Short Answer: Single Player mode in ARK runs locally on your device, offering offline play with no multiplayer interaction. Non-Dedicated Server allows you to host a session on your machine, enabling limited multiplayer with friends but requiring them to stay near the host. Single Player prioritizes performance and control, while Non-Dedicated Servers sacrifice stability for shared gameplay.
What Is Dedicated Hosting and How Does It Work?
What Defines Single Player and Non-Dedicated Server Modes in ARK?
Single Player mode is a self-contained experience where the game runs entirely on your local machine. All data—world state, creatures, and structures—are stored locally. Non-Dedicated Server mode lets you host a session on your device, allowing up to 4 players (depending on platform) to join, but with a critical limitation: guests must stay within a ~180-meter radius of the host.
How Do Performance and Latency Compare Between Modes?
Single Player typically offers smoother performance since it avoids network latency. Non-Dedicated Servers suffer from “host tethering,” where guests experience lag when moving away from the host. For example, dinosaur AI pathfinding may break for remote players. The host’s hardware also directly impacts guest experiences—a mid-tier PC might struggle with multiple players in demanding biomes like the Volcano.
Performance differences become stark during large-scale operations. In Single Player, rendering massive bases with dozens of dinosaurs maintains stable FPS because the game doesn’t need to synchronize data across devices. Non-Dedicated Server hosts often see CPU usage spike to 90%+ when managing player actions, creature behaviors, and environmental calculations simultaneously. Memory allocation is another key factor: hosting a server consumes 2-3GB more RAM than Single Player, which can cause crashes on systems with less than 16GB total memory.
| Performance Metric | Single Player | Non-Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Average Latency | 0ms | 50-200ms |
| Max Player Distance | N/A | 180 meters |
Which Mode Provides Better Gameplay Flexibility?
Single Player allows full control over game settings via sliders for XP rates, taming speed, and resource respawn. Non-Dedicated Servers retain these customization options but impose the tether distance limit. Mod support varies: Steam users can implement mods in both modes, while console players face restrictions in Non-Dedicated setups due to platform limitations.
What Are the Key Pros and Cons of Each Mode?
Single Player Pros: No latency, full world access, pause functionality. Cons: No collaboration, limited raid defense options. Non-Dedicated Pros: Shared base building, cooperative taming. Cons: Host must be online for access, tethering disrupts exploration, and save files risk corruption if the host crashes during multiplayer sessions.
The tethering limitation in Non-Dedicated Servers creates unique challenges during exploration. While players can theoretically split up within the 180-meter bubble, crossing rivers or climbing cliffs often forces the group to move as a unit. This constraint makes coordinated resource gathering inefficient compared to Dedicated Servers. However, for short play sessions focused on boss fights or targeted taming, the mode works adequately. Single Player’s unrestricted exploration allows for elaborate megastructure projects but lacks the thrill of defending against other human players during raids.
| Scenario | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|
| Solo base building | Single Player |
| 4-player dino taming | Non-Dedicated |
| Cross-map exploration | Dedicated Server |
How Does Cross-Platform Compatibility Differ?
Single Player saves are platform-specific—Xbox saves won’t transfer to PlayStation. Non-Dedicated Servers have stricter cross-platform rules: Xbox and Windows 10 can crossplay via Xbox Live, while Steam and Epic Games users face compatibility hurdles. Crossplay often disables mods due to version synchronization issues between platforms.
Expert Views: Industry Insights on ARK Server Choices
“The tethering in Non-Dedicated Servers exists to minimize desynchronization errors,” explains a network engineer from Studio Wildcard. “ARK’s complex creature AI and building physics require constant host-device validation. While frustrating, it prevents game-breaking glitches when players explore separately. For serious tribes, we always recommend Dedicated Servers—the investment pays off in scalability.”
Conclusion: Choosing the Right ARK Experience
Single Player excels for solo survivalists wanting unfettered control, while Non-Dedicated Servers offer a middle ground for small groups unwilling to rent dedicated hardware. Consider your priorities: immersion versus collaboration, performance versus shared progression. Both modes serve distinct niches in ARK’s ecosystem, but neither replaces the stability of true Dedicated Servers for large-scale gameplay.
FAQ: Single Player vs. Non-Dedicated Server ARK
- Q: Can I transfer my Single Player save to a Non-Dedicated Server?
- A: Yes, but only on the same platform. Locate your save files (typically in /ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks) and copy them to the host device’s corresponding directory.
- Q: Does the tether distance increase with better hardware?
- A: No—it’s hardcoded into ARK’s network architecture. Mods can remove it on PC, but this often causes crashes during extended play sessions.
- Q: Which mode has better dinosaur spawn rates?
- A: Rates are identical, but Single Player lets you adjust the “Dino Count” slider up to 3x without mods. Non-Dedicated Servers cap at 1.5x to preserve host-device performance.