This coming weekend, Jan 31st - Feb 2nd, I'll be moving the Ark servers from the Linux VM onto a new VM running Windows Server 2019. I can't give a specific time since I'm not sure when I'll be available to do the transfer, but it shouldn't take long to perform.
Some big pros:
- We will be getting our Ark API plugins back that we used to use with things like chat icons, chat colors, ark shops, special commands, etc.
- The servers will be running on on a server management software so there will be even less downtime, and I won't need to spend as much time scripting the services. Configurations will be simpler as well. This includes hourly auto-update checks.
- Donation perks and player titles will be making its way back into Ark due to the plugin options.
Cons:
- RAM usage will go up 15%ish per server, possibly more.
- Longer startup times for servers.
As much as I dislike the extra resource usage of windows, Ark devs have shown that Linux support will always take a backseat. I plan on keeping the Linux VM operational for Starbound, some Ark RCON tracking, and other future applications.
Server ports for current Ark servers are going to change as well. Configurations are going to be modified slightly too (nothing major to current settings). With the server manager we get some more configuration options that weren't available before. Things like cross Ark server transfer decay times will be increased to prevent loss of uploaded personal things. There will be a large update thread in the forums with all of the changes and plugin information.
Extinction:
ark.happydiggers.net:27015
Valguero:
ark.happydiggers.net:28015
CrystalIsles:
ark.happydiggers.net:29015
vBulletin Message