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ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server Setup: SteamCMD, Ports & Linux

ARK Guide • Updated Aug 29, 2026

ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE) Dedicated Server Setup

This page is for ASE. ARK: Survival Ascended uses a different server app and content path. Use the ASA dedicated-server guide if you are running the Unreal Engine 5 remaster.

ARK: Survival Evolved is the original 2017 game. Its dedicated-server workflow uses Steam app 376030 and supports Windows and Linux server installations. The operational steps below are based on the ARK community wiki setup reference.

Install the ASE server

Install SteamCMD, choose a separate server directory, and download the ASE app:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/ark-ase +login anonymous +app_update 376030 validate +quit

On Windows, use a Windows path for +force_install_dir. Keep the command and the installed build in the operator notes so a later update can be compared with the working baseline.

Start a clean server

ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?listen?SessionName=MyASEServer?ServerPassword=?ServerAdminPassword=ChangeMe -Port=7777 -QueryPort=27015 -RCONPort=27020 -log

On Linux, launch the corresponding server binary from the installed ASE package. Replace the map and session values with the ones your group wants; do not paste ASA map identifiers into an ASE command.

ASE ports

PortTransportPurpose
7777UDPGame traffic
7778UDPPeer/server communication used by the instance
27015UDPSteam query/listing
27020TCPRCON when enabled and protected

Open only what the current instance needs. For multiple servers, give each instance a non-overlapping port set and verify the provider/firewall mapping instead of assuming the example offsets are universal.

Configuration files

FileASE WindowsASE Linux
Gameplay overridesShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\Game.iniShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini
Session/ratesShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\GameUserSettings.iniShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini

Stop the process before editing. Change one related setting group, restart, and verify the in-game result. Use the configuration guide for the division between launch flags, GameUserSettings.ini, and Game.ini.

First-boot checklist

  1. Start vanilla ASE on a new or disposable world.
  2. Confirm the process stays running and creates ShooterGame/Saved/.
  3. Join from a client on the same build.
  4. Set and test the admin password through a controlled account.
  5. Back up the clean save/config baseline.
  6. Add Workshop mods, cluster flags, or multipliers one change at a time.

ASE-specific traps

  • Using ASA's app 2430930 or _WP map identifiers on an ASE server.
  • Opening the query port while forgetting the game port.
  • Editing files while the server is running and losing the change on shutdown.
  • Adding mods before proving that the vanilla server and save work.
  • Exposing RCON without a strong password, firewall restriction, and need for remote access.

Next steps

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