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Auto Run Ark

6 min read Oct 12, 2024
Auto Run Ark

Want Your ARK Server to Start Automatically? Here's How!

Tired of manually launching your ARK server every time you want to play? Setting up an auto run ARK server can save you time and frustration. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your ARK server running automatically, whether you're on Windows or Linux.

Why Auto Run Your ARK Server?

  • Convenience: No more remembering to start the server before joining.
  • Reliability: Ensure your server is always running, even after a system restart.
  • Minimized Downtime: Avoid interruptions to gameplay for your friends or clan members.

Setting Up Auto Run for Your ARK Server

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

  • Windows: Windows Task Scheduler is the built-in tool for automating tasks.
  • Linux: Use systemd services, a powerful and flexible system for managing services.

Step 2: Prepare Your Server

  • ARK Server Configuration: Ensure your ARK server is properly configured and working.
  • Server Files: Locate the ARK server executable file (ARKServer.exe on Windows, ARKServer.sh on Linux).

Step 3: Create a Startup Script (Windows)

  1. Open Task Scheduler: Search for "Task Scheduler" in the Windows search bar.
  2. Create a Basic Task: Click "Create Basic Task" in the right-hand pane.
  3. Name and Description: Give your task a clear name and description (e.g., "ARK Server Auto Start").
  4. Trigger: Choose "When the computer starts" as the trigger.
  5. Action: Select "Start a program" and then browse to your ARK server executable file.
  6. Arguments: Add any necessary command-line arguments for your server (e.g., -port=27015 -QueryPort=27016).
  7. Finish: Review your settings and click "Finish."

Step 4: Create a Startup Script (Linux)

  1. Create a Service File: Open a terminal and create a new file in the /etc/systemd/system/ directory. Name it something descriptive like arkserver.service.

  2. Edit the File: Use a text editor like nano or vim to add the following content:

    [Unit]
Description=ARK Server
After=network.target

[Service]
User=your_user
WorkingDirectory=/path/to/your/ark/server/directory
ExecStart=/path/to/ARKServer.sh -port=27015 -QueryPort=27016
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

    Replace:

    • your_user with your Linux username.
    • /path/to/your/ark/server/directory with the actual directory where your server files are located.
    • /path/to/ARKServer.sh with the path to your ARK server executable.
    • -port=27015 -QueryPort=27016 with any necessary command-line arguments.

  3. Enable and Start the Service:

    • sudo systemctl enable arkserver.service
    • sudo systemctl start arkserver.service

Step 5: Test Your Auto Run

Restart your computer or server. Your ARK server should automatically start up. You can verify this by checking your server logs or by connecting to your server from a game client.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check Permissions: Ensure the user running your server has the necessary permissions to access the server files and execute the startup script.
  • Firewall: Make sure your firewall allows access to the ports your server uses.
  • Log Files: Review the server log files for any error messages that might indicate issues.
  • Service Management: If you're using systemd on Linux, use systemctl status arkserver.service to check the status of your service and see any error messages.

Advanced Configurations

  • Remote Administration: Use tools like TeamViewer or a remote desktop client to manage your server remotely.
  • Automated Backups: Set up regular backups of your server files to prevent data loss.
  • Performance Tuning: Optimize your server's performance for smoother gameplay by adjusting settings like RAM allocation and server tick rate.

Conclusion

Automating your ARK server startup is a simple and effective way to make your server more convenient and reliable. By following these steps, you can ensure your server is always running, even after a system restart, minimizing downtime for you and your fellow players. Enjoy the convenience of a consistently running server!

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