How to Install Mods on an ARK Survival Evolved Server

To install mods on an ARK: Survival Evolved server, list the Steam Workshop IDs, comma separated, in ActiveMods= under [ServerSettings] in GameUserSettings.ini (or the panel's Mods field), with the highest priority mod first. Start the server with -automanagedmods and it downloads every mod into ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ by itself. For a mod map, put its ID in the list and start on its map name. Players get the mods when they join, but Epic players cannot join a modded server.

What you are working with

Where the files are

Step 1: Collect Workshop IDs in load order

Open each mod's Workshop page and copy the number after ?id=. Write them in priority order. The ARK wiki's server configuration page is clear that priority is descending: the left most ID wins when two mods change the same thing. Structure and stack size mods usually go first, small fixes and cosmetic mods last. Many big mods state on their page where they belong.

Step 2: Stop the server and add the list

Stop the server, then pick one place for the list.

In the ini:

[ServerSettings]
ActiveMods=731604991,1404697612,889745138

On GamezServers: paste the same comma separated list into Mods in the panel. It goes onto the launch line, and the server already starts with -automanagedmods.

Keep one list. If you use the panel field, either delete ActiveMods from the ini or make it identical, so two different lists never fight over the load order.

Step 3: Start and let the mods download

Start the server. With -automanagedmods, it downloads each mod through SteamCMD before loading the map, so the first start after adding big mods takes a long time. Do not restart it halfway. On Linux, this only works when SteamCMD sits where ARK expects it, in Engine/Binaries/ThirdParty/SteamCMD/Linux/, which our servers set up at install.

When the map loads, check ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ for a folder and a .mod file per ID. Leave the 111111111 folder alone. It ships with the server and belongs to Primitive Plus.

Step 4: Mod maps and total conversions

Each map keeps its own save, so switching map does not delete the old one.

The gotcha: mods lock out Epic players

ARK: Survival Evolved on the Epic Games Store can play with Steam players on servers started with -crossplay, but the Epic version has no Steam Workshop. Epic players cannot download Workshop mods, so any ID in the mod list stops them joining. The server shows up and the password works, then the join fails.

Decide before you build the mod list:

• A Steam only group can run as many mods as the server's memory allows.
• A group with even one Epic player needs an empty mod list and -crossplay. Rates and settings in the ini still work, because those are not mods.

Do players need to install the mods?

Steam players do not need to do anything. The game downloads the server's mods when they join, which can take several minutes for big packs. Subscribing to the mods in advance makes the first join quicker.

Updating mods

Mods update on the Workshop at any time. A server that has not restarted keeps the old version, and players who updated get kicked with a mod mismatch. Restart the server so -automanagedmods fetches the new versions, and have players restart their game. If one mod keeps mismatching, stop the server, delete its folder and .mod file in Content/Mods, and start again so it downloads fresh.

Common problems

• Epic players cannot join: the server has mods. Remove all of them and use -crossplay, or keep the server Steam only.
• Kicked for mod mismatch: a mod updated. Restart the server and the game.
• Server stuck on the first start: big mods are still downloading. Watch the console and wait.
• Mod map loads The Island instead: the map name is wrong, or its ID is missing from the list. Check the mod page.
• Two mods conflict: the wrong one is first in the list. Reorder so the mod that should win is on the left.
• Out of memory after adding mods: every mod adds RAM on top of the map. Big DLC maps with mods need a bigger plan.

Mods on GamezServers

On an ARK: Survival Evolved server from GamezServers, you paste Workshop IDs into Mods, set the map in Server Map, and launch flags like -crossplay go in Additional Arguments. Press Backup before adding or removing mods, since removed mods can leave broken structures and dinos. Your map stays online without anyone's PC. Moving a single player world over? See how to move an ARK Survival Evolved save to a server.

FAQ

How do I add Steam Workshop mods to my ARK server?

Put the Workshop IDs, comma separated, in ActiveMods in GameUserSettings.ini or in the panel's Mods field, then restart. With -automanagedmods the server downloads them.

What order should ARK mods be in?

Highest priority first. The left most mod wins when two mods change the same thing.

Can Epic players join a modded ARK server?

No. The Epic version cannot use Steam Workshop mods, so crossplay servers must run without mods.

Why do players get kicked for mod mismatch?

A mod updated on the Workshop and the server still has the old version. Restart the server so it downloads the update.