From what I understand, Steam on Raspberry Pi uses Box86 to run x86 binaries. This is a dynamic recompilation technique. When I tested Box86Ok let’s hope the OP tries it out.
viewtopic.php?p=1882600#p1882600
it was seven times faster than QEMU but still three times slower than native code.
Given the rate of development, I would expect the performance of Box86 to be better now.
Suppose a miracle happened and Box86 archives 75 percent of native performance and moreover that the ARK server is Box86 compatible. Thus, in the best case scenario a Pi 5 emulates a
2.4 * .75 = 1.8 GHz x86
According to Scratchy performance is more likely equivalent to 800 MHz and for the ARK server to immediately crash at launch.
Never mind that scratchy kitten.
The server recommendations at
https://linuxbuz.com/best-resources/ark ... quirements
imply 1.8 GHz, if possible and compatible, is still off-the-charts slow. Purr noted those charts are not self consistent and appear made up from anecdotal evidence not testing. Kittens are also good at making things up. Purr claims a Pi 5 with 8 GB and an SSD is perfect for 3 people.
The third kitten shyly mewed, a person might look at the screen while playing, so better host ARK on an x86 miniPC or free-tier x86 cloud server.
Statistics: Posted by ejolson — Sat Nov 29, 2025 2:52 am