Best ARK Server Hosting (2025): 12 Providers Compared & Ranked

ARK Multiplayer

Looking for the best ARK server hosting to run ARK: Survival Evolved and its DLC maps with smooth tick rates, low ping, and easy mod management? This guide ranks the top ARK server hosting providers for different needs from small groups to multi-cluster communities with an at-a-glance comparison, our scoring method, detailed reviews, and a clear verdict on why Godlike.host is our #1 ARK server hosting company.

At-a-glance comparison (editorial scores)

We scored hosts on Performance (25%), Reliability/Uptime (20%), Support (20%), Workshop/ArkAPI & Plugins (15%), Ease of Use (10%), and Value (10%). See the methodology below.

Overall = weighted editorial average, not a raw benchmark.

Why our #1 is Godlike.host

Godlike.host leads this year because it balances optimal performance (high-clock modern CPUs), a clutter-free control panel with one-click setup, and the features ARK admins actually use: DDoS protection, daily backups, full FTP access, admin password/RCON tools, and automatic updates that keep instances up to date without surprises. You can simply order a plan, watch for the welcome email, create an ARK Survival Evolved server, and start inviting other players within minutes.

The panel exposes the right settings (rates, maps, player slots, mods) without burying you in menus; power users still get full control via SFTP/FTP, RCON, and raw file editing. Latency is consistently low thanks to well-peered POPs and smart routing great for connection quality during boss runs and crowded events. If you plan to run multiple ARK servers or clusters, scaling resources (CPU/RAM/NVMe) is straightforward.

For creators and communities that want to ensure smooth weekends with less babysitting, Godlike.host is the best ARK server hosting choice right now.

Methodology: how we evaluated ARK hosting

To rank ARK server hosting, we focused on factors that directly impact game play:

• Performance & stability: high-clock cores for tick-bound workloads, RAM headroom for mods and dinos, NVMe storage for fast saves.
• Network quality: best networks and server locations close to players for low ping and consistent connection.
• Ease of use: clean control panel, sensible defaults, automatic updates, and instant setup that lets you play, not tinker.
• Mod support: Steam Workshop mods, ArkAPI plugins (where supported), and support for DLC maps/latest versions.
• Backups & security: daily backups, FTP access, RCON, admin password controls.
• Support & policy: how fast the customer support team and docs respond, clarity of rules, first month experience, and competitive pricing/service value.

The 12 best ARK server hosting providers (2025)

For each provider, we include who it’s best for, standout features, and notes for setup/config. Use this to shortlist, then check your exact needs (mods, player slots, region) before ordering.

1) Godlike.host — Best overall ARK Survival Evolved server hosting

• Why it’s #1: High performance on modern CPUs, fast instant server setup, DDoS protection, automatic updates, and daily backups out of the box.
• Panel & access: intuitive control panel with one click toggles; full FTP access for advanced file work; flexible settings for rates, DLC maps, and plugins.
• For whom: creators building clusters, guilds, and streamers who need predictable weekends and quick fixes if something breaks.
• Extras: clear welcome email after purchase; add multiple servers later and keep them on the same machine or region for optimal connection.

2) Apex Hosting — “Just works” onboarding & strong docs

Apex makes the first week painless: you receive a clear welcome email, click through instant setup, and land in a tidy control panel that surfaces the options ARK admins actually touch map choice, player slots, rates, admin password, and mod loaders. Steam Workshop mods install in a few clicks, while full FTP access lets power users edit any file or upload custom configs. The docs walk you through configure steps for DLC maps, cluster transfers, and best practices for backups. With automatic updates and optional maintenance windows, staying up to date is straightforward. Plans are laddered sensibly for growing tribes, and the customer support team tends to respond quickly if you outgrow initial resources during the first month. Good server location coverage means your connection remains stable for boss nights.

Best for: beginners who want polished UX, instant setup, and clear instructions for Steam Workshop mods.

3) G-Portal — High speed servers & official partner vibes

G-Portal leans into network reach and high speed servers. You pick the server location closest to your players, then use the panel to configure rates, engrams, and DLC maps like Fjordur, Ragnarok, and The Center. The UI balances simplicity with control: one click for common tasks, granular text editors for advanced flags. Automatic updates keep latest versions rolling without surprise restarts, and daily backups provide a safety net before patches. Clustered setups for multiple ARK servers are straightforward when you need separate regions or event shards. Pricing is competitive for the performance tier, and the company continues to invest in modern CPUs to keep tick times healthy.

Best for: admins who prioritize network reach and pre-tuned templates for optimal performance.

4) Nitrado — Long-term clusters with automatic update routines

Veteran ARK admins appreciate Nitrado’s long history and predictable tooling. The panel exposes every setting you’d expect maps, player slots, difficulty, and automatic updates while FTP access and RCON unlock deeper control. Schedulers help automate restarts after mod changes, and daily backups can be enabled before big content drops. For communities running persistent clusters, Nitrado’s approach to resources and plan upgrades makes sense: start small, then scale CPU/RAM as soon as your mod list grows. Where supported, you can layer ArkAPI plugins alongside Steam Workshop mods to extend quality-of-life systems.

Best for: admins who want routine auto updates and easy mod housekeeping with consistent service quality.

5) Host Havoc — Reliable, responsive, and easy to live with

Host Havoc focuses on consistent uptime and a “switch-on and play” experience. Provisioning is instant, and the control panel surfaces practical toggles for admin password, difficulty, and DLC maps. For power users, full FTP access and RCON provide complete control over every file and launch flag. The customer support team typically answers tickets fast, which helps when a mod misbehaves before raid night. DDoS protection and sensible backups protect your ark server during peak weekends, while geographic choice of server location helps maintain low ping.

Best for: groups that need “switch on and play” stability from a well-regarded provider.

6) GTXGaming — Deep configuration & one-click libraries

GTXGaming’s appeal is depth. The panel ships with configuration editors for virtually every ARK parameter, so you can configure multipliers, beacon tables, and player slots without memorizing command lines. One click libraries simplify installing Steam Workshop mods and ArkAPI plugins, while full FTP access supports custom scripts and manual overrides. Templates for DLC maps and latest versions keep clusters aligned, and automatic updates plus scheduled reboots keep nodes up to date.

Best for: power users who want to tune everything without losing usability.

7) Shockbyte — Aggressive pricing with fast start

Shockbyte wins attention with competitive pricing and instant setup that gets you from checkout to lobby quickly. The panel is straightforward set the admin password, choose your server location, and start inviting other players. You still get DDoS protection, routine backups, and FTP access for manual edits. For heavily modded clusters, plan extra resources early to avoid slowdowns; upgrading player slots or RAM mid-season is simple. The customer support team is available when you need guidance during the first month, and the knowledge base covers common Steam Workshop workflows.

Best for: budget-first buyers who still want a working ARK stack in minutes.

8) ScalaCube — Simple panel; “spin up more when you need”

ScalaCube offers an approachable web interface with one click flows for instant setup. New admins appreciate the guided configure steps for maps, rates, and player slots, plus quick installers for Steam Workshop mods. If you need to run multiple ARK servers, the panel makes spinning up fresh instances fast, and FTP access is there for deeper file work. Choose a server location near your core players to keep connection quality high.

Best for: casual groups and creators who want to expand clusters gradually.

9) Survival Servers — Experienced, ARK-centric options

With years in the scene, Survival Servers understands the reality of survival servers that run 24/7. The dashboard gives clear visibility into settings, DLC maps, and backups, while advanced users can drop to FTP access to adjust launch params or swap total conversion mods. We like the emphasis on practical templates: pick map + modset, allocate player slots, and go. Multiple server locations allow you to place shards close to regional tribes to protect connection quality.

Best for: admins who prefer a provider steeped in ARK’s quirks.

10) Nodecraft — Polished UI & full control via SFTP

Nodecraft pairs a polished web interface with solid power-user features. New admins can enable automatic updates, set the admin password, and deploy DLC maps in a few clicks. When you need more control, full FTP access and SFTP let you edit any file or automate uploads. We like the way Nodecraft visualizes health: resource graphs help you spot when mods or events push CPU/RAM, making upgrades more predictable.

Best for: teams that want usability plus robust power-user access.

11) ServerBlend — Helpful onboarding & knowledge base

ServerBlend stands out for its comprehensive help system and patient onboarding. After the welcome email, you’ll find a clean panel with preset profiles for popular DLC maps, plus automatic updates that keep latest versions aligned across shards. FTP access and RCON provide low-level control, while the KB shows step-by-step configure guides for Steam Workshop mods and cluster transfers. Billing is flexible for the first month as you test player slots and resources; upgrades are painless.

Best for: admins who prefer methodical, ticket-friendly workflows.

12) PingPerfect — Global POPs & quick responses

PingPerfect targets international groups that need choice. A wide set of server locations helps keep connection quality consistent across continents, and the panel includes all the expected settings—map selection, player slots, admin password, and scheduled tasks. Automatic updates and daily backups provide guardrails before big content drops, and FTP access lets advanced admins tune every file. Response times are solid for routine tickets, and you can scale to multiple ARK servers if events or time zones require parallel shards.

Best for: international groups that need a region close to everyone.

How to choose the right ARK hosting plan

1. Pick the closest region. The right server location equals lower ping and fewer disconnects.
2. List your mods and maps. Steam Workshop mods, ArkAPI plugins, and DLC maps all consume resources; allow headroom.
3. Right-size CPU/RAM. ARK favors strong single-thread clocks and generous RAM. For mods or creature packs (yes, even those “leviathan dinosaurs” from creature-expanding mods), add extra.
4. Decide management style. If you want full root access/full FTP access and manual control, pick a provider with deep tooling; if you prefer automation, prioritize automatic updates and templates.
5. Backups & security. Ensure daily backups, RCON, and admin password controls.
6. Budget & growth. Start small for the first month, then expand player slots/multiple servers as the community grows. Look for competitive pricing and promos for new customers.

Quick ARK setup checklist (to ensure smooth launch)

• Simply order a plan and look for the welcome email (with panel URL and password reset).
• Use instant setup to deploy an ARK Survival Evolved server; verify the connection from your region.
• In the control panel, configure basics: map (The Island “the mysterious island called ARK”), rates, admin password, player slots.
• Add mods from Steam Workshop; install ArkAPI plugins where supported.
• Enable automatic updates and daily backups; keep nodes up to date.
• Invite other players, play a session, then revisit settings for balance and performance.

FAQ

What makes a host the best ARK server hosting pick?

Consistent performance on modern CPUs, strong network peering for low ping, a clean control panel, automatic updates, daily backups, and quick support responses. Pricing matters, but reliability and tooling matter more once your tribe depends on the server.

How many resources do I need for ARK Survival Evolved?

For a small tribe with light mods, start with high-clock CPU and 8–12 GB RAM. For modded clusters, increase RAM and plan for NVMe storage. Add headroom for DLC maps, creature packs, and multiple servers.

Can I import mods from Steam Workshop?

Yes. The top providers integrate Steam Workshop mods; many also support ArkAPI plugins. You can install in the panel with one click and manage via FTP access/SFTP for deeper edits.

Do I get full FTP access and control of files?

Most providers include full FTP access and RCON so you can edit file settings, upload configs, and set the admin password. Power users may also request full root access.

How do automatic updates work?

When enabled, the node will automatically update to latest versions during a quiet window. You can keep instances up to date while avoiding peak time restarts.

Can I run multiple ARK servers or a cluster?

Yes. Many panels let you spin up multiple ARK servers, share configs, and keep player slots balanced. Clusters help split regions or maps for better connection and load.

What if I need help during the first month?

Open a ticket and contact support. The customer support team can help with setup, settings, mod issues, or a plan change if your exact needs shift.