Understanding the Empty Password Field in Ark: Survival Evolved
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The empty password field in Ark: Survival Evolved refers to a specific configuration setting where you intentionally leave the server password blank or without any characters, including spaces. This means you are configuring your server to not require a password for players to join. While it might seem counterintuitive to have a password field that’s purposely empty, it’s a common and valid option, and understanding its implications is crucial for managing your Ark server effectively. When a server has an empty password field, it is open for anyone to join without needing to enter a password first. This is often desired for publicly accessible servers or when playing with a close group of friends where password security is not a primary concern. However, it’s important to be aware that setting an empty password field also opens your server up to being joined by strangers unless other access restrictions (such as a whitelist) are in place.
The Implications of an Empty Password Field
An empty server password offers ease of access, but comes with its own set of considerations:
Accessibility
The most significant benefit of having an empty password field is the unrestricted accessibility. Anyone can join the server from the in-game server browser, without requiring any prior knowledge of a password. This is great for public servers that are actively looking to build a community of players. It’s also useful when playing with friends who might find typing a password every time they want to play to be a hassle.
Security Risks
On the other hand, leaving the password field empty carries considerable security risks. The biggest drawback is that uninvited players can join your server. If you’re running a private server for a small group, an empty password effectively removes your security layer, leaving it vulnerable to unwanted guests. This could result in griefing, resource theft, or other disruptions to your gameplay. Thus, it is very important to weigh the convenience of no password against potential risks.
Admin Access
Importantly, the admin password to use cheat commands is a different setting than the server join password. So, even if you leave the server join password blank, you can still set an admin password, giving only you and those you share it with access to admin-level commands.
How to Set an Empty Password Field
The method for setting an empty password field is the same as setting any other password, you just don’t enter any characters in the box. Here are the steps:
- Access Server Configuration: Navigate to your server’s control panel. This varies depending on your hosting provider, but will typically be a web interface.
- Locate Configuration Files: Find the section related to server settings or config files. For Ark, this will often be named something like “GameUserSettings.ini” or “Server Settings”.
- Find the Password Field: Look for the Server Password field. This is often just a text box where you would type your server password.
- Leave the Field Empty: Here’s the key – make sure this field is completely empty. Do not add any spaces or special characters. If you see a prefilled password remove it.
- Save Changes: Save the changes you have made to the configuration file.
- Restart Your Server: Restart your Ark server for the changes to take effect.
Troubleshooting
If you are having difficulty connecting to your server and get an error message like “Connection error – Invalid server password (Empty Password Field)”, this typically means there was something typed in the password field that you didn’t realize. Even a space character or a hidden character can cause this. Ensure the password field is absolutely empty with no characters before saving and restarting your server.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I leave the Ark server password field blank?
If you leave the server password field blank, it means your server will not require a password for players to join. Anyone can join your server via the in-game server browser without needing a password.
2. Is it safe to have an empty server password on Ark?
It’s not always safe, especially for private servers, as it allows anyone to join. However, for public servers where the goal is to attract as many players as possible, an empty password field can be appropriate.
3. How do I set an admin password if my server password is empty?
The admin password is a separate setting from the server join password. You can set an admin password even if your server join password is empty, to protect administrative access and commands. Admin commands are accessed in-game via the console, by typing enablecheats with your password, like this: enablecheats YourAdminPassword.
4. What if I still get an “Invalid password” error with an empty field?
An “Invalid password” error with an empty field can often be caused by a rogue space in the password box, or by server setting conflicts. Ensure the field is completely empty and restart your server to fix it.
5. How can I find the Server Password field on my server control panel?
The location of the Server Password field varies based on your hosting provider, but generally it’s in the server settings section, often within a “GameUserSettings.ini” or similar config file.
6. Does the empty password mean anyone can use admin commands on my server?
No. Even if the server password is blank, the admin password remains a separate, controlled access point to cheat commands. Only those with the admin password can execute them.
7. How do I access the console in Ark to use admin commands?
On PC press the Tab key, on Xbox, access it via the pause menu pressing LB + RB + X + Y, and on PS4, access it from the pause menu by pressing R1 + L1 + Triangle + Square.
8. What are common uses for an empty password field?
An empty password field is frequently used for open public servers and for personal servers with a small group of trusted friends.
9. Can I change my server password later on if it’s currently empty?
Yes, you can change your server password at any time by accessing your server settings, and entering a new password, or changing to an empty password field.
10. What should I do if strangers are joining my empty password server and causing trouble?
If strangers are causing trouble on your open server you have two options. You can set a server password to make it private, or use admin commands to ban the disruptive players.
11. Does leaving the password field empty cause performance issues?
No, leaving the password field empty does not cause any performance issues. However, a server with an empty password will be more accessible, and more players on the server might affect performance depending on your server’s resources.
12. Is there a way to make a server private without using a password?
Yes, although generally not recommended, you can whitelist players by configuring a whitelist in your server settings. However, this is more complex than simply setting a password and may not be supported by all servers.
13. Where do I find my server configuration files on a hosted server?
Server files are usually found via the server’s control panel through an FTP file access option. The location is typically under /ark/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ for Linux-based servers and often in a similar location for others.
14. Are spaces or other characters allowed in the server password field if it’s not empty?
Yes, you can use any characters and spaces in your server password if it is not meant to be empty, however they should be easy to remember, or easily accessed if required.
15. Do non-dedicated Ark servers also have a password field that can be left empty?
Yes, non-dedicated Ark servers also have a password field that functions the same way. You can leave it empty for public access or set a password for a more private game.