ARK: Survival Evolved Server Hosting

ARK: Survival Evolved on Game Lords

ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival game featuring dinosaurs, crafting, and base building. Our ARK servers support all official maps, mods, and cluster configurations for the ultimate dinosaur survival experience.

Server Setup

Initial Configuration

1. Select “ARK: Survival Evolved” from game list
2. Choose your setup:
   • Map: The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis, etc.
   • Server Type: PvP, PvE, or PvE-Conflict
   • Difficulty: Affects max wild dino levels
   • Mods: Steam Workshop mod support

Recommended Server Specs

Player Count	RAM	CPU	Storage	Map Type
10-20 players	8GB	4 cores	40GB	Standard maps
20-50 players	16GB	6 cores	80GB	Large maps
50-100 players	32GB	8 cores	120GB	Modded/Cluster

Tip

ARK is very resource-intensive. We recommend starting with higher specs than other games.

Game Configuration

GameUserSettings.ini

Primary configuration file for gameplay settings:

[ServerSettings]
# Basic Server Info
SessionName=My ARK Server
ServerPassword=
QueryPort=27015
Port=7777
RCONEnabled=True
RCONPort=32330

# Player and Dino Settings
MaxPlayers=50
DifficultyOffset=1.0
MaxDifficulty=True
ServerPVE=False
AllowFlyerCarryPVE=True

# Rates and Multipliers
XPMultiplier=2.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0
HarvestHealthMultiplier=1.0
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier=0.5

# Structure and Item Settings
StructurePreventResourceRadiusMultiplier=1.0
StructureDamageMultiplier=1.0
ItemStackSizeMultiplier=1.0
StructurePickupTimeAfterPlacement=30.0

# Day/Night and Weather
DayCycleSpeedScale=1.0
NightTimeSpeedScale=1.0
DayTimeSpeedScale=1.0
GlobalSpoilingTimeMultiplier=1.0

Engram and Level Configuration

Customize player progression:

# Level Caps
PlayerMaxLevel=105
DinoMaxLevel=150

# Engram Points
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[0]=1.0  # Health
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[1]=1.0  # Stamina
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[2]=1.0  # Oxygen
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[3]=1.0  # Food
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[4]=1.0  # Water
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[5]=1.0  # Temperature
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[6]=1.0  # Weight
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[7]=1.0  # Melee Damage
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[8]=1.0  # Movement Speed
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[9]=1.0  # Fortitude
PerLevelStatsMultiplier_Player[10]=1.0 # Crafting Skill

Map Management

Official Maps

ARK includes numerous official maps:

Free Maps

• The Island: Original ARK map, balanced for new players
• The Center: Large community map with unique biomes
• Ragnarok: Diverse landscapes with all creatures
• Valguero: Mix of biomes with underground areas
• Crystal Isles: Beautiful crystal-themed map
• Lost Island: Tropical paradise with unique creatures
• Fjordur: Norse-inspired map with multiple realms

DLC Maps

• Scorched Earth: Desert survival with new creatures
• Aberration: Underground radiation survival
• Extinction: Post-apocalyptic with mechanical creatures
• Genesis Part 1: Simulation biomes with missions
• Genesis Part 2: Space station with varied biomes

Map Switching

To change maps:

1. Stop your server
2. Navigate to “Configuration” > “Map”
3. Select new map from dropdown
4. Save configuration and restart
5. New map will generate fresh

Caution

Changing maps will reset all player and structure data unless you have cross-map transfer enabled.

Mod Support

Installing Mods

ARK supports Steam Workshop mods:

1. Find mod on Steam Workshop
2. Copy the mod ID from the URL
3. In control panel, go to “Mods”
4. Add mod ID to mod list
5. Restart server to download and install

Popular Mods

Quality of Life

• Structures Plus (S+): Enhanced building system
• Awesome SpyGlass: Detailed creature information
• Resource Stacks: Increased stack sizes
• Death Recovery Mod: Retrieve items after death

Content Expansion

• Primal Fear: Adds powerful new creatures
• Additional Creatures: More dinosaur varieties
• Ark Additions: High-quality creature additions
• Pyria: Ethereal creature variants

Utility Mods

• HG Stacking Mod: Configurable stack sizes
• Ultra Stacks: Massive stack increases
• Kibble Table: Visual kibble crafting guide
• Dino Storage v2: Pokeball-style dino storage

Mod Configuration

Some mods require additional setup:

1. Check mod description for requirements
2. Edit configuration files if needed
3. Set mod load order (important for compatibility)
4. Test thoroughly after installation

Server Clusters

What is Clustering?

Clustering allows players to transfer characters, items, and dinosaurs between multiple ARK servers.

Setting Up Clusters

1. Create multiple servers with same cluster ID
2. Configure transfer settings in each server
3. Enable cross-ARK transfers in settings
4. Set up shared storage for transfers

Cluster Configuration

[ServerSettings]
# Cluster Settings
ClusterDirOverride=/path/to/cluster/folder
ClusterID=MyClusterName
NoTransferFromFiltering=False

# Transfer Settings
PreventDownloadSurvivors=False
PreventDownloadItems=False
PreventDownloadDinos=False
PreventUploadSurvivors=False
PreventUploadItems=False
PreventUploadDinos=False

Transfer Restrictions

Control what can be transferred:

• Items: Tools, weapons, resources
• Dinosaurs: Tamed creatures
• Characters: Player levels and stats
• Tribe data: Tribe memberships and rankings

Admin Commands

Becoming Admin

Grant yourself admin privileges:

1. Connect to your server
2. Press Tab to open console
3. Type: enablecheats YourAdminPassword
4. You now have admin powers

Essential Admin Commands

Player Management

Kick PlayerName                    # Kick player from server
Ban PlayerName                     # Ban player permanently
Unban PlayerID                     # Remove player ban
ShowMyAdminManager                 # Open admin GUI

Spawning and Items

GiveItemNum ItemID Quantity Quality Blueprint
# Example: GiveItemNum 1 100 0 false (gives 100 simple pistol ammo)

SpawnDino "Blueprint" X Y Z        # Spawn dinosaur at coordinates
DestroyAll ClassName               # Destroy all of specific type
KillPlayer PlayerID                # Kill specific player

Server Control

SaveWorld                          # Force save server data
DoExit                            # Shutdown server gracefully
SetTimeOfDay HH:MM                # Set time (24-hour format)
SetGlobalPause true/false         # Pause/unpause server

Teleportation

TeleportPlayerIDToMe PlayerID      # Teleport player to you
TeleportToPlayer PlayerID          # Teleport to player
SetPlayerPos X Y Z                 # Teleport to coordinates

Dinosaur Management

Taming Configuration

Adjust taming mechanics:

# Taming Speed
TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0

# Dino Spawns
DinoSpawnWeightMultipliers=(DinoNameTag=Dodo,SpawnWeightMultiplier=2.0)

# Dino Damage and Resistance
DinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=1.0
DinoCharacterStaminaDrainMultiplier=1.0
DinoCharacterHealthRecoveryMultiplier=1.0

Wild Dino Management

# Destroy all wild dinos (respawns with new levels)
DestroyWildDinos

# Set wild dino levels
DestroyAll DinoClassname_C

# Prevent specific dino spawns
NPCReplacements=(FromClassName="Dodo_Character_BP_C",ToClassName="")

Breeding Settings

Configure dinosaur breeding:

# Breeding Multipliers
MatingIntervalMultiplier=0.5       # Faster breeding cooldown
EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=3.0        # Faster egg hatching
BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=3.0      # Faster growth
BabyCuddleIntervalMultiplier=0.5   # More frequent imprinting
BabyImprintingStatScaleMultiplier=1.0
BabyCuddleGracePeriodMultiplier=1.0

Performance Optimization

Server Performance Settings

# Graphics and Performance
UseOptimizedArkDb=true
OnlyAllowSpecifiedEngrams=false
bDisableStructurePlacementCollision=false

# Resource Management
ResourceNoReplenishRadiusPlayers=1.0
ResourceNoReplenishRadiusStructures=1.0

# AI and Physics
bForceAllStructureLocking=false
bAllowUnlimitedRespecs=false

Hardware Optimization

• CPU: ARK heavily uses single-core performance
• RAM: More RAM = better performance, especially with mods
• Storage: NVMe SSD recommended for map loading
• Network: Stable connection crucial for large tribes

Regular Maintenance

• Daily: Check for performance issues and player reports
• Weekly: Review logs and restart server
• Monthly: Clean up abandoned structures
• Updates: Install game and mod updates promptly

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Server Won’t Start

Check these potential causes:

• Mod conflicts: Disable mods one by one
• Configuration errors: Validate .ini files
• Corrupted save: Restore from backup
• Insufficient resources: Check RAM and storage

Poor Performance

Performance optimization steps:

1. Monitor resource usage in control panel
2. Reduce structure count with cleanup
3. Limit wild dino spawns in problematic areas
4. Update problematic mods or remove them

Player Connection Issues

• Verify ports: 7777 (game) and 27015 (query)
• Steam connectivity: Check Steam server status
• Version mismatch: Ensure server/client versions match
• Mod synchronization: All players need same mods

Save File Corruption

If save becomes corrupted:

1. Stop server immediately
2. Restore from automatic backup
3. Check storage health for hardware issues
4. Contact support if corruption persists

Tribe and PvP Management

Tribe Settings

Configure tribe mechanics:

# Tribe Limits
MaxNumberOfPlayersInTribe=10
MaxTribesLog=50

# Alliance Settings
MaxAlliancesPerTribe=3
MaxTribesPerAlliance=10

# PvP Settings
bPvPDisableFriendlyFire=false
bPvPDinoDecay=true
PvPStructureDecayPeriodMultiplier=1.0

Raid Protection

For PvE-Conflict or moderated PvP:

• Offline Raid Protection: Structures invulnerable when offline
• Safe Zones: Protected areas for new players
• Scheduled PvP: Specific hours for combat
• Admin Intervention: Manual conflict resolution

Advanced Configuration

Custom Recipes

Create custom engrams and recipes:

1. Use ARK Dev Kit or configuration tools
2. Define custom engram blueprints
3. Set learning requirements and costs
4. Upload to server configuration

Event Configuration

Set up server events:

# Seasonal Events
ActiveEvent=None                   # Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc.
NewYear1UTC=1577836800            # New Year timestamp
NewYear2UTC=1609459200            # Next New Year timestamp

Cross-Platform Play

Enable cross-platform features:

# Epic Games Integration
EpicIntentionalCrossplay=true
CrossplayByDefault=true

Getting Help

ARK Resources

• Official ARK Wiki: Comprehensive game information
• ARK Reddit: r/ARK and r/playarkservers
• Steam Community: Guides and discussions
• YouTube: Video tutorials and showcases

Game Lords ARK Support

Our specialized ARK support includes:

• Cluster setup assistance
• Mod installation and troubleshooting
• Performance optimization
• Save file recovery

When contacting support, provide:

• Server logs and configuration files
• List of installed mods
• Player count and activity patterns
• Specific error messages or symptoms

Survive and thrive in the ARK!