Difference Between Dedicated Server Ark and Non-Dedicated Server ARK

Comparison Dedicated Server Updated on : July 30, 2025

When it comes to Ark: Survival Evolved, server: Dedicated and Non-Dedicated servers, one of the vital factors of this experience is the choice between dedicated and non-dedicated servers.  
 
In this blog, we will carefully assess and examine both ark-dedicated and non-dedicated servers, which will help you make informed decisions. Each variant presents distinct advantages and drawbacks, necessitating a comprehensive understanding before making a choice.

Let’s first understand: What is Ark?

Ark: Survival Evolved is an adventure game developed by Studio Wildcard in 2017, where players have to survive on an island amongst dinosaurs, leviathans, and other monstrous creatures while fighting against them.

It is backed by major platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo switch, Android and iOS. ARK allows you to choose between two modes: you can play the game from either a first-person or third-person perspective, no matter the type of dedicated or non-dedicated server. ARK offers multiple game modes, including ARK single-player and multiplayer options. While the single-player mode lets you explore solo, multiplayer requires choosing a server type. 

ARK allows for single or multiplayer options, and depending on the server, the number of players can vary significantly. There are numerous ark dedicated server vs non-dedicated options available on the market, and you can opt for this option if you want.

Why Do You Need a Server to Play ARK?

ARK is unique because it supports different gameplay experiences depending on the server and mode you choose. Depending on the server and mode you select, your gaming experience can be different from that of other players.

The primary benefit of a server to play Ark is that it helps to decrease latency. It also offers a seamless gaming experience with enhanced security and increased adaptability to accommodate larger gaming parties.

Most players experience these advantages when they go with ARK server hosting. A dedicated server may be the better option, but there are some obstacles where players may opt for a non-dedicated server. Let’s understand both dedicated and non-dedicated server Ark. If you play in ARK single player mode, you don’t need a server. However, for multiplayer sessions, a dedicated or non-dedicated server ensures better performance and stability.

Benefits of Dedicated Servers in ARK 

Most players experience these advantages when they go with ARK server hosting. A dedicated server may be the better option, but there are some obstacles where players may opt for a non-dedicated server. Let’s understand both dedicated and non-dedicated server Ark. 

---

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a hosting setup where all resources are exclusively allocated to a single application or purpose. When speaking about gaming, especially in games like ARK: Survival Evolved, a dedicated server is set up by a player to host gameplay sessions, depending on themselves and their selected player group.

This hosting arrangement makes sure that 100% of the server’s resources are dedicated to running the game and supporting the gameplay experience for the particular group. Just like other standard servers offered by the game developers, where resources are shared among numerous players, a dedicated server provides more control and personalized options.

Pros and Cons of a Dedicated Server

While dedicated servers sound appealing, they also come with some drawbacks you should consider.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of an Ark dedicated server:

Pros of a Dedicated Server

• Reduce delay during gameplay due to unrestricted access to bandwidth resources.
• Your gameplay will run more seamlessly as you are not depending on random party hosts to support your Ark lobby.
• You are less likely to be the target of a cyberattack because the only things on your server are Ark gaming software and the software to run your server.
• By simply scaling the resources of their server, players can adjust the size of their party.

Cons of a Dedicated Server

• Running a dedicated server can be expensive, as dedicated servers run around the clock.
• If you choose to develop your own server, you may need to purchase another PC or console to play Ark.
• If you are running your own server, you may be responsible for regular hardware and software maintenance checks.

---

What is a Non-Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server allocates all of its resources to a single player group, while a non-dedicated server splits its resources across multiple platforms. Because it isn’t available to the general public, think of a non-dedicated server as a middle ground between a public and dedicated server. But it’s not currently restricted to any specific platform or group of Arks.

Pros and Cons of Non-Dedicated Server

Pros of Non-Dedicated Server

• You can host and play on the same device with a non-dedicated server, eliminating the need for a separate machine.
• The setup ARK server cost for a non-dedicated server is usually lower.
• Although resources are shared, there are usually few security problems.

Cons of Non-Dedicated Server

• Non-dedicated servers don’t offer much possibility for expansion as the server resources like software, OS, bandwidth, and hard drive space are pre-set.
• A non-dedicated server’s gameplay may have choppy, slower gameplay with frequent disconnections.
• Non-dedicated servers do not always guarantee availability, in contrast to dedicated servers.

What is a non-dedicated server example?  

A non-dedicated server refers to a hosting environment where multiple users share the same physical server and its resources. Two common types of non-dedicated hosting are Shared Hosting and Virtual Private Servers (VPS).

For example, a personal blog or portfolio website, such as abcblog.com, that receives low traffic and mainly serves content or personal branding, would typically use shared hosting. This is because shared hosting is affordable, beginner-friendly, and requires no server management skills, making it ideal for small websites and first-time users. 

---

Dedicated vs. Non-Dedicated ARK Server

Dedicated ARK Server	Non-Dedicated ARK Server
Hosting costs are high	Hosting costs are low
Ensure Simultaneous Gameplay by allowing hosting and playing simultaneously	Simultaneous gameplay, along with hosting, may not be possible
Highly scalable, you can adjust resources as per requirements.	Limited scalability, preset resources
Higher performance and dedicated resources for gameplay	Lower performance and shared resources may cause lag
More secure due to exclusive resource allocation	Shared resources, but security concerns are minimal

Final Verdict: Ark Dedicated Server Hosting vs Non-Dedicated Server Hosting

Hosting dedicated or non-dedicated ARK servers has its own advantages and drawbacks. Dedicated servers can be the most costly, but they offer more control and dependability. While non-dedicated ones are less expensive, they could have problems. Overall, the decision to choose between them is ultimately yours. If you are confused about selecting the best dedicated server, HostingSeekers has a list of the best dedicated server groups that will help you select the game hosting server as per your requirements.

For those seeking an affordable and reliable option, Hostinger offers a cheap and reliable VPS Hosting for Ark.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: Dedicated servers vs. non-dedicated servers in ARK gameplay, what is the primary difference?

Ans: Dedicated ARK servers offer a range of extensive resources for hosting Ark gameplay, while a non-dedicated server shares resources among players, potentially impacting performance.

Q 2: Which server is more expensive, dedicated or non-dedicated?

Ans: A dedicated server can be more expensive, but it can give you a plethora of benefits and features. Non-dedicated servers can be economical but have many drawbacks.

Q 3: Which server offers more scalability?

Ans: Dedicated servers provide better scalability as resources can be adjusted as required. Also, non-dedicated servers have limited scalability options.

Q 4. What’s the difference between single player and non-dedicated server Ark

Ans: In Single Player mode, the game runs entirely on your own device. You play alone in a private world, and everything (creatures, structures, time) is paused when you log out. It’s ideal for players who want to experience the game solo without any external interference or needing an internet connection.  

In contrast, a Non-Dedicated Server is a multiplayer mode hosted by one player, allowing friends to join their game session. However, there’s a tether distance, which means other players cannot move too far from the host. If they do, they’re pulled back toward the host’s location. It’s great for casual co-op play, but limited in freedom and performance.

Q 5. Is it better to run a dedicated server in ARK?

Ans: Yes, if you’re looking for the best multiplayer experience, it’s better to run a dedicated server. A dedicated server allows multiple players to join a persistent world without the limitations of tethering. The server can run 24/7, supports mods, and offers full control over settings (e.g., taming speed, XP rates, PvP rules). It also improves stability since it’s not tied to a player’s device. You can run it on a separate machine or rent one from hosting providers.

Q 6. What happens when you host a non-dedicated server in ARK?

Ans: When you host a non-dedicated server in ARK, your game becomes a temporary multiplayer session where friends can join. However, players are restricted by a tether distance, meaning they must stay close to the host, or they’ll be pulled back