Where Are ARK Mods Located? A Comprehensive Guide

The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is constantly expanding, thanks in no small part to its vibrant modding community. But for newcomers and even some seasoned players, navigating the complex world of mod locations can be confusing. This article will definitively answer the question, “Where are ARK mods located?” and delve into related FAQs to help you manage your mods effectively.

Understanding Mod Locations

In ARK: Survival Evolved, mods aren’t stored in a single, easily accessible location. Instead, they are distributed across two primary areas: your local computer and your game server (if you’re running one).

Local Computer Mod Location

On your personal computer, mods are stored within your Steam installation directory. Here’s the specific path:

[Steam Install Directory]steamappscommonARKShooterGameContentMods

Replace [Steam Install Directory] with the actual path where you installed Steam. By default, this is often:

Windows: C:Program Files (x86)Steam
Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/

Within this Mods folder, you’ll find various subfolders, each representing a specific mod. These folders typically have names that correspond to the mod’s ID, a unique numerical identifier assigned to each mod. You will also see .mod files.

Server Mod Location

If you’re running your own ARK server, the mods are also stored in a similar directory, but on your remote server. The typical path looks like this:

/ark-survival-evolved/ShooterGame/Content/Mods

This directory mirror’s the structure found on your local computer but is located on your server. It contains the same subfolders with mod IDs and .mod files.

Key Differences Between Local and Server Mod Locations

It’s vital to understand the differences between these two locations:

Local Mods: These mods are downloaded when you subscribe to them through the Steam Workshop. They affect the game client that you use to connect to a server and/or play single-player.
Server Mods: These mods are used by the game server to modify the game’s rules and content. Players joining that server will experience the mods enabled on the server.

Crucially, both your local client and the server need to have compatible mod versions for the game to function correctly and avoid mismatches that can lead to crashes or other issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ARK Mods

To further clarify the nuances of ARK mods, here are some frequently asked questions:

1. How do I find mods on Steam?

You can locate mods through the Steam Workshop. Navigate to the Steam store page for ARK: Survival Evolved, and you’ll find a link to its Workshop. You can also look for a “Community-made Mods” section on the game’s store page. Alternatively, you can access the workshop through the community hub.

2. How do I install ARK mod maps?

To install mod maps, you generally subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop. If you are using a server, you must ensure that mod is active on the server as well, as maps need to be running on the server and your client for you to join. This is typically done by accessing your server’s control panel, searching for the mod, and adding it. Remember to restart your server after adding a mod so it can be loaded correctly.

3. Why aren’t my ARK mods installing?

Several factors can prevent mods from installing properly. Common solutions include:

Verifying the integrity of game files through Steam.
Ensuring you have sufficient storage space on the drive where ARK is installed.
Trying to move the game installation to a different hard drive, especially if installed on the C: drive.
Updating your device drivers.

4. Where do I put mods on my ARK server?

To install mods on your server, locate the local mod files (as previously detailed) within: [Steam Install Directory]steamappscommonARKShooterGameContentMods and transfer them to the corresponding directory on the server: /ark-survival-evolved/ShooterGame/Content/Mods. Ensure you also add the mod ID to your server’s configuration settings.

5. How do I update my ARK mods?

You can often update mods through the Steam Workshop on your local machine. For server-side updates, most game control panels have a function to easily update mods from Steam. Manually, you would need to update the local client version, and copy that over to the server, this can result in game version mismatches if not done correctly. Some server setups, such as with auto-managed mods, will handle the updates automatically.

6. What is the best ARK map?

The “best” map is subjective, but some highly-regarded options include:

Lost Island: Known for its massive size and diverse environments.
Ragnarok: Offers a wealth of content and challenging landscapes.
Fjordur: A popular choice for its unique creatures and biomes.
The Island : This is the original map and still a good map for new and seasoned players.

7. How do I activate mods on Steam?

When you subscribe to a mod on the Steam Workshop, it is automatically downloaded and enabled when you launch the game. No further manual activation is typically required.

8. How do I enable admin mods in ARK?

To access admin commands, you need to become an admin on your server. In-game, open the console (typically by pressing the [Tab] key), and enter the command: enablecheats [Admin Password]. Make sure to replace [Admin Password] with your actual admin password.

9. How do I uninstall ARK mods on Steam?

To uninstall mods, you need to unsubscribe from them on the Steam Workshop, and optionally delete the mod folder located in your local ARK mod folder:

Hover your mouse over Community and click Workshop.
Click Your Files and Subscribed Items.
Hover your mouse over Subscribed and click Unsubscribe.
Right-click the mod and click Delete.

10. How do I disable anti-cheat on ARK server?

To disable the BattlEye anti-cheat system on your server, find your server configuration settings (usually accessible through your game server control panel). Locate the setting for BattlEye Anti-Cheat and change it from Enabled to Disabled. Save the changes and restart the server. Be cautious about disabling anti-cheat, it makes the server more vulnerable to malicious actors.

11. Do ARK mods update automatically?

Some mods update automatically through the Steam Workshop, when a new version is made available. However, server-side mods may need manual updates, or you can use the auto-managed mod updates feature in certain server management interfaces to update them automatically.

12. What are mods on ARK?

Mods are modifications to the game that introduce new items, creatures, mechanics, or complete overhauls. They are created by the community, not official developers.

13. Is ARK Additions a mod?

Yes, ARK Additions is a popular mod that introduces new creatures to the game, designed by modders, not part of the official game.

14. How do I manually download mods for ARK?

Mods are downloaded through the Steam Workshop; you simply click “Subscribe” on the mod page. No direct manual downloading is required, if you are not running a server, otherwise, they will also need to be manually downloaded to the server.

15. What is the best mod for ARK?

The best mod is subjective, but many players use:

Structures Plus (S+): An essential mod for base building.
Dino Storage V2: Great for managing tames.
Immersive Taming: Adds a different taming method to the game.
Kraken’s Better Dinos: A mod that rebalances creatures for more fun.

Conclusion

Understanding where your ARK mods are located is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. By knowing both your local and server-side locations, you can effectively manage your mods, troubleshoot issues, and keep your game running smoothly. Remember to always verify compatibility between your game client and your server when using mods. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to explore the vast world of ARK modding!

Where are the ark mods located?