Conquering the Console: How to Hide the Admin Command Box in Ark: Survival Evolved
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So, you’re tired of that pesky admin command box cluttering your screen in Ark: Survival Evolved? I get it. As much as we love wielding the power of a benevolent (or malevolent) admin, sometimes discretion is key. Here’s the definitive guide on how to make that box vanish, along with everything else you need to know about admin control in Ark.
The quickest way to hide the admin command box in Ark is to simply minimize or close the console window after you’ve entered your commands. On PC, pressing the Tab key again usually toggles it closed. On consoles, repeating the button combination that opened the console (LB + RB + X + Y on Xbox or L1 + R1 + Triangle + Square on PlayStation) will generally close it.
Delving Deeper into Admin Controls
While closing the box is the immediate solution, understanding the nuances of admin commands and logging can greatly enhance your Ark experience. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Console
The console is your gateway to wielding god-like powers in Ark. It’s where you enter commands to spawn creatures, change settings, grant yourself items, and generally bend the game to your will. Accessing the console varies depending on your platform:
- PC: Press the Tab key.
- Xbox One/Series X|S: Press LB + RB + X + Y simultaneously while in the pause menu.
- PlayStation 4/5: Press L1 + R1 + Triangle + Square simultaneously while in the pause menu.
Disabling Admin Command Logging
By default, Ark often broadcasts admin commands to the entire server chat. This can be useful for transparency but also incredibly disruptive. Here’s how to silence the chatter:
- Access your server configuration: This usually involves accessing your server’s control panel if you’re renting a server. If you’re playing single-player or hosting a non-dedicated session, you’ll need to find the GameUserSettings.ini file. Its location varies but is often within the Ark’s installation directory, typically in a folder named something like ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer.
- Locate the
AdminLoggingsetting: Open the GameUserSettings.ini file with a text editor like Notepad. Search for the lineAdminLogging=True. - Change the value to
False: Modify the line to readAdminLogging=False. - Save the file and restart the server: For single-player, simply restarting the game is sufficient.
With AdminLogging disabled, your admin commands will no longer be broadcasted to the server chat.
Hiding the Admin Icon
You can also hide the admin icon that appears next to your name in chat and above your character in-game. To do this, type the following command into the console:
cheat setadminicon false This command is client-side, meaning it only affects your own display. Other admins can still choose to display their admin icon.
FAQs: Your Comprehensive Ark Admin Guide
Here’s a treasure trove of answers to common questions about admin commands and control in Ark.
1. How do I disable admin commands entirely?
Completely disabling admin commands is a bit more involved and depends on your goals. If you simply want to prevent players from accessing them, don’t share the admin password. If you want to remove your own admin access on a local machine you need to disable the local administrator account. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and use the following command:
net user administrator /active:no This command will disable the built-in administrator account. Remember that you will need a different admin account already set up or this will brick your computer.
2. What is the default admin password for Ark?
By default, there is no admin password set. You need to configure one in your server settings. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access to admin commands.
3. How do I set an admin password on my Ark server?
The process varies depending on your hosting provider. Generally, you’ll find an option in your server control panel to set the “Server Admin Password”. Enter your desired password and restart the server.
4. How do I enable console commands if they’re not working?
First, ensure you’re using the correct button combination for your platform (see above). If it’s still not working, check your game settings for an option to “Enable Console” or similar. Some mods can also interfere with console access, so try disabling them temporarily. Also make sure that you are in a world where admin commands are allowed, for example in single player.
5. What is “god mode” and how do I enable it?
God mode makes you virtually invincible. To enable it, open the console and type:
cheat god You’ll be immune to most forms of damage (except drowning).
6. How do I give myself items in Ark?
Use the giveitemnum command. The syntax is:
cheat giveitemnum <ItemID> <Quantity> <Quality> <IsBlueprint> <ItemID>: The ID number of the item you want. You can find these on the Ark wiki.<Quantity>: The number of items you want.<Quality>: The quality of the item (0-10).<IsBlueprint>:1for a blueprint,0for the item itself.
Example: To give yourself 10 Simple Rifles of normal quality:
cheat giveitemnum 17 10 0 0 7. How do I spawn creatures in Ark?
Use the summon or spawndino commands. summon spawns a basic creature, while spawndino offers more control over its level and distance from the player. Refer to the Ark wiki for specific creature codes.
8. How do I tame a dinosaur instantly?
Use the forcetame command while looking at the creature:
cheat forcetame You can even ride it without a saddle!
9. How do I kick or ban a player from my Ark server?
Open the console with the TAB key, then type ShowMyAdminManager and press ENTER. You’ll see a list of connected players. Click on the player’s name and choose Kick or Ban.
10. What does “Admin command logging disabled” mean?
It means that the commands you enter as an admin won’t be visible to other players in the server chat. It doesn’t prevent you from using the commands themselves.
11. How do I disable the admin bar for regular users on my website?
This question pertains to website administration, not Ark: Survival Evolved. If you’re using WordPress, several plugins allow you to hide the admin bar for specific user roles. A popular option is “Hide Admin Bar on the User Roles.” Activate the plugin, go to its settings, and select the roles (excluding “Administrator”) for whom you want to hide the admin bar.
12. Why should I disable the local administrator account on my computer?
Disabling the default Administrator account enhances security. It removes a well-known target for malicious actors, making it harder for them to gain unauthorized access to your system.
13. How do I disable anti-cheat on my Ark server?
Disabling anti-cheat is strongly discouraged as it makes your server vulnerable to exploits and cheating. However, if you understand the risks and still want to proceed, you can usually find the “BattlEye Anti-Cheat” setting in your server configuration files (ark.properties) and set it to “Disabled.”
14. How do I change the game rules or settings on my Ark server?
You’ll need to modify the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files. These files contain settings for everything from resource spawn rates to creature damage. Be careful when editing these files, as incorrect settings can break your server. The Ark wiki is an invaluable resource for understanding these settings.
15. Where can I learn more about game development and the science behind learning in games?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource! Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, articles, and information on the intersection of games and education. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be used to enhance learning and engagement.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Ark Console
By understanding these commands and settings, you can effectively manage your Ark server and customize your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned admin or just starting out, mastering the console is key to dominating the Ark. Good luck, and may your tribe prosper!