Menu
  Log out
 

ARK Server Configuration Guide

Ark Guide • Updated Mar 30, 2026

ARK Server Configuration Guide

ARK server configuration is split across the startup command line and the INI files loaded at boot. The clean mental model is this: session behavior and server rules usually live in GameUserSettings.ini, deeper gameplay overrides usually live in Game.ini, and runtime flags belong in the launch command.

Where Settings Belong

Location Use
Launch command Map name, ports, cluster flags, mods, and startup-only options
GameUserSettings.ini Session name, passwords, rates, PvP rules, and general server settings
Game.ini Creature, engram, breeding, and advanced gameplay overrides

Launch Syntax Pattern

<executable> <map_name>?Option=Value?Option=Value -Flag -OtherFlag=Value

Common GameUserSettings.ini Example

[ServerSettings]
SessionName=MyARKServer
ServerPassword=
ServerAdminPassword=ChangeMe
XPMultiplier=2.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=4.0
AutoSavePeriodMinutes=15

Common Game.ini Example

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=10.0
BabyCuddleIntervalMultiplier=0.2
BabyImprintAmountMultiplier=1.0
DinoCountMultiplier=0.8

Do not scatter related settings across random places. If you put launch-only options into the INI files or gameplay overrides into the wrong section, ARK will either ignore them or behave inconsistently after restarts.

Editing Rules That Prevent Trouble

  1. Stop the server before changing core settings.
  2. Keep a dated backup of both INI files before each major change.
  3. Change a small group of related settings at one time.
  4. Restart and verify the exact effect before moving on.

High-Impact Settings to Review First

  • XP, harvest, taming, and breeding multipliers
  • Autosave interval and admin password
  • Dino population and PvP or PvE rules
  • Cluster, transfer, and mod launch options

Need a cleaner place to manage ARK config changes without losing track of what moved? Use ARK: Survival Evolved hosting on Supercraft or launch ARK: Survival Ascended hosting on Supercraft and keep your server baseline easier to maintain.

← Back to Ark Guides
Top