How to Add Mods to Your GPORTAL ARK Server: A Comprehensive Guide
Adding mods to your ARK: Survival Evolved server hosted on GPORTAL can dramatically enhance your gameplay experience, introducing new creatures, items, and mechanics. The process is straightforward, but requires careful attention to ensure smooth operation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:
The quickest and easiest method is to use the GPORTAL web interface to install your mods. Here’s how it’s done:
- Log in to your GPORTAL account.
- Click on “My Server” in the left-hand menu.
- Select the specific ARK server you want to modify.
- Navigate to the “Mods” tab. You’ll find it within the server management interface.
- Use the search bar to find the mod you wish to add. Mods are typically listed by name.
- Once you find your desired mod, simply click the “Add” button (or similar).
- After adding all your mods, restart your server. The mods will be downloaded and installed during this reboot.
Diving Deeper: Understanding the Mod Installation Process
While the above steps provide a quick overview, let’s explore the process in more detail. The GPORTAL interface simplifies the interaction with the Steam Workshop. When you add a mod through GPORTAL, it’s effectively subscribing your server to the mod on the Steam Workshop, similar to how you would for a local game. The server then downloads and implements these modifications upon restart.
Key Considerations Before Adding Mods
Before diving headfirst into a modding spree, there are a few critical aspects to consider:
- Mod Compatibility: Not all mods work well together. Some mods may conflict, leading to crashes, glitches, or other issues. Research and reviews can help determine which mods are known to be compatible.
- Mod Load Order: The order in which mods are loaded can impact their functionality. Some mods may need to load before others. GPORTAL doesn’t provide a manual load order function; typically mods are loaded alphabetically. Research the mod’s documentation and communities to see if a load order is recommended.
- Server Performance: Adding too many mods, or very complex ones, can strain your server resources, resulting in performance issues like lag or crashes.
- Client Requirements: Players connecting to your modded server will need to have the exact same mods installed on their local machines as well. Ensure they are aware of this and guide them in the subscription process.
A Note on Pre-Installed vs Custom Mods
GPORTAL primarily allows for the use of pre-existing mods found on the Steam Workshop. Custom mods, meaning those you create yourself or obtained outside of Steam Workshop, are generally not directly supported through the GPORTAL interface, due to file management and upload limitations. If you have custom mods, these will likely need to be installed manually which is beyond the scope of this article.
Managing and Updating Your Mods
Once you’ve added your mods, managing them is equally important. You can disable mods by deselecting them or removing them via the “Mods” tab in the GPORTAL interface, and then restarting your server.
Mod updates are usually handled automatically. When a mod developer updates their mod on the Steam Workshop, GPORTAL will generally detect this and attempt to update the mod on your server during the next server restart. However, sometimes you may need to force a reinstall by removing the mod from the mod list and adding it again to trigger a refresh.
FAQs: Expanding Your Modding Knowledge
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of how mods work with GPORTAL hosted ARK servers:
1. Can I install mods on any ARK server through GPORTAL?
Yes, you can install mods on any ARK: Survival Evolved server hosted through GPORTAL, including those for standard, Aberration, Genesis, Extinction, and other expansion maps. Ensure the mods you use are compatible with the map you are playing on.
2. How do I find the Steam Workshop ID for a mod?
While GPORTAL simplifies adding mods by name, if you require the ID for troubleshooting purposes, navigate to the mod’s page on the Steam Workshop. The Workshop ID is located in the URL.
3. What happens if a mod is incompatible?
Incompatible mods can cause server crashes, glitches, and other issues. Carefully research mods and test them before making them live to your player base. It is important to monitor your server logs in case of a mod related problem.
4. Do I need to install mods if I am only playing on a modded server?
Yes, you must have the same mods installed as the server you are playing on for the game to work correctly. The game will give a mod mismatch error if you do not have the mods.
5. How do I add a mod to a non-dedicated server?
For non-dedicated servers (hosted on your personal machine), you need to subscribe to mods through Steam, then enable them in the game’s settings before starting the non-dedicated server session.
6. Can console players join a modded ARK server?
Generally, no. Console platforms (PlayStation and Xbox) do not support Steam Workshop mods, meaning players on these platforms will not be able to join a modded server.
7. What is the difference between a plugin and a mod for ARK?
Plugins are server-side software that alter gameplay but do not require clients to install anything. Mods fundamentally alter the game and require clients to download and enable the same mods as the server.
8. How do I change the admin password on my GPORTAL server?
Navigate to the “Basic Settings” of your server within the GPORTAL web interface. Find the “Admin Password” field, change it, and save your settings. Then, restart your server.
9. Why are my mods not loading on my GPORTAL server?
If mods aren’t loading, first make sure they are activated in the “Mods” tab of your GPORTAL server. Double-check for errors in their mod IDs, ensure you have restarted the server, and check for mod conflicts or updates.
10. Can I move my GPORTAL server to a new map without affecting the mods?
Generally, yes. The mods themselves should still apply if they are compatible with the new map. However, you might need to adjust the configuration for the mods specifically if your map choice differs (some mods may not be map agnostic)
11. How do I add another user to my GPORTAL server management?
In your GPORTAL account, select your server, go to “Administration” -> “Rights,” enter the GPORTAL account name of the user, and then save.
12. How does GPORTAL handle Steam Workshop updates to mods?
GPORTAL should handle mod updates automatically. After a mod update is released, GPORTAL will usually update the mod on your server upon restart. However you may need to remove the mod from the list and re-add it if this fails to force an update.
13. Is there a limit to how many mods I can add to my ARK server?
There’s no fixed limit, but the number of mods you can use will be determined by the server’s RAM and processing power. Adding too many mods can cause server issues.
14. What is the best way to manage mod load order?
Unfortunately, GPORTAL currently doesn’t offer manual mod load order settings. Mods generally load alphabetically. Researching the recommended load order and renaming the mod files within the Steam folder on your local PC, can work around the server interface limits, but requires technical knowledge and is beyond the scope of this article.
15. If I have issues with my mods, where can I seek help?
Start by checking the mod’s Steam Workshop page for FAQs and discussions. The ARK community is also very active, and forums like Reddit (r/playark) can be valuable for solutions. Also contact GPORTAL support for server specific issues.
By carefully following these steps and understanding the nuances of mod management, you can transform your GPORTAL ARK server into a truly unique and personalized gaming experience. Happy modding!