Server configuration and customization in ARK: Survival Evolved allow you to tailor the gameplay experience according to your preferences. By adjusting server settings, you can modify various aspects of the game, such as player progression, resource rates, difficulty levels, and more. Here’s a guide to server configuration and customization:
1. Server Configuration Files: To configure your ARK: Survival Evolved server, you need to modify the server’s configuration files. These files are typically located in the server’s installation directory. The primary configuration file is “GameUserSettings.ini,” which contains most of the customizable settings. Additionally, there are other files such as “Game.ini” and “Engine.ini” that allow more advanced customization.
2. Accessing and Editing Configuration Files: Follow these steps to access and edit the server configuration files:
- Locate the installation directory of your ARK: Survival Evolved server.
- Open the “ShooterGame” folder, followed by the “Saved” folder.
- In the “Saved” folder, you will find the “Config” folder containing the configuration files mentioned above.
- Use a text editor (such as Notepad++) to open the desired configuration file.
3. Common Server Configuration Settings: Here are some common server configuration settings you can modify:
- Player Settings: Control player-related aspects, such as player levels, experience gain rates, and engram availability.
- Taming and Breeding Settings: Adjust taming speed, breeding rates, mating intervals, and egg incubation durations.
- Resource Settings: Modify the rates at which resources respawn, harvesting rates, and resource health.
- Difficulty Settings: Set the overall difficulty level of the game, which affects the strength and level of wild creatures.
- Day/Night Cycle: Customize the length of day and night cycles or disable night time altogether.
- Structure and Decay Settings: Configure structure placement rules, decay rates, and demolishing options.
- Cross-ARK Transfers: Enable or disable the ability for players to transfer characters, items, and creatures between different ARK servers.
- Mods and Plugins: Integrate mods or plugins into your server to introduce additional features, content, or customization options.
4. Testing and Restarting the Server: After making changes to the server configuration files, it’s important to test the changes and ensure they work as intended. Restart the server to apply the new settings. Some settings may require a server restart, while others can be applied dynamically without a restart.
5. Admin Commands: As a server administrator, you have access to various admin commands that can further customize and manage the server. Admin commands allow you to spawn items, creatures, manipulate the environment, and enforce server rules. Refer to the official ARK: Survival Evolved documentation or community resources for a comprehensive list of admin commands and their usage.
6. Server Management Tools: Using server management tools like ARK Server Manager or ARK Dedicated Server Tool can simplify the process of server configuration and customization. These tools provide a graphical interface for managing server settings, player administration, and monitoring server performance.
Remember to communicate any server configuration changes to your players and establish clear rules and guidelines for your server to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
Server configuration and customization in ARK: Survival Evolved allow you to create a unique and personalized gameplay experience. Experiment with different settings, gather feedback from your players, and iterate to create the server environment you envision.
