs between providers
  • Figures are for plans charged at the same rate on renewal
VS
BESTNET-GSERVER

Small plan

1,980 yen
/mo (monthly billing)
  • Memory 8GB, vCPU 3 cores
  • No lump-sum prepayment, no minimum term
  • The same amount on renewal
about 290–750 yen per month

This is the difference for the same 8GB and the same one-month term. With us there is no lump-sum prepayment and no minimum term, and the amount stays the same on renewal.

* The figures are an estimate based on the listed prices for one-month terms of the 8GB plans offered for ARK: Survival Evolved, checked on the providers' own pages in October 2026. Those providers show amounts that include consumption tax (roughly 2,500–3,000 yen), so the table compares amounts with the tax removed. First-month discounts and the monthly equivalent of long-term contracts are not included.
Only plans with the same 8GB of memory are compared. The number of CPU cores differs between providers, and per-core performance is not necessarily the same, so cores are not compared.
Prices change with the period and the conditions. Please check each provider's own site for current amounts.

FEATURES

We’ll take care of your server.

Features available from the game panel.

🔌

Port configuration is typically not required

Two ports — one for the game and one for queries, which is what puts your server in the server list — are assigned automatically and written into the game settings for you. The address is shown in the game panel. In the rare case that a query port needs to be added, you only add one port in the game panel and restart. ARK: Survival Evolved – Initial setup →

🔑

admin passwords are automatically issued per server

No shared initial password is reused: one is created for each server. You can read it in Files in the game panel, and you can also change it to a value of your own. Changing the admin password →

🗺️

Choose the official map from the panel

You can select from the 13 official maps, including the latest Aquatica, in the game panel. Maps use different amounts of memory: we recommend Large for Gen2 and Medium or above for Aquatica. Note: some maps, including Aquatica, are paid DLC for the game. How to change the map →

🕰️

Choose the latest version or the pre-Aquatica one

The latest version is the default. If you want to use mods that stopped working after Aquatica, you can also select the pre-Aquatica version (it takes about 15 minutes to download again, and everyone joining needs to set the same version in Steam).

👥

The starting maximum also matches your plan

Small 20 / Medium 70 / Large 125 players. You can also change this in the game panel (comfort is not a guaranteed figure).

🧩

For mods, just enter the IDs

Enter the Steam Workshop IDs in the game panel and they are downloaded automatically at startup (behaviour differs from mod to mod). How to add mods →

🔄

Update Check on Every Launch

The server automatically checks for updates to the latest version each time it launches. When an update becomes available, please restart the server.

💾

Saving and backups that protect your world

The Stop button saves the world before stopping. The game also saves automatically at regular intervals with its default settings. Backups keep the world and the settings — not the game itself — for 3 / 5 / 10 generations. Restoring from a backup →

⚙️

Automatic Setup

Once your payment is complete the server is built automatically (the first build takes about 20 minutes to download the game). The address is shown in the game panel.

🛡️

DDoS Protection

We provide protection through advanced network equipment. No configuration is required on your end.

📁

File Browser / SFTP

Configuration files can be edited in your browser. When handling multiple files, you can also connect via SFTP. File Operation Instructions →

📅

Scheduling

You can automatically perform regular restarts and backups by specifying the day and time. Set Up Scheduled Maintenance →

🤝

Multi-User Management / Two-Factor Authentication

Invite sub-users and manage with separated permissions. Two-factor authentication is also supported. Access Sharing Instructions → Two-Factor Authentication Setup Instructions →

⬆️

Plan Changes With Data Preserved

You can move up and down between the three plans and settle the difference. Memory and the starting maximum players change to the new plan from the next start after the change.

💬

Japanese Support · 5 Languages

You can switch the game panel display language. We also provide documentation in 5 languages. Switch method: Japanese / Simplified Chinese / Korean

⌨️

Admin Interface Closed to External Access

RCON is not published externally, so you cannot connect to it from an external RCON tool. Admin commands can be executed from the console in the game panel.

📜

Config file edits survive a restart

Settings you add to GameUserSettings.ini stay in place after a restart. Items that are set on the Startup tab — server name, maximum players, passwords — use the values from that tab. When your config file gets reset →

🧪

We never hand over a half-finished setup

While your server is being built we verify that every file arrived, and retry automatically if anything is missing. If it still cannot complete, the build is marked as failed, so you never receive a server that stopped halfway.

📡

Monitoring for stutter

We continuously monitor how each server behaves and detect early signs of rubber-banding (stutter). What we find feeds back into how we size and design resources, so play stays smooth.

🏠

Your world survives a reinstall

If you reinstall from the game panel when something goes wrong, your world, your config files and your admin password all remain.

🚀

One-Click Server Optimization

During peak times, you’ll see a notification to “make your server more comfortable,” and you can move to a roomier server with one click. World data and settings transfer seamlessly with no additional charges (patent pending: Application No. 2026-119790). Learn more →

🎮

Crossplay with the Epic edition

Add -crossplay to [ADV] Additional Launch Arguments on the Startup tab and restart, and players on the Epic Games (PC) edition of ARK can join too. How to Enable Crossplay →

GUIDES

Get started with our documentation.

From the first start to joining, setting yourself up as administrator and changing the map or mods — the steps are available in 5 languages.

🚀

Initial Setup

The flow from ordering to connecting, how to check the address, becoming administrator, and all of the Startup tab items. ARK: Survival Evolved – Initial setup →

🔒

Set a Join Password

Setting a join password, for when you want to play only with people you know. How to make your server friends-only →

🗺️

Change the map

How to choose among the 13 official maps, and what to watch for with each plan's memory. How to change the map →

🧩

Add mods

How to find a Steam Workshop ID and how to enter it. How to add mods →

📝

Change the server name

How to change the name shown in the server list. How to change the server name →

🛠️

When the configuration file keeps reverting

What to check when GameUserSettings.ini is reset. GameUserSettings.ini resets →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after signing up can I start playing?
The server is built automatically after your payment. The first build takes about 20 minutes to download the game, and the server starts by itself once the install finishes (starting takes a few minutes). You can connect once 起動しました。コンソールのコマンドを受け付けます (the server has started and is accepting console commands) appears in the console in the game panel. ARK: Survival Evolved – Initial setup →
Do I need to configure ports?
Usually not. Two ports — one for the game and one for queries — are assigned automatically and written into the game settings for you. In rare cases a query port is not assigned, and a note then appears in the console. Add one port under Network in the game panel and restart, and it is used automatically (you do not need to type a number). Initial setup →
How do my friends join?
The address and the query port are shown in the console in the game panel and in 接続情報.txt. Share these with the people you play with. For how to join, please see the initial setup guide. Initial setup →
How do I become an administrator?
The admin password is created automatically for each server and saved in bestnet/admin_password.txt under Files in the game panel. In the game, enter enablecheats followed by it to use the administrator commands. You can also set a value of your own in [ADMIN] Admin Password on the Startup tab. Please do not show the admin password to anyone else. Changing the admin password →
How many players does each plan support?
The starting maximum is Small 20 / Medium 70 / Large 125 players (set automatically to match the memory of your plan). You can change it in [SERVER] Max Players on the Startup tab. How many people can play comfortably depends on the map, the number of dinosaurs and structures, mods and other factors, and it is not a guaranteed figure.
Which plan should I choose?
Maps use different amounts of memory. As a guide: Small (8GB) = TheIsland, Fjordur, Ragnarok and similar; Medium (12GB) = up to Aquatica; Large (24GB) = Gen2, plenty of mods, or larger groups. The number of players, the number of dinosaurs and structures and mods all increase memory use (comfort is not a guaranteed figure). You can move plans up and down with your data intact (when moving down, please mind the disk and the map).
Can I choose the map?
You can choose from the 13 official maps in [WORLD] Map on the Startup tab. Maps use different amounts of memory, and choosing Aquatica on Small, or Gen2 on Small or Medium, can stop the server for lack of memory (a note is shown at startup). We recommend Large for Gen2 and Medium or above for Aquatica. Note: some maps, including Aquatica, are paid DLC for the game. How to change the map →
I want to use a mod that stopped working after Aquatica
Set [UPDATE] Game Version on the Startup tab to preaquatica and the server starts on the version from before Aquatica was added. After switching, the game is downloaded again on the next start (about 15 minutes, and about 18GB of free space is needed temporarily). Everyone joining also needs to set the same version in Steam. Aquatica cannot be selected on this version.
Will my server be okay if the game updates?
The server checks for updates to the latest version every time it starts (when [UPDATE] Update on Start on the Startup tab is on, which is the default). When an update is released, please restart the server (and update the game for everyone joining as well). With it off, people may be unable to join after a game update.
Can I use MODs?
Enter the Steam Workshop IDs, separated by commas, in [MOD] Workshop Mod IDs on the Startup tab and restart; they are downloaded automatically at startup. We do not test individual mods or install them on your behalf, and we cannot guarantee that they work. Some mods use a lot of memory, so please consider a plan with room to spare. How to add mods →
Can I change the experience, taming and harvesting rates?
Yes. Stop the server first, edit the configuration file (GameUserSettings.ini and similar) in the file manager in the game panel, then start it again. Items that are set on the Startup tab (server name, maximum players, passwords and so on) should be changed on the Startup tab. What each setting means and does is part of the game, and we do not guarantee the effect of individual settings. GameUserSettings.ini resets →
Is there any anti-cheat?
The BattlEye anti-cheat is enabled by default (you can switch it with [ADV] BattlEye on the Startup tab).
Can I set a password for joining?
Enter it in [SERVER] Join Password on the Startup tab and restart, and a password is required to join (letters, digits, - and _ only). How to make your server friends-only →
When is the game saved?
The game saves automatically about every 15 minutes with its default settings. The Stop button also saves before stopping (please wait until it has stopped). Separately from that, you can keep 3 / 5 / 10 generations of panel backups, depending on the plan.
Can I join from the PS, Xbox, Switch or mobile editions?
No. Our servers are for the Steam (PC) edition of the game. You can enable crossplay with the Epic Games (PC) edition in the startup settings (How to Enable Crossplay →). Players on the Epic Games version may not be able to join servers running the Aquatica map, the pre-Aquatica version, or mods.
Is this a server for ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA)?
No. These are servers for ARK: Survival Evolved (ASA is a different game).
Can I use clusters (moving characters between several servers)?
We do not offer this at present.
Are prices tax-inclusive?
The prices on this page do not include Japanese consumption tax. The amount actually charged is shown on the order screen before you confirm.
What are the payment methods?
For online self-service payment we accept PayPal, Square and Stripe (credit card). If you would like another payment method, please ask us through a support ticket. Your server is built automatically once payment is complete. How to pay →
How do I cancel? Can I restore from a backup?
Please submit a cancellation request from the client portal. There is no minimum term and no cancellation fee. As billing is monthly only, you can use the service until the last day of the billing period you have already paid for (the day before the next payment date).
Backups can be created and restored from the game panel, and 3 / 5 / 10 generations are kept. When restoring, please do not select "delete all files before restoring" (the game itself is not included in the backup, so the server would no longer start). How to cancel → Restoring from a backup →
Can I change plans?
You can move up and down between the three plans. Your data stays as it is and the difference is settled. Memory and the starting maximum players change to the new plan from the next start after the change (or to the value you set in the panel, if you have set one). When moving to a lower plan, please check that the disk you are using fits the new plan's capacity (Small 50GB / Medium 80GB) and that the map and mods you use fit the new plan's memory.
Can I use RCON?
RCON is not published externally. Admin commands can be run from the console in the game panel.
Can I bring over the world I am playing now?
Yes. Stop the server, upload your world save file (for example TheIsland.ark) to ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks/ using the file manager in the game panel or SFTP, then start the server. The file name must match the map name shown under [WORLD] Map on the Startup tab. For a large world (over 100MB), please use SFTP. Carrying over character and Tribe data depends on how the original world was played, so we cannot guarantee that it will work. Bringing your existing world across →

Your own server.
Head for the island together.

From $13.27 a month you get a dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved server.
No minimum term, cancel at any time.

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