Linux host required
Host The Island or any other map on hardware you already own. NodeMesh installs the dedicated server, keeps it running and relays your friends' connections, so there is nothing to open on your router. It needs a Linux host. For the newer game, see our ARK: Survival Ascended page.
Free on your own PC — one host, no time limit.
Sign up, then paste one command from your dashboard on the PC that will run the server — PowerShell on Windows, a terminal on Linux. The agent installs as a service and pairs with your account.
Choose the game in the panel. NodeMesh downloads the dedicated server, sets it up and starts it, and you watch every step in the live console.
Switch on the traffic relay for the server and the panel gives you a public address. Send it to your friends: their traffic goes through the relay to your PC, so you never open a port on your router.
The memory figures are for the game server alone. If you also play on the same PC, the game itself needs its own memory on top.
ARK: Survival Evolved uses UDP for its game, peer and query ports. NodeMesh relays them to your PC, so you make no changes to your router. Share the address the panel shows.
This is the original ARK: Survival Evolved, not Survival Ascended. The download is large, around 15 to 25 GB, so leave room on the disk. The Config tab explains each multiplier in plain language and writes the server's own ini files, and an admin password is generated for you. NodeMesh also has a Mods tab for Steam Workshop mods by ID, but we have not run it on our own hardware yet, so treat it as experimental.
One host — your own PC — is free with no time limit, for up to 5 game servers: the web panel and console, the config editor, the mod manager, auto-restart on crash and the traffic relay. Extra hosts cost credits.
See pricing →Beta: you can create this server today, but we have not run it on our own hardware yet. Expect rough edges, and tell us what you find.
Our public server list shows the servers that are online right now, with player counts, uptime and game version.
No. The dedicated server is a free download on Steam. NodeMesh fetches it for you anonymously, so no Steam login is stored on your PC. Your friends still need the game to play.
They are different games with different servers. Evolved runs on Linux hosts here, while Ascended needs a Windows host. Players on one cannot join the other.
See the requirements above; they are for the server alone. If you also play on the same PC, the game needs its own memory on top.
Yes. The Config tab explains each multiplier in plain language and writes the server's ini files.
Yes, for one host. Running game servers on your own PC is free with no time limit — up to 5 servers, traffic relay included. You only pay, in credits, if you add more hosts.
Create an account, install the agent and pick the game. One host is free with no time limit.
Create a free account