ARK Survival Ascended: how much RAM for a server
How much RAM to plan for a dedicated ARK ASA server, depending on players and mods, and which ACLClouds plan to start with.
ARK Survival Ascended (ASA) uses a lot of memory, and the amount varies with the map, the number of players, the creatures present and the mods. The figures below are orders of magnitude to check on your own server, not a promise.
- For a small ARK ASA server without mods, plan at least 12 to 16 GB of RAM, to be checked.
- RAM rises with players, structures and above all mods.
- Measure the process memory after an hour of play, then keep a margin.
Orders of magnitude
For a dedicated ARK ASA server without mods, with few players and a single map, plan on at least 12 to 16 GB of RAM in general. Memory grows with the number of connected players, the structures and the creatures, then strongly with mods. These values are general estimates, to be checked according to mods and players.
- Small private server, few players, no mods: from 12 to 16 GB of RAM, to be checked.
- Ten players or more, many structures: plan more, and measure before fixing the plan.
- With mods, the margin must increase noticeably, depending on the mods chosen.
Measure the real consumption
Once the server is running, measure the memory of its process rather than the total of the machine. On Windows, Task Manager shows the server process. Stable RAM after an hour of play matters more than the peak at startup.
- Start the server, wait for the map to load, then note the memory of the process.
- Note it at several moments: after an hour, when players join, after a backup.
- Keep a comfortable margin, for example 20 %, for peaks and for the operating system.
Which ACLClouds plan to choose
The ARK ASA configuration files are in a WindowsServer folder, so a Windows RDP VPS is the most direct choice. The Mini RDP plan, with 8 GB, is tight for the estimates above; the Essentiel plan, with 16 GB, is the starting point for a small private server.
- Mini RDP, 8 GB, 7.49 EUR per month: too tight for most ARK ASA servers.
- Essentiel RDP, 16 GB, 14.99 EUR per month: the starting point for a small private server.
- Performance RDP, 48 GB, 32.99 EUR per month: for more players or mods, with room to spare.
Frequently asked questions
Is an 8 GB plan enough for ARK ASA?
For a very light server, perhaps. Most servers need more. Start with the 16 GB Essentiel plan, measure, then decide whether the Mini plan is enough.
Does the processor matter as much as RAM?
It matters too, especially with many players. Check the processor load during play, in addition to memory, before concluding that the plan is too small.
Can I run ARK ASA on a Linux VPS?
It is not the most direct route, since ARK ASA server configuration is done on Windows. A Linux VPS needs a compatibility layer that you set up and validate yourself, according to the game documentation.