How do I change my server message in Ark?

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How to Customize Your ARK Server Message of the Day

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Changing your ARK: Survival Evolved server’s message of the day (MOTD) is a simple yet effective way to communicate important information, welcome players, or even add a bit of personal flair to your gaming experience. This message is displayed to players upon joining your server, making it a valuable tool for server management and community engagement.

How to Change Your Server Message

The server’s MOTD is controlled through the GameUserSettings.ini file. Here’s a step-by-step guide to modifying it:

  1. Access Your Server Control Panel: Start by logging into your server hosting provider’s control panel. This is typically where you manage your server settings and files.
  2. Stop Your Server: Before making any changes, it’s crucial to stop your ARK server. This prevents any conflicts and ensures the changes are applied correctly.
  3. Locate Config Files: Navigate to the section within your control panel that manages server configuration files. This is usually labelled as “Config Files,” “File Manager,” or something similar.
  4. Open GameUserSettings.ini: Find the GameUserSettings.ini file within the config files. This file contains a wide array of server settings. Open it using the built-in text editor provided by your hosting service.
  5. Find the Message= Line: Within the file, search for the line that begins with Message=. It may be blank by default or contain a placeholder message.
  6. Modify the Message: After the equals sign, type your desired server message. For instance, you could input something like Message=Welcome to Our Awesome ARK Server! Join the Discord at [YourDiscordLink]!
  7. Save the File: Once you’ve edited the message, save the GameUserSettings.ini file. Ensure that all changes are saved correctly before proceeding.
  8. Restart Your Server: Finally, restart your ARK server. The new message will be displayed to all players who join.

That’s it! You’ve successfully customized your server’s MOTD. This simple process can make a big difference in how players interact with your server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding ARK server settings and customization to further enhance your server experience:

General Server Settings

  1. How do I locate my server settings in Ark?
    Server options are primarily specified in the [ServerSettings] section within the GameUserSettings.ini file. This section typically appears at the bottom of the file. For more advanced customizations like modifying engram points or disabling specific content, the Game.ini file is used.

  2. What are the best ARK server settings?
    Ideal settings depend on the desired gameplay experience. Popular balancing options often include 2X Gather Rate, 2X XP, 3X-4X Taming Speed, and faster egg incubation and baby maturation rates. Settings like MatingIntervalMultiplier=0.25 to 0.5 can also improve breeding. This setup reduces grind while maintaining the challenge.

  3. How do I open settings in ARK?
    You can access the in-game options menu by clicking “Options” on the main menu or by pressing the ESC key in-game and selecting “Options.” However, many server settings, such as the MOTD, are configured through server configuration files, not within the game itself.

Admin and Commands

  1. How do I enable admin commands in Ark?
    To enable admin commands, open the in-game console using the appropriate key for your platform (usually Tab on PC). Then, type enablecheats or enablecheats [YourAdminPassword] if your server has a password. Once enabled, you can use commands like admincheat [command].

  2. Why can’t I use admin commands in Ark?
    If admin commands aren’t working, you may need to prefix the command with admincheat. Alternatively, ensure you’ve checked the logging box on the login screen. Some issues can also arise if the server admin password was not entered correctly when using enablecheats.

  3. How do I make someone an admin on a non-dedicated server ark?
    On a non-dedicated server, you can add admins through the in-game options menu. Click the player’s name and select the “add admin” option to make them an administrator. Afterward, they can use admincheat .

Chat and Communication

  1. How do you text a server in Ark?
    To enable the local text chat, your server needs to be in Advanced Mode. After enabling advanced mode, save and apply and then restart your server. You can activate text chat by pressing ENTER (default) and use TAB (default) to switch between different chat channels.

  2. How do you type in server chat in Ark PS4?
    On PS4, you can access the chat by pressing L1+touchpad. Then, use the on-screen keyboard or a USB keyboard to type your message.

Server Configuration and Difficulty

  1. How do I access the ARK server control panel?
    The method to access your server control panel depends on your hosting provider. Usually, you will log in through their website using your provided username and password. The control panel offers file access and server management tools.

  2. How do I change my ark server to PvP?
    To enable PvP, first, stop your server. Then, modify the Game.ini file to set ‘bDisableFriendlyFire’ and ‘bAutoPvETimer’ to False. Also, in GameUserSettings.ini, change serverPVE to False. Save all changes and restart your server.

  3. How do I make my ark server harder?
    To increase the difficulty, find DifficultyOffset= in GameUserSettings.ini and change its value to a higher number. In Advanced Mode, you can surpass the official difficulty limit, providing an additional challenge.

Taming and Game Mechanics

  1. What does taming speed do in Ark?
    Changing the taming speed multiplier allows you to tame creatures faster. This is usually done by editing the relevant value in GameUserSettings.ini. Modifying food consumption rates can also affect taming times.

  2. How do you force tame a dinosaur in ARK?
    To force tame a dinosaur, approach it so you can see its name and level, open the console, and use the command forcetame. This will instantly tame the creature, allowing it to be ridden without a saddle.

  3. Is it better to starve tame in Ark?
    Starve taming does not provide any additional benefits like better taming effectiveness or faster taming times. It’s primarily used to reduce the risk of losing resources while taming.

  4. What is a perfect tame ark?
    A perfect tame refers to achieving the highest possible taming effectiveness. This results in higher bonus levels for the tamed creature. Perfect tames differ for each creature, but are generally achieved by feeding them their preferred food (kibble) during the taming process. Some creatures, like scorpions, have limited taming effectiveness because they lack kibble options.

By understanding how to customize your server’s Message of the Day, and by making use of other key server settings, you can significantly improve your players’ experience and create a thriving ARK community. Regularly reviewing and adapting your server’s settings will help you keep the gameplay fun and engaging.

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