ARK: Server Configuration

Discover how to optimize your ARK game server settings for better gameplay and more customization → Learn more now

10 November 202612 min read1 Views0 helpful

Server Configuration

Configuring an ARK game server can be confusing and overwhelming for some. And there’s a reason for that. ARK offers a wide range of configuration options for the game. Additionally, configuration is done across different files, and you need to be careful which commands go into which file. This guide aims to give you a clearer overview of how to configure an ARK game server.

Differences Between Configuration Files

The configuration of the ARK game server is done via the configuration files GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. You can edit them either through the Configuration tab (raw text view) or via FTP.

Configuration File	Web Interface	FTP
GameUserSettings.ini	`Configuration tab -> Raw text view -> GameUserSettings.ini`	`ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/`
Game.ini	`Configuration tab -> Raw text view -> Game.ini`	`ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/`

The GameUserSettings.ini file contains options for both the game client and the server. Client options are not used by the server. Server options are defined in the [ServerSettings] section, usually at the end of the file. For advanced customizations, such as changing engram points or XP per level, disabling certain content, or adjusting player preferences, the Game.ini is used.

Configuration

Below we explain the two configuration files. We show you the most common commands and how they work.

Configuration: Map

ARK offers various maps that can be played on the server. You can select which map you want to play in the Configuration tab of the web interface.

Maps	Release Date	Command Name
The Island	06/02/2015	`TheIsland`
The Center	05/17/2016	`TheCenter`
Scorched Earth	09/01/2016	`ScorchedEarth_P`
Ragnarok	06/12/2017	`Ragnarok`
Aberration	12/12/2017	`Aberration_P`
Extinction	11/06/2018	`Extinction`
Valguero	06/18/2019	`Valguero_P`
Genesis	02/25/2020	`Genesis`
Crystal Isles	06/11/2020	`CrystalIsles`

Simply enter the command name of the map in the Map field, and it will load on the next server start.

Configuration: GameUserSettings.ini

[ServerSettings]

allowThirdPersonPlayer

This command determines whether the third-person perspective is enabled or not.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

AllowCaveBuildingPvE

Determines whether building structures inside caves is allowed (when PvE mode is active).

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

alwaysNotifyPlayerJoined

Determines whether players receive a notification when someone joins the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

alwaysNotifyPlayerLeft

Determines whether players receive a notification when someone leaves the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

bAllowFlyerCarryPvE

Determines whether players can carry dinosaurs with a flying dinosaur.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

bDisableStructureDecayPvE

Disables progressive decay of player structures.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

DayCycleSpeedScale

Sets the scaling factor for the day-night cycle speed in ARK, controlling how often day turns to night and vice versa. The default value 1 matches the single-player and official server cycle speed. Values below 1 slow the cycle; higher values speed it up. 1 minute real time equals about 28 minutes in-game. For an approximately 24-hour day/night cycle, use 0.035.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DayTimeSpeedScale

Sets the scaling factor for daytime speed, determining the length of the day relative to the night (defined by NightTimeSpeedScale). Lower values lengthen the day.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

NightTimeSpeedScale

Sets the scaling factor for nighttime speed, determining the length of the night relative to the day (defined by DayTimeSpeedScale). Lower values lengthen the night.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier

Sets the food consumption rate of dinosaurs. Higher values increase hunger rate and affect taming times.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoCharacterHealthRecoveryMultiplier

Sets the health regeneration rate of dinosaurs. Higher values speed up regeneration; lower values slow it down.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoCharacterStaminaDrainMultiplier

Sets how quickly dinosaurs get tired. Higher values increase stamina drain; lower values slow it down.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoCountMultiplier

Sets how many dinosaurs spawn. Higher values increase spawn chances; lower values decrease them.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoDamageMultiplier

Sets how much damage dinosaurs deal. Higher values increase damage; lower values decrease it.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

DinoResistanceMultiplier

Sets the resistance of dinosaurs. Higher values increase resistance.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

globalVoiceChat

Determines whether global voice chat is enabled on the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

HarvestAmountMultiplier

Sets the amount of resources gathered when harvesting. Higher values yield more resources.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

HarvestHealthMultiplier

Sets the health of harvestable resources. Higher values increase materials per hit.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

noTributeDownloads

Allows disabling downloading of player characters from the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PreventDownloadSurvivors

Prevents downloading survivor characters from the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PreventDownloadItems

Prevents downloading items from the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PreventDownloadDinos

Prevents downloading dinosaurs from the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier

Sets how quickly a player gets hungry. Higher values increase hunger rate; lower values slow it down. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerCharacterHealthRecoveryMultiplier

Sets how fast a player heals. Higher values speed healing; lower values slow it. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerCharacterStaminaDrainMultiplier

Sets how quickly players get tired. Higher values increase stamina drain; lower values slow it. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier

Sets how quickly a player gets thirsty. Higher values increase thirst rate; lower values slow it. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerDamageMultiplier

Sets how much damage a player deals. Higher values increase damage; lower values decrease it. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PlayerResistanceMultiplier

Sets player resistance. Higher values increase resistance; lower values decrease it. 2.0 doubles, 0.5 halves the default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

proximityChat

Determines whether local proximity chat is enabled on the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

ResourceNoReplenishRadiusPlayers

Sets the radius around players where resources do not respawn. Higher values increase radius.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

ResourceNoReplenishRadiusStructures

Sets the radius around structures where resources do not respawn. Higher values increase radius.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier

Sets the multiplier for resource respawn time. Higher values increase respawn time.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

ServerAdminPassword

Sets the password to log in as admin. More info in our guide: Become Admin

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
String	N/A	Any

ServerCrosshair

Determines whether a crosshair is shown for the player.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

serverForceNoHud

Determines whether in-game controls are shown to the player.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

serverHardcore

Determines whether hardcore mode is enabled (players must restart after death).

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

ServerPassword

Sets the password for server access. Use this to restrict access. Disabled by default.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
String	N/A	Any

serverPVE

Determines whether PvP is enabled. If disabled, only PvE is possible.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

ShowMapPlayerLocation

Determines whether players are shown on the map with markers.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

StructureDamageMultiplier

Sets how much resistance structures have. Higher values increase resistance.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

StructureResistanceMultiplier

Sets how much damage structures take from attacks. Higher values increase damage taken.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

TamedDinoDamageMultiplier

Sets damage dealt by tamed dinos. Higher values increase damage.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

TamedDinoResistanceMultiplier

Sets resistance of tamed dinos. Higher values increase resistance.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

TamingSpeedMultiplier

Sets taming speed. Higher values speed up taming.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

XPMultiplier

Sets experience points gained. Higher values increase XP.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

EnablePVPGamma

Determines if gamma usage is allowed on PvP servers.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

EnablePVEGamma

Determines if gamma usage is allowed on PvE servers.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

SpectatorPassword

Sets the password required for non-admins to enter spectator mode.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
String	N/A	Any

DifficultyOffset

Sets the server difficulty. To calculate max creature level, multiply by 30 (max level scales linearly with difficulty, 1.0 = level 30).

Code

DifficultyOffset = (Maximum Creature Level / 30 - 0.5) / (Official Difficulty - 0.5)

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
String	0.50000	Any

PvEStructureDecayPeriodMultiplier

Sets how long before buildings start to decay. Higher values increase decay time.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PvEStructureDecayDestructionPeriod

Sets when structures can be destroyed by other players on PvE servers. Higher values increase wait time.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

PvPStructureDecay

Enables or disables automatic building decay on PvP servers.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

DisableDinoDecayPvE

Disables (true) or enables (false) automatic dino release.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

PvEDinoDecayPeriodMultiplier

Sets multiplier for how fast dinos are released (higher = faster).

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

AdminLogging

Enables logging of admin cheat commands in chat when used.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

MaxTamedDinos

Sets the maximum number of tamed dinosaurs allowed.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	8300	∞

MaxNumbersofPlayersInTribe

Sets the maximum number of players per tribe.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	2	∞

KickIdlePlayersPeriod

Sets the time in seconds before an idle player is kicked.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	1800 (seconds)	∞

PerPlatformMaxStructuresMultiplier

Sets multiplier for structures on platform saddles. Use carefully; high values may cause performance issues.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	1.00000	∞

StructureDamageRepairCooldown

Sets cooldown time before a damaged structure can be repaired again. (0 allows instant repair)

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	180	∞

bForceAllStructureLocking

Determines if all container types can be locked.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1	0/1

bUseVSync

Determines if VSync is enabled (may reduce issues with some graphics cards).

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0	0/1

MaxPlatformSaddleStructureLimit

Sets the maximum number of structures allowed on platform saddles.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	100	∞

RCONPort

Sets the RCON port used for remote console login.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	100	∞

AutoSavePeriodMinutes

Sets the interval in minutes for automatic server saves.

Info

This value is fixed at 30 minutes and cannot be changed.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	30	∞

RCONServerGameLogBuffer

Sets how many chat lines are shown in RCON tools.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	600	∞

PreventOfflinePvPInterval

Sets how many seconds a player must be disconnected to be considered offline.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	60 (seconds)	∞

bPvPDinoDecay

Determines if tribe/player dinos are protected during offline raid protection.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1	0/1

bPvPStructureDecay

Determines if tribe/player structures are protected during offline raid protection.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1	0/1

DisableImprintDinoBuff

Determines if the bonus from imprinting a baby dino is disabled.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1	0/1

AllowAnyoneBabyImprintCuddle

Determines if any player can cuddle baby dinosaurs.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1	0/1

OverrideOfficialDifficulty

Overrides the difficulty setting.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	1	0/1

TheMaxStructuresInRange

Sets the maximum allowed number of structures in close proximity.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	10500	∞

PvEAllowStructuresAtSupplyDrops

Determines if building near supply drops is allowed.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

AutoDestroyDecayedDinos

Determines if decayed dinos are destroyed immediately instead of becoming claimable.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

ClampItemSpoilingTimes

Sets all item spoil times to their maximum values.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

AllowCrateSpawnsOnTopOfStructures

Determines if supply crates can spawn on top of structures.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (disabled)	0/1

PreventOfflinePvP

Determines if offline raid protection is enabled on PvE/PvP servers.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1 (enabled)	0/1

AllowMultipleAttachedC4

Allows multiple C4 explosives to be attached to dinosaurs.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1 (enabled)	0/1

bPvEDisableFriendlyFire

Determines if friendly fire is disabled in PvE.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	1 (enabled)	0/1

ServerAutoForceRespawnWildDinosInterval

Sets the time in seconds until a forced respawn of all wild dinos occurs. For example, 86400 means forced respawn after one day.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	86400	∞

DisableWeatherFog

Determines if fog on the map is enabled or disabled.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Boolean	0 (enabled)	0/1

[/script/engine.gamesession]

MaxPlayers

Sets how many players can play on the server simultaneously.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	Depends on slot selection during order (fixed slots)	10-130

[SessionSettings]

SessionName

Sets the server name shown in the server browser, game, etc.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	ARK #XXXXXX	∞

[MessageOfTheDay]

Duration

Sets how long the welcome message is displayed after connecting.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Integer	1.00000	X-X

Message

Sets the welcome message shown when a player connects to the server.

Data Type	Default Value	Allowed Values
Float	"..."	/

Configuration: Game.ini

As mentioned, more extensive customizations can be made via Game.ini, such as changing engram points or XP per level.

Level Cap

You can increase the maximum level for players and dinosaurs using the LevelExperienceRampOverrides function, introduced in version v194. More info and examples are available on the Steam forum: Extended Game Options: How to Configure your Custom ARK server.

The command is applied twice: once for player levels and once for dinosaur levels. The syntax looks like this:

Code

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=(
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>,
ExperiencePointsForLevel[<LEVELVALUE>]=<Points>)

The square brackets define the level (LEVELVALUE), and after the equals sign, the amount of XP (Points) needed to reach that level is set.

For example, if you want a 500 level cap, it looks like this:

Code

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
LevelExperienceRampOverrides=( 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[0]=100, 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[1]=200, 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[2]=300, 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[3]=400, 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[4]=500, 
ExperiencePointsForLevel[5]=600,
... // shortened for space
ExperiencePointsForLevel[499]=50000)

Engram Points

With each level-up, you receive engram points. The number of engram points per level can also be customized since version v193. The syntax looks like this:

Code

OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints=

You add one command line per level. For example, if you define 10 levels and want 5 more engram points per level, it looks like this:

Code

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 generally depends on the previously defined level cap.

Info

ARK is a fast-evolving game and regularly receives many changes, including server configuration. We recommend checking the official documentation for more detailed information: https://ark.fandom.com/wiki/Server_configuration

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

You configure your server using the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files, which can be edited via the Configuration tab (raw text view) or via FTP under ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/.

GameUserSettings.ini contains options for both the game client and the server.

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ARK: Server Configuration

Server Configuration

Differences Between Configuration Files

Configuration

Configuration: Map

Configuration: GameUserSettings.ini

[ServerSettings]

[/script/engine.gamesession]

[SessionSettings]

[MessageOfTheDay]

Configuration: Game.ini

Level Cap

Engram Points

Frequently asked questions

Ark: Survival Evolved

Configuration

Configuration: Game.ini

Level Cap

Engram Points

Game Server

Servers & Hosting

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Resources

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