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How do I enable mods on my ark dedicated server?

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Enabling Mods on Your ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Enabling mods on your ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server significantly enhances gameplay, introducing new creatures, items, mechanics, and even entire new worlds. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure everything runs smoothly. The primary method involves using your server’s configuration files, along with Steam Workshop, and potentially some manual file management. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Stop Your Server: Before making any changes, it’s crucial to stop your ARK dedicated server. This prevents any data corruption or conflicts while modifying settings. Access your server control panel or management interface to initiate the stop process.

  2. Locate Configuration Files: Navigate to the configuration file directory of your server. This location varies based on your hosting provider. Generally, you’re looking for a directory containing files named GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini. Common paths include /ark-survival-evolved/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer or similar, but check your provider’s specific instructions.

  3. Edit ARK Server Settings: Open the GameUserSettings.ini file using a text editor. Find the section labeled [ServerSettings]. Within this section, you will need to locate or add the ActiveMods= line. This is where you’ll specify which mods should be activated.

  4. Add Workshop IDs: To activate a mod, you need its unique Steam Workshop ID. Each mod on the Steam Workshop has a numerical identifier. You can find this ID in the URL of the mod’s Steam Workshop page. For example, a mod page like https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=123456789 has the ID 123456789. List these IDs separated by commas, without spaces, after the ActiveMods= line. Example: ActiveMods=123456789,987654321,101112131.

  5. Save and Restart: After adding all desired mod IDs, save the GameUserSettings.ini file. Then, restart your ARK dedicated server. This will initiate the downloading and installation of the specified mods on the server. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the mods and your server’s internet connection.

  6. Mod Folder Management: Depending on your server hosting and setup, you may need to also ensure that the mods themselves are present in the /ShooterGame/Content/Mods directory on your server. If they are not downloaded automatically during the server restart, you may need to manually copy them over from your own machine. The files are in [Steam Install Directory]steamappscommonARKShooterGameContentMods. If you have this issue then, you may need to stop the server again, and copy the matching folders and .mod files from your local computer to the server.

  7. Verification: Once the server has restarted, connect to it and verify that the mods are active. If you encounter any issues, ensure all workshop IDs are correct and that all necessary files are present.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Steam Workshop IDs and how do I find them?

Steam Workshop IDs are unique numerical identifiers assigned to each mod on the Steam Workshop. To find them, simply go to the mod’s page on the Steam Workshop. The ID is located in the URL. For example, https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=123456789 has the ID 123456789.

Can I use multiple mods on my ARK server?

Yes, you can use multiple mods on your ARK server. Just list the Steam Workshop IDs separated by commas in the ActiveMods= line within your GameUserSettings.ini file. Example: ActiveMods=123456789,987654321,101112131.

Do mods need to be updated on my server?

Yes, mods need to be updated regularly. When a mod updates on the Steam Workshop, you’ll want to update it on your server as well. The methods for updating vary, but typically involve stopping the server, then updating through your server control panel’s mod manager (if available), or deleting the old files and re-downloading the mod during server restart.

How do I update mods on my dedicated server?

There are several methods for updating mods on your dedicated server:

  1. Via Server Control Panel: Many server control panels have built-in mod management tools. These tools often automate the update process.
  2. Manual Update: Stop your server, delete the mod files in /ShooterGame/Content/Mods directory, and re-download. Sometimes this requires deleting both the folders and the .mod files.
  3. SteamCMD: If your server uses SteamCMD, you can use commands to update mods.

What if my mods aren’t working?

If your mods aren’t working, double-check the following:

  • Correct Steam Workshop IDs: Make sure you’ve entered the correct IDs in GameUserSettings.ini.
  • Mod Compatibility: Some mods may conflict with each other. Try disabling mods one at a time to identify the issue.
  • Mod Order: The order of mods in ActiveMods= can sometimes affect loading. Try changing the order.
  • File Integrity: Verify that the mod files are properly downloaded and located in the /ShooterGame/Content/Mods directory on your server.
  • Restart your server. After changing any of these, you will need to restart the server.

Can I add a mod map to my ARK server?

Yes, you can add a mod map to your ARK server. The method is slightly different than just adding basic gameplay mods. Often this is also done through the server settings.

  1. Find Mod Map ID: First, find the Steam Workshop ID of the map you want to use.
  2. Map Configuration: In your server settings, usually in the Game.ini file or a similar section, you will often have an option or a line to specify which map to use. You will want to specify the mod map name or ID in this area.
  3. Restart the Server: After changing the setting, restart your server. The server will then download and initialize the new map.

How do I add mods to my server using an FTP client?

You can use an FTP client to manage files on your server. The typical process is:

  1. Connect via FTP: Use your FTP client to connect to your server using the credentials provided by your hosting provider.
  2. Navigate to Mods Directory: Navigate to the /ShooterGame/Content/Mods directory.
  3. Upload Mods: Upload the necessary mod files (folders and .mod files) from your local machine to the server directory.
  4. Restart Server: Restart your server so that the changes take effect.

Can I add mods to an existing ARK server?

Yes, you can add mods to an already existing ARK server. Follow the steps outlined previously: stop the server, modify GameUserSettings.ini, ensure all mod files are in /ShooterGame/Content/Mods, and restart your server.

How do I update mod maps on my server?

Updating mod maps is similar to updating mods, but may involve slightly different steps. Usually, you would:

  1. Stop your Server.
  2. Select to update your server using any available mod manager via your hosting control panel.
  3. Restart Server.
    If a map is not updated via the server control panel method, you may need to remove the mod map from your server, remove the map from your configuration files, restart your server and then add the mod back.

Why aren’t my mods installing properly?

Problems with mod installation can stem from:

  1. Incorrect Workshop IDs: Double-check these in the config file
  2. Insufficient Storage: Ensure your server has enough space to download the mod files.
  3. Outdated Drivers: Make sure your server drivers are up to date.
  4. File Permissions: Check to be sure that your server has the correct file permissions to add to the /ShooterGame/Content/Mods folder.

How do I allow mods to access Steam?

Mods automatically access Steam when subscribed to and loaded through the Steam Workshop system. Ensure that your server is able to access the internet and has Steam configured correctly to download mods.

Can I play with mods on a non-dedicated ARK server?

Yes, you can play with mods on a non-dedicated ARK server. The mods will need to be subscribed to locally for all players. When your friends join it will auto download the mods you are running which could take a while depending on machine / internet speed. This method only works for locally hosted games, not dedicated servers.

What if the mods are still not showing in-game?

If you’ve correctly added mods but they’re not showing in-game, make sure the correct ActiveMods= is used in the correct file, GameUserSettings.ini. Then check your server logs for any error messages.

How do I change the mod load order on my Ark server?

You can usually change the load order by adjusting the sequence of Steam Workshop IDs in the ActiveMods= line within your GameUserSettings.ini file.

What happens when I add new mods after the server is live?

After adding new mods while a server is running you will need to:

  1. Stop the server.
  2. Add the Steam Workshop ID to the GameUserSettings.ini file.
  3. Save changes.
  4. Ensure the new mods are in the /ShooterGame/Content/Mods folder (if necessary).
  5. Restart the server to initiate the mod downloads.

By following these steps and understanding the common issues, you can easily enable and manage mods on your ARK dedicated server, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

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