How to Find Cheap ARK Server Hosting Without Sacrificing Performance
If you’ve had enough of lag, disconnections, and packed official servers, renting a server for ARK is a great option. Let’s be realistic, though—most of you won’t want to waste a fortune. Cheap ARK server hosting can be hard to find, but you need not worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll tell you what you need to set up a server for ARK, where to get the cheapest ARK server hosting, and how to easily rent a server for ARK.
ARK Server Hosting Requirements
Before you begin to host, you need to know what your server requires. ARK is a resource-hungry game, so it’s not a great idea to cut corners on resources, or you might get lag, crashes, or slower loading times. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Minimum Requirements:
- CPU – a minimum of 4 cores (high clock speed is better)
- RAM – 8GB (though 16GB+ is better for large servers)
- Storage – 50GB SSD (it is faster compared to HDD)
- Internet Speed – 10 Mbps upload/download (more is better for smooth multiplayer)
These are just the minimums. If you want a large server with many players, mods, or multiple maps, you will need more capability.
How to Find the Cheapest ARK Server Hosting
When searching for affordable ARK server hosting, it’s essential to balance cost and performance. Here’s what to consider:
1. Flexible Pricing Models
- Look for hosts that offer pay-as-you-go pricing or allow you to adjust resources as needed. This way, you only pay for what you use, avoiding unnecessary costs.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
- Some providers advertise low prices but charge extra for essential features like DDoS protection, mod support, or additional player slots. Always check what’s included before committing.
3. Prioritize Performance Over Cost
- While affordability is important, a cheap server is useless if it results in lag and downtime. Make sure the provider offers:
- Low ping for smooth gameplay
- SSD storage for fast loading times
- 99.9% or higher uptime for uninterrupted sessions
To get the best value, choose powerful and affordable servers that deliver high performance without breaking the bank. A great hosting provider ensures smooth gameplay, reliable uptime, and a lag-free experience, making your ARK adventure truly enjoyable!
Renting an ARK Server
The process of renting a server for ARK is easy. There are two primary options:
1. Dedicated Game Host Services
These services provide game server delivery. They provide a hassle-free setup, maintenance done automatically, and support for mods. In order to provide a smooth experience, this option is deemed more suitable.
2. Self-Hosted on a VPS or Dedicated Machine
To self-host an ARK server on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or a dedicated machine, you need technical know-how. It is a money saver in the long run, though you need to set it up, maintain it, and repair it if something happens to it.
Top 3 Cheap ARK Server Providers to Try
We’ve put together a short list of the most popular providers that also offer services at a very affordable rate, thus not sacrificing performance at all.
1. Godlike Hosting
Let’s be honest—finding affordable ARK hosting that doesn’t lag like crazy when your base gets massive is tough. That’s where Godlike.host really shines. Based in Romania, they’ve become the go-to option for ARK players who want serious performance without emptying their wallets.
Imagine pressing “purchase” and immediately jumping into your new ARK world—no waiting, no delays. That’s the Godlike experience. Their servers run on powerful AMD Ryzen processors with speedy SSD storage, which means those resource-intensive ARK worlds load quickly and run smoothly, even when you’ve got a ridiculous number of structures and tamed creatures.
Why Godlike Has Become a Player Favorite
One thing that genuinely impressed me was their approach to what should be standard features. While other providers nickel-and-dime you for essentials, Godlike includes DDoS protection and regular backups (up to three daily) without charging extra. Their support team typically responds within 20 minutes—essential when server issues threaten to derail your carefully planned dino breeding program.
With 10 data centers strategically positioned around the globe, you can select a location that minimizes latency for your tribe members. Their mod system simplifies what’s traditionally been one of ARK’s biggest hurdles, making custom gameplay configurations accessible even if you’re new to server management.
Pricing
- Clever Plan: 30 slots, 8GB RAM — $22.39/month (normally $31.99)
- Growth Plan: 50 slots, 10GB RAM — $27.99/month (normally $39.99)
- Massive Plan: 80 slots, 12GB RAM — $33.59/month (normally $47.99)
- Community Plan: 100 slots, 16GB RAM — $33.59/month (normally $55.99)
For small tribes just starting their ARK journey, the Clever plan offers excellent value. What’s particularly impressive is their Community plan—it’s priced identically to their Massive plan but gives you 20 more slots and 4GB more RAM, making it perfect for established tribes looking to grow their player base.
2. Dathost
If complicated server setups make your head spin, DatHost deserves your attention. This Stockholm-based provider has earned their reputation by stripping away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing performance.
Their global network is genuinely impressive, with servers in 33 locations worldwide. Whether your tribe spans continents or you’re all local, everyone benefits from connection stability—crucial during those nail-biting moments when you’re tranquilizing that perfect high-level creature.
The Swedish Simplicity Approach
The technical foundation here is rock-solid. Every ARK server runs on premium AMD Ryzen 7900 CPUs paired with lightning-fast DDR5 ECC RAM and enterprise-grade SSDs. In practical terms, this translates to gameplay that stays responsive even when your tribe decides to build an unnecessarily elaborate base with hundreds of structures.
Where many players find true value is in DatHost’s approach to customization. Their streamlined mod installation system eliminates the usual frustration—simply provide the mod ID or upload your file, and the system handles everything else. No more digging through configuration files or struggling with compatibility issues.
Pricing
- Base Plan: €12.90/month with unlimited player slots
- Quarterly Subscription: Save 10% (approximately €11.61/month)
- Annual Subscription: Save 20% (approximately €10.32/month)
The beauty of DatHost’s pricing lies in its transparency—one straightforward plan with unlimited slots and meaningful discounts for commitment. For tribes planning to build a long-term ARK community, that 20% annual discount represents significant savings over time.
3. Apex Hosting
Experience matters in the server hosting world—and since 2013, Apex has been refining their craft. Originally focused on Minecraft, they’ve successfully applied their expertise to ARK: Survival Ascended, creating a service that anticipates and solves common frustrations before they arise.
Their control panel stands as a testament to thoughtful design. ARK’s labyrinth of configuration options becomes surprisingly manageable through Apex’s intuitive interface. You’ll find yourself tweaking spawn rates and adjusting difficulty settings with confidence, without the overwhelming sensation that you might accidentally turn your dinosaurs into super-predators (unless that’s what you want).
The Veteran Provider With a Twist
The automated backup system deserves special mention. We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when something goes wrong with a server save. Apex’s regular backup schedule means you can restore to previous states when inevitable glitches occur—because in ARK, it’s rarely a question of if something will break, but when.
Their modpack implementation streamlines the customization process beautifully. Select your desired mods, click, and you’re set—allowing you to focus on more important decisions, like whether your next taming project should be a T-Rex or that colorful Argentavis you spotted.
Pricing
- Premium Plan: $38.99/month with 12GB RAM and unlimited player slots
- Special Offer: 30% off your first invoice with code “SPRINGTOLIFE”
While Apex commands a premium price point, their infrastructure stability and responsive support team deliver peace of mind that budget options often can’t match. Think of it as investing in comprehensive server protection—it might seem unnecessary until that critical moment when you need to recover your meticulously bred dinosaur lineage after a server hiccup.
Final Thoughts
For a smooth ARK adventure without hitches, it is crucial to get affordable yet reliable ARK server hosting. Ensure you get a server company that meets the ARK server hosting requirements – you do not need unexpected crashes to ruin your game! Be cautious and check if you require the cheapest ARK server hosting or if you’re willing to go for a slightly higher-budget option!
What’s keeping you waiting? Lease an ARK server today, build a team, and begin playing survival mode hassle-free. The island won’t take care of itself – invite your pals.
