: Praised by some for 24/7 customer service and offering a "cluster" deal (multiple maps) for around $28. The "Report" on Buying vs. Hosting
: Often cited as a high-performance alternative for PC and crossplay, starting at roughly $16 per month. buy ark server
The cost of renting a server has increased with the newer version of the game. For ARK: Survival Ascended , prices often sit around $30 per month, compared to the roughly $15 per month typically seen for the original Survival Evolved . : Praised by some for 24/7 customer service
: If you plan to use mods, check if the host has an easy-to-use mod installer. Modded servers can be confusing for new players and may require higher RAM. The cost of renting a server has increased
Buying an has become a central topic of debate among players, especially following the release of ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA). While Nitrado remains the officially partnered host, the community report on value and performance varies significantly depending on your needs. Current Market Landscape
Experienced players frequently suggest if you have the hardware, as it avoids monthly fees and provides total control. Rented Hosting (e.g., Nitrado) Self-Hosting (Dedicated PC) Ease of Use Very High; automated updates. Low; requires technical setup. Cost ~$15–$30/month. Free (after hardware cost/electricity). Hardware Shared/VPS; can experience lag. Total control over RAM/CPU power. Consoles Often the only way to get a private server. Difficult; requires specific versions (e.g., MS Store). Key Considerations Before Buying