ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) is the Unreal Engine 5 remake of ARK: Survival Evolved. It has significantly higher server requirements than its predecessor.
Server Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| CPU | 4 cores, 3.5 GHz | 6+ cores, 4.0 GHz |
| Storage | 30 GB SSD | 60 GB NVMe |
| OS | Windows Server / Linux | Windows Server (primary support) |
| Network | 10 Mbps upload | 50+ Mbps upload |
ASA servers are notably heavier than ARK: SE servers. The Unreal Engine 5 remake demands more RAM and CPU for world simulation, tamed dino management, and structure rendering.
Key Configuration
- Map: TheIsland_WP (default), or DLC maps
- Max Players: Default 70, configurable
- Taming Speed: Configurable multiplier
- XP Rate: Configurable multiplier
- Mods: Supported via CurseForge integration
Hosting Options
| Option | Cost | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted VPS | 15-40 EUR/mo | High |
| Managed game host | 20-50 EUR/mo | Low |
| Home server | Free + electricity | High + bandwidth |
For VPS hosting, you need a plan with at least 16 GB RAM and NVMe storage.
FAQ
How much RAM does an ARK: ASA server need? Minimum 16 GB. 32 GB recommended for multiple players and mods.
Can I run ASA on a free VPS? No. ASA requires far too much RAM and CPU for free tier VPS options.
Is ARK: ASA harder to host than ARK: SE? Yes. ASA requires approximately double the resources.