ARK: Server configuration
This guide was created with the following products:
(Details may vary with products from different providers but the main concepts remain the same)
Server Configuration
The configuration of an ARK game server may cause confusion and helplessness for some people. However, there is a reason for this. ARK provides a lot of configuration options for the game. Additionally, the configuration takes place in different configuration files, where you also have to pay attention to which commands belong in which file. In this guide we would like to give you a better overview of how the configuration of an ARK game server works.
Differences between configuration files
The configuration of the ARK game server takes place via the configuration files GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. You can modify them either via our Webinterface under Configs or via FTP.
Configuration file | Webinterface | FTP |
---|---|---|
GameUserSettings.ini | Gameserver Administration -> Configs ->GameUserSettings.ini | ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ |
Game.ini | Gameserver Administration -> Configs ->Game.ini | ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ |
The GameUserSettings.ini configuration file contains options for both the game client and the server. Options for the game client are not used by the server. Server options are specified in the [ServerSettings] section, which are usually located at the end of the file. For advanced modifications, such as changing engram points or XP rewarded per level, disabling certain content, or customizing player tastes, the Game.ini configuration file is used.
Configuration
In the following we explain the two configuration files. We will explain the most common commands and how they work.
Configuration: Map
ARK offers different maps that can be played on the server. You can choose which map you want to play in the webinterface under settings.
Maps | Published | Command name |
---|---|---|
The Island | 02.06.2015 | TheIsland |
The Center | 17.05.2016 | TheCenter |
Scorched Earth | 01.09.2016 | ScorchedEarth_P |
Ragnarok | 12.06.2017 | Ragnarok |
Aberration | 12.12.2017 | Aberration_P |
Extinction | 06.11.2018 | Extinction |
Valguero | 18.06.2019 | Valguero_P |
Genesis | 25.02.2020 | Genesis |
Crystal Isles | 11.06.2020 | CrystalIsles |
Simply enter the command name of the map in the Map field and it will be loaded the next time you start your server.
Configuration: Gameusersettings.ini
[ServerSettings]
allowThirdPersonPlayer
This command defines whether the 3rd person perspective should be activated or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
AllowCaveBuildingPvE
This command defines whether to allow building structures in caves (when PVE mode is active) or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
alwaysNotifyPlayerJoined
This command defines whether players will receive a notification when a player enters the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
alwaysNotifyPlayerLeft
This command defines whether players will receive a notification when a player leaves the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
bAllowFlyerCarryPvE
This command defines whether players are allowed to pick up dinosaurs with a flying dinosaur or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
bDisableStructureDecayPvE
This command disables the progressive decay of player buildings.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
DayCycleSpeedScale
This command defines the scaling factor for the time lapse in ARK and controls how often day turns into night and night into day. The default value of 1 provides the same cycle speed as in single player mode (and on the official public servers). Values lower than 1 slow down the cycle, higher values speed it up. 1 minute of real time means about 28 minutes of game time. So for an approximate 24-hour day/night cycle in the game, the value .035 should be used.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DayTimeSpeedScale
This command defines the scaling factor for the elapsing of time in ARK during the day. Determines the scaling factor for the passage of time in ARK during the day. The value determines the length of each day, relative to the length of each night (as determined by NightTimeSpeedScale. Decreasing this value increases the length of each day.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
NightTimeSpeedScale
This command defines the scaling factor for the time passing in ARK during the night time. The value determines the length of each night, relative to the length of each day (as determined by DayTimeSpeedScale. Decreasing this value increases the length of each night.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier
This command defines the food consumption of a dinosaur. A higher value increases the food consumption (the dinosaurs become more hungry). It also affects the taming times.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoCharacterHealthRecoveryMultiplier
This command defines the health regeneration of a dinosaur. A higher value increases the speed of regeneration and a lower value makes it slower.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoCharacterStaminaDrainMultiplier
This command defines how fast a dinosaur gets tired. A higher value increases the speed of regeneration and a lower value makes it slower.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoCountMultiplier
This command defines how many dinosaurs should spawn. A higher value will increase the chance of dinosaurs spawning on the map and a lower value will decrease the chance of dinosaurs spawning.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoDamageMultiplier
This command defines how much damage a dinosaur does. A higher value increases the damage and a lower value again does less damage.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
DinoResistanceMultiplier
This command defines the resistance of a dinosaur. A higher value increases the resistance of a dinosaur.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
globalVoiceChat
This command defines whether the global voice chat should be enabled on the server or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
HarvestAmountMultiplier
This command defines the amount of resources that are farmed during harvesting. A higher value means more farmed resources and a lower value means less.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
HarvestHealthMultiplier
This command defines the health of resources, that can be harvested. Higher values increase the amount of materials harvested with each strike.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
HarvestAmountMultiplier
This command defines the amount of resources that can be farmed during harvesting. A higher value means more farmed resources and a lower value means less.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
noTributeDownloads
This command allows to forbid downloading game characters from the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PreventDownloadSurvivors
This command allows to prevent downloading survivor characters from the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PreventDownloadItems
This command allows to prevent downloading items from the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PreventDownloadDinos
This command allows to prevent downloading dinosaur of the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier
This command defines how fast a player gets hungry. Increasing the value makes the player become more hungry faster, and decreasing the value makes the player become hungrier slower. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerCharacterHealthRecoveryMultiplier
This command defines how fast a player heals. Increasing the value makes healing faster, and decreasing makes healing slower. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerCharacterStaminaDrainMultiplier
This command defines how fast players get tired. Increasing the value causes faster tiredness and decreasing makes the player more slowly tired. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier
This command defines how quickly a player becomes thirsty. Increasing the value makes players thirsty faster, and decreasing the value makes them thirsty slower. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerDamageMultiplier
This command defines how much damage a player does. Increasing the value causes more damage and decreasing it causes less damage. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PlayerResistanceMultiplier
This command defines the resistance power of a player. Increasing the value will increase the resistance and decreasing the value will decrease the resistance. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
proximityChat
This command defines whether the local chat on the server should be enabled or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
ResourceNoReplenishRadiusPlayers
This command defines the distance between players and resources, in which no more resources should regrow. Increasing the value will increase the radius and decreasing the value will decrease the radius. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
ResourceNoReplenishRadiusStructures
This command defines the distance between structures and resources in which no more resources should regrow. Increasing the value will increase the radius and decreasing the value will decrease the radius. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier
This command defines the distance between players and resources, in which no more resources should regrow. Increasing the value will increase the radius and decreasing the value will decrease the radius. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
ServerAdminPassword
This command defines the password to log in as an admin. You can find more information about this in our guide: Become admin
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
String | N/A | Beliebig |
ServerCrosshair
This command defines whether a crosshair should be displayed to the player or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
serverForceNoHud
This command defines whether in-game controls should be displayed to the player or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
serverHardcore
This command defines whether the hardcore mode ( if a player dies, he has to restart from the beginning) should be activated or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
ServerPassword
This command sets the password to log in to the server. If only certain people should have access, then you have the option to set a password. By default, the option is disabled and becomes active by setting a password.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
String | N/A | Beliebig |
serverPVE
This command defines whether PVP should be enabled on the server or not. If PVP is disabled, then only PVE is possible.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
ShowMapPlayerLocation
This command defines whether players should be displayed on the map through markers or not. - Example
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
StructureDamageMultiplier
This command defines how much resistance strength a structure has. Increasing the value will increase the resistance and decreasing the value will decrease the resistance. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
StructureResistanceMultiplier
This command defines how much damage a structure receives when it is attacked. Increasing the value causes more damage and decreasing it causes less damage. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
TamedDinoDamageMultiplier
This command defines the damage of a tamed dino when it attacks. Increasing the value causes more damage and decreasing it causes less damage. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
TamedDinoResistanceMultiplier
This command defines the resistance strength of a tamed dinosaur. Increasing the value will increase the resistance and decreasing the value will decrease the resistance. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
TamingSpeedMultiplier
This command defines the speed of taming. Increasing the value provides a faster taming speed and decreasing it provides a slower taming speed. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
XPMultiplier
This command defines the experience points a player receives. Increasing the value gives more experience points and decreasing it gives less experience points. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
EnablePVPGamma
This command defines whether the use of gamma is allowed on a PVP server or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (disabled) | 0/1 |
EnablePVEGamma
This command defines whether the use of Gamma is allowed on a PVE server or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
SpectatorPassword
This command defines the password that a non-admin must enter to be able to enter the watch mode.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
String | N/A | Beliebig |
DifficultyOffset
This command defines the difficulty level of the server. To calculate the maximum creature level for a given difficulty value, simply multiply by 30 (this works because the maximum creature level scales linearly with the difficulty value, and a difficulty value of 1.0 gives a maximum creature level of 30). To calculate a difficulty offset for a maximum creature value, use this expression:
DifficultyOffset = (Maximum Creature Level / 30 - 0.5) / (Official Difficulty - 0.5)
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
String | 0.50000 | Beliebig |
PvEStructureDecayPeriodMultiplier
This command defines the time period in which buildings start to decay. Increasing the value causes a longer decay time and decreasing it causes a slower decay time. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PvEStructureDecayDestructionPeriod
This command defines when structures can be destroyed by other players on a PVE server. Increasing the value results in a longer waiting time and decreasing the value results in a smaller waiting time. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PvEStructureDecayDestructionPeriod
This command defines when structures can be destroyed by other players on a PVE server. Increasing the value results in a longer waiting time and decreasing the value results in a smaller waiting time. A value of 2.0 doubles the default value, a value of 0.5 halves the default value.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
PvPStructureDecay
This command defines whether to enable or disable the automatic decay of buildings on a PVP server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
DisableDinoDecayPvE
This command disables (true) or enables (false) automatic unclaiming of dinos.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
PvEDinoDecayPeriodMultiplier
This command defines the multiplier value for the speed till a dino is unclaimed (higher = faster, lower = slower).
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
AdminLogging
This command enables the output of admin cheat commands in the chat if they are used by an admin in the game.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
MaxTamedDinos
This command defines the value of the maximum tamable dinosaurs on the island.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 8300 | ∞ |
MaxNumbersofPlayersInTribe
This command defines the maximum number of players per tribe.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 2 | ∞ |
KickIdlePlayersPeriod
This command defines the time span until an inactive player will be kicked from the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 1800 (Sekunden) | ∞ |
PerPlatformMaxStructuresMultiplier
This command defines the multiplicator for structures on saddle plattforms. Please use with caution - too high values may lead to a massive lack of performance).
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | 1.00000 | ∞ |
StructureDamageRepairCooldown
This command defines the time period before a previously damaged structure may be repaired again. (0 allows repair without countdown)
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 180 | ∞ |
bForceAllStructureLocking
This command defines whether all types of containers can be made lockable.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 | 0/1 |
bUseVSync
This command defines whether VSync should be enabled or not (may minimize problems with some graphics cards).
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 | 0/1 |
MaxPlatformSaddleStructureLimit
This command defines the maximum number of structures on top of the saddle platform.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 100 | ∞ |
RCONPort
This command defines the RCON port to be used to log in via RCON console.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 100 | ∞ |
AutoSavePeriodMinutes
This command defines the interval (in minutes) when the server should automatically save.
This value is set to 30 minutes and cannot be changed.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 30 | ∞ |
RCONServerGameLogBuffer
This command defines how many chat lines should be listed in RCON tools.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 600 | ∞ |
PreventOfflinePvPInterval
This command defines how many seconds a player has to be disconnected to be marked as actually disconnected.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 60 (Sekunden) | ∞ |
bPvPDinoDecay
This command defines whether the dinosaurs of the tribe/player are also protected in the activated offline raid protection.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 | 0/1 |
bPvPStructureDecay
This command defines whether the structures of the tribe/player are protected when offline raid protection is enabled.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 | 0/1 |
DisableImprintDinoBuff
This command defines whether the additional bonus value should be deactivated, which you get as a player, if you have raised a Dinobaby yourself.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 | 0/1 |
AllowAnyoneBabyImprintCuddle
This command defines whether each player can cuddle baby dinosaurs.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 | 0/1 |
OverrideOfficialDifficulty
This command overrides the difficulty level.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 1 | 0/1 |
TheMaxStructuresInRange
This command defines the maximum allowed number of structures in close range.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 10500 | ∞ |
PvEAllowStructuresAtSupplyDrops
This command defines whether building structures near supply crates are allowed or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
AutoDestroyDecayedDinos
This command defines if dinos should be destroyed directly instead of becoming claimable.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
ClampItemSpoilingTimes
This command defines all expiration times of the items and will be set to the maximum expiration times.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
AllowCrateSpawnsOnTopOfStructures
This command defines whether supply crates can land on structures.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Deaktiviert) | 0/1 |
PreventOfflinePvP
This command defines whether the "Offline Raid Protection" should be activated on PVE/PVP servers or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 (Aktiviert) | 0/1 |
AllowMultipleAttachedC4
This command allows to attach C4 explosives to dinosaurs multiple times.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 (Aktiviert) | 0/1 |
bPvEDisableFriendlyFire
This command defines if friendly fire should be disabled in PVE or not.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 1 (Aktiviert) | 0/1 |
ServerAutoForceRespawnWildDinosInterval
This command defines the time in seconds until a respawn of all wild dinos is forced. For example, a value of 86400 means a forced respawn after one day.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Integer | 86400 | 0/1 |
DisableWeatherFog
This command defines whether the fog on the map should be activated or deactivated.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Boolean | 0 (Aktiviert) | 0/1 |
[/script/engine.gamesession]
MaxPlayers
This command defines how many players can play on the server at the same time.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | Depending on the slot selection when ordering (Fixed Slots) | 10-130 |
[SessionSettings]
SessionName
This command sets the server name which will be displayed in the server browser, game, etc.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | ARK #XXXXXX | ∞ |
**[**MessageOfTheDay]
Duration
This command defines how long the welcome message should be displayed after connecting.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
integer | 1.00000 | X-X |
Message
This command defines the welcome message that will be displayed when a player connects to the server.
Data type | Default value | Value range |
---|---|---|
Float | "..." | / |
Configuration: Game.ini
As already mentioned earlier, more extensive modifications can be made via the Game. ini. This includes, for example, changing engram points or XP rewarded per level.
Level limit
There is a way to increase the maximum level of players and dinosaurs that can be reached. For this purpose the function LevelExperienceRampOverrides
is used. It was implemented with the v194 version. More detailed information and examples about this can be found in the Steam forum: Extended Game Options: How to Configure your Custom ARK server.
The command is applied twice. The first is for the player level and the second is for the dinosaur level. The syntax for this looks like this:
[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>)
The square brackets define the respective levels (LEVELVALUE) and behind the equal sign the amount of XP (Points) needed to reach the respective level is defined.
So, for example, if you want to have 500 levels as the level limit, then this would look like this:
[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(
ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=100,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=200,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=300,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[3]=400,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[4]=500,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[5]=600,
... // Shortened for illustrative purposes
ExperiencePointsForLevel[499]=50000)
Engram points
With each level-up you get Engram points. The number of Engram points you get per level can also be changed since the v193 version. The syntax for this looks like this:
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=
For each level you must add a command line. For example, if you define 10 levels and get 5 engram points more for every level, then it would look like this:
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=5
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=10
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=15
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=20
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=25
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=30
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=35
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=40
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=45
OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=50
The number of command lines depends generally on the previously defined level limit.
Ark is a fast-moving game and therefore also includes many changes at regular intervals. This also affects the server configuration. We therefore recommend to have a look at the official documentation for further and more detailed information: https://ark.fandom.com/wiki/Server_configuration