ARK
How to set up an ARK: Survival server (and fix common errors)
ARK servers are heavy, so give them enough RAM and be patient on first start. These steps apply to ARK: Survival Evolved. Survival Ascended works similarly, but its files and ports differ slightly, so check the details shown in your panel.
Recommended RAM
Start at 6 GB for a small group and go to 8 to 12 GB or more for big tribes, many mods or several maps. Survival Ascended needs more than Evolved.
Set up
- Order an ARK server on our Discord and tell us the map you want.
- Start the server and wait for the first load, which can take several minutes.
- Edit GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini in the config folder (they are under ShooterGame/Saved/Config) while the server is stopped.
- Save, then start the server again.
Popular settings (GameUserSettings.ini)
- ServerPassword and ServerAdminPassword
- XPMultiplier, TamingSpeedMultiplier, HarvestAmountMultiplier
- DifficultyOffset and OverrideOfficialDifficulty=5.0 for level 150 wild dinos
Mods
Add mod IDs to ActiveMods in GameUserSettings.ini on Evolved, or use the mod list in your panel on Ascended. The server downloads them on start.
Join the server
Search for it in the Unofficial list, or add it with the IP and query port in the Steam server browser favorites.
Common errors
- Server not in the list: wait a few minutes after start, check the Unofficial and "Show player servers" filters, or join directly by IP and query port.
- "Mod download failed" or mod mismatch: restart the server and make sure players have the same mods.
- "Version mismatch": the game or the server updated. Update both and restart.
- Crash after an update: wait for the matching server build and restart.
- Very slow start: normal for big maps and many mods.