How to configure an ARK server

ARK server configuration is an important process that affects the quality of gameplay and player experience. It allows you to adapt the server to the individual needs of players and the server owner. The administrator can change almost all parameters, from the number of players to the number of dinosaurs on the map. In this guide you will learn how to properly configure your ARK server.
How to configure an ARK server

1. Navigate “Startup” tab and perform basic configuration

Go to the server panel. In the “Servers” tab find your ARK server. Click on your server and find “Startup” tab.

This tab contains the most important parameters of your server. You can change them without editing the configuration file. The table below shows all variables you can change in ‘Startup’ tab:

Variable	Description
Auto-Update Server	If enabled, your server will install updates after restart.
Server Name	The name of the server that will be displayed in the browser.
Max Players	The maximum number of players that can join the game simultaneously.
Server Password	If set, players will be required to enter this password to join the server.
Admin Password	Administrator password required to use commands.
Additional Arguments	Additional startup parameters e.g. -crossplay. Remember to include a hyphen and separate each parameter with a space.
Map	Map of your server.
Battle Eye	Option to enable/disable Battle Eye.
Primitive+ Total Conversion	Option to enable Primitive+.
PvE Enabled	Option to enable PvE.
Dino Multiplier	Dino Multiplier setup for server.
Workshop Mods	The Steam IDs of the mods installed on your server will appear here.

2. Perform more advanced configuration

“Startup” tab contains only few variables. If you want to change more advanced parameters of your server, you must edit Game.ini and GameUserSettings.ini files.

Go to your server panel and navigate “Files” tab. Follow this paths to find .ini files:

/home/container/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini

/home/container/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini

Game.ini – this file can be used for more advanced server modifications (default file is empty)

GameUserSettings.ini – this file contains server variables which you can freely modify (default most of variables is included here but not all – those not included you can find here and enter by yourself)

3. Restart your server

Navigate “Console” tab in your server panel. Click on a “Restart” button to restart your server.

We hope that our intuitive guide has allowed you to manage your ARK server easily. If you want to ask us any questions, feel free to contact us via e-mail, ticket or live chat!