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How To Download Mods for Your Ark Server: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to spice up your Ark: Survival Evolved experience with mods? Fantastic choice! Mods can dramatically change the game, introducing new creatures, items, mechanics, and even entire worlds. But understanding how to get these mods onto your server can seem a bit daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have your server modded and ready for action in no time.

The Core Process: Adding Mods to Your Ark Server

The fundamental way to download and install mods for your Ark server involves interacting with the Steam Workshop, retrieving the Workshop IDs of the mods you want, and then adding these IDs to your server’s configuration files. Here’s the breakdown:

Access Your Server Control Panel: The first step is to log into your server hosting provider’s control panel. The specific interface will vary depending on your provider (e.g., Nitrado, GPortal, etc.), but the core functionalities remain consistent.
Stop Your Server: Before making any changes, always stop your server. This prevents data corruption and ensures a smooth mod installation.
Locate the Configuration Files: Navigate to the file section of your control panel. You’re looking for files that control your server’s settings. These are typically called “Config Files” or a similar variant.
Open Server Settings: Within the configuration files, you should find a file called “ARK Server Settings” or something similar (often a .ini file). This is where you’ll add your mods.
Identify the Active Mods Field: Look for a section titled “Active Mods” or something along the lines of ActiveMods=. This is where you will list the Workshop IDs for all the mods you want to use on your server.
Find the Workshop IDs:
- Go to the Steam Workshop page for Ark: Survival Evolved.
- Browse or search for the mods you want to use.
- On the mod’s page, look for a numeric ID in the URL or on the right-hand side of the page. This ID is unique to each mod.
Enter the Workshop IDs: Back in your server’s ARK Server Settings file, enter the Workshop IDs you collected into the ActiveMods= field. If you are using multiple mods, separate each ID with a comma, and do not include spaces. Example: ActiveMods=123456789,987654321,555555555
Save Your Changes: After adding the Workshop IDs, save the configuration file.
Start Your Server: Finally, start your Ark server. The server will now download and install the mods you’ve specified. This process might take some time, depending on your server’s speed and the size of the mods.
Verify Mod Installation: Once the server is up and running, log in to the game and check that the mods are active. You should see any mod-related changes in the gameplay.

Important Considerations

Order Matters: The order of mods in your ActiveMods field can be important for some mods. If you experience conflicts, try changing the order of your mod IDs in the list.
Mod Compatibility: Not all mods are compatible with each other, or with the current version of the game. It’s wise to check the mod’s description on the Steam Workshop for any compatibility warnings or known issues.
Server Performance: Running too many or overly complex mods can impact your server’s performance. Start with a few essential mods, and then gradually add more as needed while monitoring your server performance.
Client Mod Download: Players connecting to your modded server must also have these mods downloaded through Steam, otherwise, they will be unable to connect to the server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ark Server Mods

1. Can I manually download mods for Ark without using the Steam Workshop?

No, generally you cannot manually download mods from external sources and directly install them on an Ark server. The primary method is through the Steam Workshop, which manages the mod download and distribution process. This helps with automatic updates and mod version control.

2. Do Ark mods work on official servers?

No, official Ark servers do not run mods. Mods are run on the server level, not on individual player levels. If you want to experience modded Ark gameplay, you will need to play on a private or non-dedicated server.

3. How do I update my server mods?

 * **Stop the server.**
 * Go to the **Steam Workshop** and look for an **Update All** button.
 * Select the **Update All** option or update each mod manually.
 * **Restart your server.** The updated mods will now be used.

4. Why aren’t my Ark mods installing?

There can be a number of reasons for this. Some common fixes include:
* Verify the integrity of game files through Steam.
* Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your server and machine.
* Try moving the Ark installation to a non-system drive.
* Make sure your device drivers are updated.

5. Can you get mods on PS4 or PS5?

While modding on consoles is more limited than on PC, some games on PlayStation may offer official mod support, provided by developers. However, typically you cannot use custom mods downloaded from external sources. There are more advanced methods using tools or jailbreaking, but this has legal implications and can be quite complex.

6. Can you play modded Ark on a non-dedicated server?

Yes, you can use mods on non-dedicated servers. When you host a non-dedicated session with mods, your friends who join will automatically download the necessary mods, though this could take time.

7. How do I enable admin commands (cheats) on a modded Ark server?

 * Join your server.
 *  Open the server console by pressing the **[Tab]** key.
 *  Type:  `enablecheats [Admin Password]` and replace `[Admin Password]` with the password you set on your server configuration.
 * To test it, use the command `cheat fly` or `cheat walk`.

8. Do I need the exact same mods as the server I’m trying to join?

Yes, if you want to connect to a modded Ark server, you must have the exact same mods installed as the server. If there’s a mismatch, you won’t be able to join.

9. What’s the difference between a dedicated and a non-dedicated server in Ark?

*   **Dedicated servers** are separate machines specifically designed to host the game, running 24/7.
*  **Non-dedicated servers** use your own computer to act as both the server and the client, therefore, your game will be affected during play and its only recommended for a small group of people that live near each other.

10. Can I use admin commands on a non-dedicated server?

Yes, admin commands or “cheat” commands work on single-player, dedicated, and non-dedicated servers as well as third party servers. This allows you to have the same admin privileges in all modes.

11. How do I find the Workshop ID for a specific mod?

* Go to the **Steam Workshop page** for Ark: Survival Evolved.
* Find the mod by browsing or searching.
* On the mod page, look for the numeric ID in the URL or on the right-hand side.

12. Can I change the order of my mods in the Active Mods list?

Yes, the order of mods in your Active Mods field can affect the way the game loads the mods. Try changing the order if you experience any conflicts between different mods.

13. What should I do if my Ark server crashes after adding mods?

Server crashes are most often caused by mod conflicts, corrupted mod files or outdated mods. Start by:
* Unsubscribing from all mods.
* Delete all mods files locally and server files if necessary.
* Re-download the mods and check if the crashes keep happening.

14. Can I add new mods while the server is running?

No, you should always stop the server before making any modifications to the mod list. This is a mandatory step to avoid corruptions and installation errors.

15. How can I force tame a creature with admin commands?

Get close to the creature.
- Open the command console (usually with the [Tab] key).
Use the command: forcetame with your crosshair aimed at the creature you want to tame.

By following these steps and FAQs, you should be well on your way to enjoying a customized and enhanced Ark: Survival Evolved server experience. Remember to always back up your server before making significant changes. Happy modding!

How do I download mods for Ark server?