[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"TrustPilot_Reviews:*:limit=1&sort[]=-review_time":3,"TrustPilot_Stats:*:":13,"Currencies:*:":18,"wiki_categories:id,kind,cta_url,slug,game,game.path,game.name,game.image_cover,game.whmcs_order_url,game.fullpath,translations.languages_code,translations.name,translations.description,translations.title,translations.cta_label,articles.id,articles.article_path,articles.sort,articles.date_created,articles.date_updated,articles.author_name,articles.featured_image,articles.subcategory.id,articles.subcategory.slug,articles.subcategory.sort,articles.subcategory.display_style,articles.subcategory.translations.languages_code,articles.subcategory.translations.name,articles.translations.languages_code,articles.translations.title,articles.translations.title_short,articles.translations.description,articles.translations.content_md:filter[kind][_eq]=game&filter[game][_eq]=ark-survival-evolved&filter[status][_eq]=published&deep[translations][_filter][languages_code][_in]=en,en&deep[articles][_filter][status][_eq]=published&deep[articles][_sort]=sort&deep[articles][_limit]=-1&deep[articles][translations][_filter][languages_code][_in]=en,en&deep[articles][subcategory][translations][_filter][languages_code][_in]=en,en&limit=1":42,"Header_Content:*,translations.*::en":485,"Footer_Popular_Games:*:":493},{"data":4},[5],{"display":6,"review_id":7,"review_stars":8,"review_text":9,"review_time":10,"review_title":11,"review_tp_id":7,"reviewer":12},false,"6a10aae75ac38557c9304183",5,"Amazing and lightning fast Technical support makes Host Havoc a must have for hosting my VIntage Story server!","2026-05-22T21:13:43Z","Amazing and lightning fast Technical…","Mike Mansell",{"data":14},{"id":15,"reviewcount":16,"trustscore":17},1,1546,"4.7",{"data":19},[20,25,31,37],{"code":21,"id":15,"rate":22,"suffix":23,"symbol":24,"title":23},"usd","1.00000","USD","$",{"code":26,"id":27,"rate":28,"suffix":29,"symbol":30,"title":29},"eur",2,"0.86155","EUR","€",{"code":32,"id":33,"rate":34,"suffix":35,"symbol":36,"title":35},"gbp",3,"0.73464","GBP","£",{"code":38,"id":39,"rate":40,"suffix":41,"symbol":24,"title":41},"cad",4,"1.37116","CAD",{"data":43},[44],{"id":15,"kind":45,"cta_url":46,"slug":46,"game":47,"translations":53,"articles":59},"game",null,{"path":48,"name":49,"image_cover":50,"whmcs_order_url":51,"fullpath":52},"ark-survival-evolved","ARK: Survival Evolved","268d6342-04e5-411e-bcd7-b038778ee0ca","https:\u002F\u002Fhosthavoc.com\u002Fbilling\u002Fcart.php?a=add&pid=11","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved",[54],{"languages_code":55,"name":49,"description":56,"title":57,"cta_label":58},"en","ARK: Survival Evolved server management guides covering mods, crossplay, clustering, DLC maps, the Server API, breeding rates, RCON, and crash troubleshooting.","ARK: Survival Evolved Server Guides","Rent an ARK: Survival Evolved Server",[60,80,97,113,128,144,156,168,180,195,207,219,232,244,256,268,280,297,309,324,336,349,361,375,387,400,411,424,436,449,461,473],{"id":61,"article_path":62,"sort":46,"date_created":63,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":66,"translations":74},19,"mods-not-loading","2026-06-08T01:51:19.000Z","2026-06-08T02:09:11.000Z","Host Havoc Technical Support Team",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":71},6,"troubleshooting",60,"list",[72],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},"Troubleshooting",[75],{"languages_code":55,"title":76,"title_short":77,"description":78,"content_md":79},"How to Fix ARK Mods That Will Not Load","Mods Not Loading","If ARK: Survival Evolved mods are not loading, check the mod files, the ActiveMods setting, and your saved data with these step-by-step fixes.","When ARK: Survival Evolved mods do not load, the cause is almost always one of three things: the mod files are not installed, the `ActiveMods` setting is wrong, or old saved data is rejecting them. Work through each below. If you are setting mods up for the first time, start with [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods).\n\n## The mod files are not installed\nInstall each mod through the panel's ARK Mod Updater, then confirm the folders landed in `ShooterGame\u002FContent\u002FMods` using the **File Manager**.\n\n## The ActiveMods setting is wrong\nOpen `GameUserSettings.ini` in the **Config Editor** and check the `ActiveMods` line:\n1. List only the Steam Workshop collection IDs.\n2. Separate them with commas.\n3. Do not put a comma after the last ID.\n\n## Old saved data is rejecting the mods\nSome mods only load on a clean save. If the files are installed and `ActiveMods` is correct but a mod still will not load, [reset your saved data](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freset-server) and restart.\n\n> **Tip:** Reset your saved data whenever you add or remove mods. It prevents the conflicts that cause mods to silently fail.",{"id":81,"article_path":82,"sort":46,"date_created":83,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":84,"translations":91},34,"ftp-client","2026-06-08T02:05:24.000Z",{"id":85,"slug":86,"sort":87,"display_style":70,"translations":88},8,"general",99,[89],{"languages_code":55,"name":90},"General",[92],{"languages_code":55,"title":93,"title_short":94,"description":95,"content_md":96},"How to Use an FTP Client With Your ARK Server","FTP Client","Connect to your ARK: Survival Evolved server's files with an FTP client like FileZilla using the FTP info from the Host Havoc control panel.","An FTP client gives you fast, bulk access to your ARK: Survival Evolved server's files, which is far quicker than the web File Manager for large folders. It is the fastest way to [reset your saved data](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freset-server) or pull a [backup](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups). We recommend FileZilla.\n\n> **Before you start:** Download FileZilla from the official FileZilla project site. Avoid bundled installers from other sources.\n\n## Connect with FileZilla\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Find the **FTP Info** box near the middle of the page and copy the IP and port (for example `167.114.172.201:8821`) into FileZilla's **Host** field.\n3. Enter your control panel username and password in FileZilla's **Username** and **Password** fields. You can change this password in the panel.\n4. The **Port** auto-fills to the correct value (`8821`) when you paste the FTP info correctly.\n5. Click **Quickconnect**.\n\n   ![FTP Info shown on the game panel's main page, used as the FileZilla host](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F2d958492-4ca2-42ed-8f25-26c6c26fd816)\n\n   ![Changing the FTP password in the control panel](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002Fc7ad63d9-3ccf-495f-99f2-dbda4fca9497)\n\n> **Note:** If the panel shows **SFTP Info** instead of **FTP Info**, add `sftp:\u002F\u002F` in front of the address, for example `sftp:\u002F\u002F167.114.172.201:8821`.",{"id":98,"article_path":99,"sort":46,"date_created":83,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":100,"translations":107},33,"server-lagging",{"id":101,"slug":102,"sort":103,"display_style":70,"translations":104},7,"performance",70,[105],{"languages_code":55,"name":106},"Performance",[108],{"languages_code":55,"title":109,"title_short":110,"description":111,"content_md":112},"How to Fix Lag on Your ARK Server","Server Lag","Most ARK: Survival Evolved server lag comes from config files or mods. Fix duplicate settings, high multipliers, and heavy mods to smooth it out.","Almost all ARK: Survival Evolved server lag comes down to two things: configuration files or mods. Work through the config checks first, since they are quick, then review your mods. If the server is hanging rather than lagging, that is a different problem covered in [server crashing](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fserver-crashing).\n\n## Check your configuration files\n1. Remove duplicate lines. A setting listed more than once (the auto-save setting is a common offender) causes lag, so keep one line per setting.\n2. Lower very high multipliers back toward the standard values.\n3. Leave the auto-save interval at its default (15 minutes) or higher, and force a save over RCON before restarts. A very short auto-save interval hurts performance.\n4. Be careful with the dino count multiplier. Raising it makes the server manage many times more creatures, which lowers both server performance and player frame rates.\n\n## Review your mods\nSeveral mods are known to cause performance issues. If you run mods, disable them to test whether the lag clears, then reintroduce them one at a time via [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods) to find the culprit. Stick to actively maintained mods.\n\n> **Tip:** Change one thing at a time and recheck. It is the only reliable way to find which setting or mod is responsible.",{"id":114,"article_path":115,"sort":46,"date_created":83,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":116,"translations":122},32,"server-api-plugins",{"id":8,"slug":117,"sort":118,"display_style":70,"translations":119},"plugins-modpacks",50,[120],{"languages_code":55,"name":121},"Plugins & Modpacks",[123],{"languages_code":55,"title":124,"title_short":125,"description":126,"content_md":127},"How to Install the ARK Server API and Plugins","Server API","Install ARK Server API on your ARK: Survival Evolved server from the Non-Workshop Mods panel, then upload plugins to the ArkApi plugins folder.","ARK Server API (ArkApi) is a plugin framework that adds server-side features beyond what Steam Workshop mods provide. You install the API from the panel, then add individual plugins. If you also run Workshop mods, set those up with [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods).\n\n## Install ARK Server API\n1. Log into the game panel.\n2. Click **Non-Workshop Mods**.\n3. Click **Install** beside **ARK Server API**. It is now installed on your server.\n\n## Upload plugins\n1. Find a plugin in the ARK Server API plugins directory.\n2. Using the **File Manager** or [an FTP client](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fftp-client), go to `ShooterGame\u002FBinaries\u002FWin64\u002FArkApi\u002FPlugins`.\n3. Upload the plugin into that folder, then restart the server.\n\n> **Note:** ArkApi plugins run on the server only. Players do not need to install anything to use them.",{"id":129,"article_path":130,"sort":46,"date_created":131,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":132,"translations":138},31,"generated-arks","2026-06-08T02:04:59.000Z",{"id":39,"slug":133,"sort":134,"display_style":70,"translations":135},"mods",40,[136],{"languages_code":55,"name":137},"Mods & Maps",[139],{"languages_code":55,"title":140,"title_short":141,"description":142,"content_md":143},"How to Set Up a Procedurally Generated Map on ARK","Generated Maps","Create a procedurally generated map (PGARK) for your ARK: Survival Evolved server and shape the terrain with the generation settings.","ARK: Survival Evolved can generate a unique procedurally generated map (a PGARK) instead of using a fixed map. You select the procedurally generated map, then shape its terrain with generation values like the map seed, biome sizes, and foliage density. For standard official and Workshop maps instead, see [loading a map or DLC](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fload-map).\n\n> **Before you start:** A procedurally generated map is defined by its generation settings, especially the map seed. Changing those settings generates a different world, so settle on them before players build.\n\n## Set up a generated map\n1. Load the procedurally generated map the same way you load any map.\n2. Set the generation values to shape the world. The most useful ones:\n\n   | Setting | What it does |\n   | --- | --- |\n   | `MapSeed` | The seed for the noise and random functions. The same seed reproduces the same map. |\n   | `LandscapeRadius` | The radius of the land. Beyond it is water. |\n   | `MountainHeight` | A multiplier for mountain height. |\n   | `GrassDensity` | Foliage density in the grasslands biome. |\n   | `JungleBiomeStart` | The height at which the jungle biome begins. |\n   | `ErosionIterations` | How many erosion droplets are simulated, which smooths terrain. |\n\n3. Save and restart the server to generate the map.\n\n> **Tip:** Note your `MapSeed` somewhere safe. It is the one value you need to recreate the exact same map later. Set rates and rules the same as any map, for example [the difficulty level](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fchange-difficulty).",{"id":145,"article_path":146,"sort":46,"date_created":131,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":147,"translations":150},30,"primitive-plus",{"id":39,"slug":133,"sort":134,"display_style":70,"translations":148},[149],{"languages_code":55,"name":137},[151],{"languages_code":55,"title":152,"title_short":153,"description":154,"content_md":155},"How to Enable Primitive Plus on Your ARK Server","Primitive Plus","Turn on the Primitive Plus total conversion on your ARK: Survival Evolved server by adding the ActiveTotalConversion line to GameUserSettings.ini.","Primitive Plus is an official total conversion for ARK: Survival Evolved that reworks crafting and resources. You enable it with a single line in `GameUserSettings.ini`. Because it is a total conversion and not a standard mod, do not load it through the mods list. After enabling it, players connect the usual way shown in [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server).\n\n## Enable Primitive Plus\n1. Log into the game panel and stop the server.\n2. Open **Configuration Files** and open `GameUserSettings.ini` in the **Config Editor**.\n3. Under `[ServerSettings]`, add:\n```\nActiveTotalConversion=111111111\n```\n4. Save the file and start the server.\n\n> **Note:** Total conversions change the whole game mode. Misusing the total conversion parameter for a regular mod is a common cause of a server reverting to [70 slots](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fserver-slots), so only use it for actual total conversions.",{"id":157,"article_path":158,"sort":46,"date_created":131,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":159,"translations":162},29,"auto-update-mods",{"id":39,"slug":133,"sort":134,"display_style":70,"translations":160},[161],{"languages_code":55,"name":137},[163],{"languages_code":55,"title":164,"title_short":165,"description":166,"content_md":167},"How to Enable Automatic Mod Updating on ARK","Auto Mod Updates","Set up automatic Steam Workshop mod updates on your ARK: Survival Evolved server with the Auto Managed Mods parameter and the Game.ini ModInstaller list.","Automatic mod updating checks your ARK: Survival Evolved mods for updates each time the server starts. It can save manual work, but we generally advise against it: a failed mod update during startup is a common cause of a server that will not boot. If you would rather update manually, see [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods).\n\n> **Warning:** Updates only run at startup, and a failed mod update can stop the server from starting. If you enable this and the server later will not boot, see [mods not loading](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmods-not-loading).\n\n## Enable automatic mod updates\n1. Log into the game panel and stop the server.\n2. Open the **Command Line Manager** and enable the **Auto Managed Mods** parameter.\n3. Save the command line, then open the **Configuration Files** module.\n4. Open `Game.ini` in the text editor.\n5. Add each mod you want auto-updated under a `[ModInstaller]` section:\n```\n[ModInstaller]\nModIDS=680481868\nModIDS=682394267\n```\n6. Save `Game.ini` and start the server.",{"id":169,"article_path":170,"sort":46,"date_created":131,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":171,"translations":174},28,"load-map",{"id":39,"slug":133,"sort":134,"display_style":70,"translations":172},[173],{"languages_code":55,"name":137},[175],{"languages_code":55,"title":176,"title_short":177,"description":178,"content_md":179},"How to Load a Map or DLC on Your ARK Server","Load a Map","Switch your ARK: Survival Evolved server to any official DLC map or a custom Workshop map using the predefined command line or the Server Map field.","This guide covers loading any official ARK: Survival Evolved DLC map (Ragnarok, Fjordur, Genesis, and the rest) or a custom Steam Workshop map. The fastest route is the predefined command line; a custom command line gives you more control. Before switching, run **Update Server Files** so the map content is present, and see [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods) if your map needs mods.\n\n> **Before you start:** Changing maps starts a fresh world. Your current map's save is kept and is there again if you switch back. To preserve progress, [create a backup](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups) first.\n\n## Use a predefined map (easiest)\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Run **Update Server Files** if you have not recently.\n3. Open the **Command Line Manager**.\n\n   ![Command Line Manager in the Host Havoc game panel](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F06580774-c576-45d9-925c-51fd66b68f1d)\n\n4. Pick the map you want from the predefined command lines, then click **Select** on the right.\n5. The server restarts on the new map.\n\n## Use a custom command line\nFor full control over parameters, set the map yourself:\n1. In the **Command Line Manager**, open the **Custom Commandlines** tab and click **New**.\n2. In the **Server Map** field, enter the map's code from the table below. For custom Workshop maps, use the map's official name from its Steam page instead.\n3. Set any other parameters, save, and click **Select**.\n\n## Map codes\nUse these in the **Server Map** field of a custom command line. The predefined dropdown sets them for you automatically.\n\n| Map | Server Map code |\n| --- | --- |\n| The Island | `TheIsland` |\n| The Center | `TheCenter` |\n| Scorched Earth | `ScorchedEarth_P` |\n| Aberration | `Aberration_P` |\n| Extinction | `Extinction` |\n| Genesis Part 1 | `Genesis` |\n| Genesis Part 2 | `Gen2` |\n| Ragnarok | `Ragnarok` |\n| Valguero | `Valguero_P` |\n| Crystal Isles | `CrystalIsles` |\n| Lost Island | `LostIsland` |\n| Fjordur | `Fjordur` |\n| Aquatica | `Aquatica` |\n\n> **Note:** Genesis Part 2 needs more than 8 GB of RAM, so confirm your plan has the memory before loading it. Aquatica is a mod map and also requires its Steam Workshop mod installed.\n\n## Custom Workshop maps\n1. Find a map in the ARK Steam Workshop and install it like any other mod, covered in [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods).\n\n   ![ARK Steam Workshop map page showing the official map name](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F589ab12c-e8cb-40f6-8d7a-fc780ea91b53)\n\n2. On the map's Steam page, find its official map name (the page lists the exact name to use).\n3. Enter that name in the **Server Map** field of a custom command line, save, and click **Select**.\n\n## Troubleshooting\nIf a custom map will not load (CPU at 0% while the player count shows correctly):\n1. Stop the server, click **More**, and run **Delete Steamapps Folder [Global]**.\n2. Run **Update Server Files** and wait for it to complete.\n3. Recheck that the map name matches the official name on the Steam Workshop page exactly.\n\nIf an official map fails after content was deleted, [force a file validation](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fforce-file-validation) to restore it.",{"id":181,"article_path":182,"sort":46,"date_created":183,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":184,"translations":189},27,"active-event","2026-06-08T02:04:21.000Z",{"id":33,"slug":185,"sort":145,"display_style":70,"translations":186},"gameplay",[187],{"languages_code":55,"name":188},"Gameplay Settings",[190],{"languages_code":55,"title":191,"title_short":192,"description":193,"content_md":194},"How to Set Up an Active Event on Your ARK Server","Active Events","Run a seasonal ARK: Survival Evolved event such as TurkeyTrials on your server using the Active Events option in the command line, when Wildcard enables it.","ARK: Survival Evolved seasonal events, such as TurkeyTrials or the holiday events, can be enabled on your server through the command line. You pick the event from the Active Events option, then select your command line. Events are controlled by Wildcard and only work during their active windows.\n\n## Enable an event\n1. Log into the game panel and open the **Command Line Manager**.\n2. Choose a predefined command line, or set up a custom one as shown in [loading a map or DLC](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fload-map), and find the **Active Events** dropdown.\n3. Choose the event you want and save the command line.\n4. Make sure the command line is **Selected** after saving, then restart.\n\n> **Warning:** Wildcard has removed events from dedicated servers outside their scheduled times. Most events only run when Wildcard releases the matching update, so an event like TurkeyTrials only works on the dates Wildcard specifies. If an event will not start, it is almost certainly outside its active window.",{"id":196,"article_path":197,"sort":46,"date_created":183,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":198,"translations":201},26,"gameplay-toggles",{"id":33,"slug":185,"sort":145,"display_style":70,"translations":199},[200],{"languages_code":55,"name":188},[202],{"languages_code":55,"title":203,"title_short":204,"description":205,"content_md":206},"How to Enable Floating Damage and Cave Flyers on ARK","Gameplay Toggles","Toggle ARK: Survival Evolved options like floating damage text, force allow cave flyers, and override official difficulty from the command line.","Several ARK: Survival Evolved options are set through the command line rather than a config file, including floating damage text, force allow cave flyers, and the override official difficulty value. You can toggle them on the command line you already use, or on a new custom one.\n\n## Method 1: edit your selected command line\n1. Log into the game panel and open the **Command Line Manager**.\n2. Click **Selected** on the command line you use. If none is selected, click **Select** on the command line for your map first, then edit it.\n3. Tick **ShowFloatingDamageText** for floating damage, tick **Force Allow Cave Flyers** to allow flyers in caves, or set a value for **Override Official Difficulty**.\n4. Save the command line.\n\n## Method 2: create a custom command line\n1. In the **Command Line Manager**, open the **Custom Commandlines** tab and click **New**.\n2. In the **Server Map** field, enter the map you are running. See [loading a map or DLC](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fload-map) for the map codes.\n3. Set the same toggles, save, and click **Select**.\n\n> **Note:** Override Official Difficulty sets your max wild creature level. For the full formula and clearing wild dinos afterward, see [changing the difficulty level](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fchange-difficulty).",{"id":208,"article_path":209,"sort":46,"date_created":183,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":210,"translations":213},25,"pve-mode",{"id":33,"slug":185,"sort":145,"display_style":70,"translations":211},[212],{"languages_code":55,"name":188},[214],{"languages_code":55,"title":215,"title_short":216,"description":217,"content_md":218},"How to Switch Your ARK Server to PvE","PvE Mode","Turn your ARK: Survival Evolved server into a PvE server by setting serverPVE to true in GameUserSettings.ini from the control panel.","By default an ARK: Survival Evolved server runs in PvP. Switching to PvE disables player-versus-player combat, so survivors cannot damage each other or each other's structures. You set it with a single value in `GameUserSettings.ini`. Players join a PvE server the same way, shown in [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server).\n\n## Switch to PvE\n1. Log into the game panel and stop your ARK service.\n2. Open **Configuration Files** and open `GameUserSettings.ini`.\n3. Find `serverPVE=false` and set it to `serverPVE=true`. If you use the guided editor instead, set the PvP\u002FPvE mode to **PvE**.\n4. Save the file and start the server.\n\n> **Note:** Switching modes does not undo damage already done. For a clean PvE start, pair this with a [server reset](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freset-server).",{"id":220,"article_path":221,"sort":46,"date_created":183,"date_updated":222,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":223,"translations":226},24,"change-difficulty","2026-06-09T03:07:44.000Z",{"id":33,"slug":185,"sort":145,"display_style":70,"translations":224},[225],{"languages_code":55,"name":188},[227],{"languages_code":55,"title":228,"title_short":229,"description":230,"content_md":231},"How to Change the Difficulty Level on Your ARK Server","Difficulty","Set the max wild creature level on your ARK: Survival Evolved server with OverrideOfficialDifficulty, then clear wild dinos so the new levels apply.","The difficulty level on your ARK: Survival Evolved server sets the maximum level of wild creatures, controlled mainly by `OverrideOfficialDifficulty` in the command line. The effective value follows the formula `DifficultyOffset * (Official Difficulty - 0.5) + 0.5`. After changing it, clear the existing wild creatures with an [admin command](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadmin-commands) so new ones spawn at the new levels.\n\n## Set the difficulty\n1. Log into the game panel and open the **Command Line Manager**. Select a command line if you have not already.\n2. Click **Selected** on your command line and find the **Override Official Difficulty** line.\n3. Set `OverrideOfficialDifficulty` to your max desired level divided by 30. For a max level of 300, set it to 10 (300 \u002F 30 = 10). The value can be 1.0 to 10.0.\n4. Save and restart.\n\n   ![Example OverrideOfficialDifficulty values and their resulting maximum wild creature levels](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F26610073-b900-4f67-99b7-afbebc9095a9)\n\n> **Note:** The difficulty offset is separate and lives in `GameUserSettings.ini`. Most servers only need to set `OverrideOfficialDifficulty`.\n\n## Clear wild dinos\nNew levels only apply to newly spawned creatures, so clear the current ones:\n1. Make sure you are an admin, covered in [how to add admins](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-admins).\n2. In the console or over RCON, run `DestroyWildDinos`.\n3. Wild creatures respawn within the new level range.",{"id":233,"article_path":234,"sort":46,"date_created":183,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":235,"translations":238},23,"incubation-maturity",{"id":33,"slug":185,"sort":145,"display_style":70,"translations":236},[237],{"languages_code":55,"name":188},[239],{"languages_code":55,"title":240,"title_short":241,"description":242,"content_md":243},"How to Configure Breeding and Maturity Rates on ARK","Breeding Rates","Set ARK: Survival Evolved breeding rates by adding mating, egg hatch, and baby maturation multipliers to the Game.ini file in the control panel.","Breeding rates on your ARK: Survival Evolved server (mating cooldown, egg incubation, and baby maturation) are controlled by multipliers in the `Game.ini` file, not `GameUserSettings.ini`. Higher values speed each stage up. For world difficulty and max level instead, see [changing the difficulty level](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fchange-difficulty).\n\n> **Before you start:** Stop the server first. Edits made to `Game.ini` while the server is running will not save.\n\n## Set the breeding multipliers\n1. Log into the game panel and stop your ARK service.\n2. Open **Configuration Files** and open `Game.ini` in the editor.\n3. Under the `[\u002Fscript\u002Fshootergame.shootergamemode]` section, add or edit these lines:\n```\n[\u002Fscript\u002Fshootergame.shootergamemode]\nMatingIntervalMultiplier=1.0\nEggHatchSpeedMultiplier=1.0\nBabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=1.0\n```\n4. Adjust the values (higher is faster), save the file, and start the server.\n\n> **Note:** `Game.ini` is separate from `GameUserSettings.ini`. Breeding rate multipliers live here, so do not confuse the two. Other world options are set in [gameplay toggles](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fgameplay-toggles).",{"id":245,"article_path":246,"sort":46,"date_created":63,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":247,"translations":250},22,"reinstall-server",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":248},[249],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},[251],{"languages_code":55,"title":252,"title_short":253,"description":254,"content_md":255},"How to Reinstall Your ARK Server","Reinstall","Reset your ARK: Survival Evolved server to its original default state with a full reinstall from the control panel. Back up anything you want to keep first.","A reinstall returns your ARK: Survival Evolved server to the default state it had at purchase. It deletes all server files except backups, so it is the right tool when the install is too broken to repair any other way. Save anything you want to keep first.\n\n> **Warning:** This deletes all server files except backups, including configs and saves. To preserve your world, [create a backup](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups) and download anything you want to keep before you start.\n\n## Reinstall the server\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Stop the server.\n3. Click **More**.\n4. Click **Reinstall**.\n5. Confirm the reinstall, keeping the **Default values** option selected.\n\n   ![The More button in the game panel](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F94180fe5-c087-402a-b039-8712cc770d74)\n\n   ![The Reinstall option in the game panel](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002Ffbfa4b6d-e744-47e9-a572-6bcd73c77865)\n\n   ![Confirming an ARK reinstall with Default values selected](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F5dd8d501-d4cd-409b-aa6e-27f0ec770678)\n\nThe panel deletes the server files, downloads a fresh copy, and installs a default setup. This can take several minutes depending on the file size. When it finishes, you have a clean install.\n\n> **Tip:** Try a [file validation](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fforce-file-validation) before a full reinstall. It repairs damaged files without wiping your configuration.",{"id":257,"article_path":258,"sort":46,"date_created":63,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":259,"translations":262},21,"cpu-usage-zero",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":260},[261],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},[263],{"languages_code":55,"title":264,"title_short":265,"description":266,"content_md":267},"How to Fix an ARK Server Stuck at 0% CPU","CPU at 0%","An ARK: Survival Evolved server hanging at 0% CPU is failing to start internally. Work through mods, rollbacks, and a fresh save to fix it.","A server hanging at 0% CPU for an extended time means ARK: Survival Evolved is failing to start internally, usually because of a mod or a corrupt save. Work through these steps in order, checking after each to see if the server recovers.\n\n## Steps to recover\n1. Update every mod. Out-of-date mods are the most common cause after a game patch.\n2. [Roll back your saved data](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups) in case it recently corrupted.\n3. Disable all mods and create a fresh save by renaming the `ShooterGame\u002FSaved\u002FSavedArks` folder. The server generates a new one on restart.\n4. If that fixes it, rename the folder back to recover the original save once the cause is sorted.\n\n> **Note:** A clean save with no mods is the fastest way to confirm whether a mod or the save is at fault. See [reset your server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freset-server) for the full save-reset steps, and [server crashing](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fserver-crashing) if it hangs only under load.\n\n## Still stuck\nIf none of this helps, open a support ticket and say you have already updated mods, rolled back, and tried a fresh save. That lets the technician skip ahead and resolve it faster.",{"id":269,"article_path":270,"sort":46,"date_created":63,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":271,"translations":274},20,"server-crashing",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":272},[273],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},[275],{"languages_code":55,"title":276,"title_short":277,"description":278,"content_md":279},"How to Fix an ARK Server That Keeps Crashing","Server Crashing","An ARK: Survival Evolved server that hangs at 0% CPU is usually a mod or corrupt-save engine crash. Here is how to identify and fix it.","An ARK: Survival Evolved server crash is usually not a full application crash, which our panel would auto-restart, but an engine hang: the server goes unresponsive, players cannot connect, and CPU usage drops to 0% with no recovery. The cause is nearly always mods or the modded saved data they leave behind.\n\n> **Before you start:** If the panel keeps auto-restarting the service, that is a full crash, not the hang covered here. See [server won't start](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fserver-not-starting) for that case.\n\n## Why it hangs\n1. Mods and modded saved data, which most often break right after a game update.\n2. Corrupt saved data, which is almost always a side effect of mods.\n\n## How to fix it\n1. Remove problem mods. You rarely need to remove all of them, but drop any that are not actively maintained, since ARK's frequent updates break stale mods.\n2. [Reset your saved data](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freset-server) after any mod change, so leftover modded data cannot conflict.\n\n> **Tip:** Keep your mod list small and stick to actively updated mods. It is the best way to avoid update-day crashes. If CPU stays at 0% with no mods involved, see [CPU stuck at 0%](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fcpu-usage-zero).",{"id":15,"article_path":281,"sort":46,"date_created":282,"date_updated":283,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":284,"translations":291},"join-server","2026-06-02T01:36:29.000Z","2026-06-10T18:25:02.000Z",{"id":15,"slug":285,"sort":286,"display_style":287,"translations":288},"getting-started",10,"cards",[289],{"languages_code":55,"name":290},"Getting Started",[292],{"languages_code":55,"title":293,"title_short":294,"description":295,"content_md":296},"How to Join Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server (Steam and Epic)","Join Your Server","Connect to your ARK: Survival Evolved server on Steam or the Epic Games Store by adding it to favourites or using the in-game console.","Since the in-game ARK: Survival Evolved server browser often does not display all of the servers online, the most reliable way to join your own server is to add it to your Steam favourites. If you're setting the server up for the first time, you'll also want to [use admin commands](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadmin-commands) once you're in.\n\n> **Before you start:** You'll need your server's connection info in `\u003CIP>:\u003CPORT>` format, shown on the main control page for your ARK server.\n\n## Steam\n\n1. Open the Steam client.\n2. At the top left, click **View**.\n3. Click **Servers**, then open the **Favorites** tab.\n4. Click **Add Server to Favorites**.\n5. Copy and paste your server's query information as `\u003CIP>:\u003CPORT>`. It's shown on the main control page for your ARK server.\n\n   ![ARK server query info shown on the control panel's main page](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F037711e6-2818-4c1b-9958-74f40648c0a7)\n\n## Epic Games Store\n\n> **Note:** The Epic Games Store version of ARK does not currently have a way to join a server directly via IP\u002Fport. This is not a limitation on our part.\n\n1. Join a single-player game of ARK.\n2. Press **Tab** to open the console.\n3. Obtain your server's connection info in `\u003CIP>:\u003CPORT>` format.\n4. Type `open \u003CIP>:\u003CPORT>` and press Enter.\n\n   ![Joining an ARK server through the Epic Games console](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002Fe89f34c6-485f-48bb-a330-6f0862b1b14e)\n\n> **Warning:** Using a password? ARK will sometimes not let you join if you enter the password from the Steam server browser. Enter it from within the game instead, or you won't load in properly.",{"id":298,"article_path":299,"sort":46,"date_created":63,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":300,"translations":303},18,"force-file-validation",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":301},[302],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},[304],{"languages_code":55,"title":305,"title_short":306,"description":307,"content_md":308},"How to Force a File Validation on Your ARK Server","File Validation","Repair missing or corrupt ARK: Survival Evolved server files by forcing a Steam file validation from the control panel, and know when you do not need to.","Forcing a file validation makes the Steam updater recheck and repair your ARK: Survival Evolved server files, which fixes missing or corrupt content that stops the server from starting or loading maps. Use it when an update loops or files go bad, but not every update error needs it. If the server simply will not boot, start with our [server won't start](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fserver-not-starting) checklist.\n\n> **Before you start:** Stop the server first. You cannot delete the `steamapps` folder while an update is running, because the files are in use.\n\n## Force a file validation\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Open the **File Manager**.\n3. Select and delete the `steamapps` folder.\n4. Run the **Update Server Files** module.\n5. The files validate and re-download as needed. Start the server when it finishes.\n\n## The 376030 \"state is 0x\" error\nIf you see `Error! App '376030' state is 0x... after update job`, that usually means an update is still running in the background, not that your files are broken.\n1. Closing the update window does not stop the update. It keeps running until done.\n2. The error clears once the background update finishes and the Steam window shows **Already Up to Date**.\n3. A force validation is not required here, and trying to delete `steamapps` mid-update gives an in-use error, which is expected.\n\n> **Note:** If validation does not resolve the problem, a [full reinstall](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Freinstall-server) resets the files to default. If the server was online when the update ran, it restarts automatically once the update completes.",{"id":310,"article_path":311,"sort":46,"date_created":312,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":313,"translations":318},17,"broadcast-messages","2026-06-08T01:48:14.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":315},"configuration",[316],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},"Configuration",[319],{"languages_code":55,"title":320,"title_short":321,"description":322,"content_md":323},"How to Set Up Automatic Broadcast Messages on ARK","Broadcast Messages","Schedule recurring in-game announcements on your ARK: Survival Evolved server using RCON and the Scheduled Tasks tool in the control panel.","Automatic broadcasts send recurring messages to everyone on your ARK: Survival Evolved server, which is handy for rules, restart warnings, or event reminders. You set them up with the panel's Scheduled Tasks tool and an RCON command. The RCON password is your admin password, so set that first in [your server passwords](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fset-passwords) if you have not.\n\n## Schedule a broadcast\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Click **Scheduled Tasks** on the left.\n3. Click **New**, choose **Console\u002FRCon Command**, and confirm.\n4. Enter the RCON password, which is the `ServerAdminPassword` from `GameUserSettings.ini`.\n5. Enter the broadcast command followed by your message:\n```\nbroadcast This is a test\n```\n6. Name the task.\n7. For a recurring message, set **Type** to daily, set a start time, and enable **Repeat Task** (for example, every 15 minutes across 24 hours).\n8. Click **Save**.\n\n   ![ARK broadcast recurring task example](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F04916d8f-c234-4348-a1ea-792004088e02)\n\n> **Tip:** Keep broadcasts short. Long or frequent messages clutter the chat and the on-screen feed players see.",{"id":325,"article_path":326,"sort":46,"date_created":312,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":327,"translations":330},16,"server-slots",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":328},[329],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[331],{"languages_code":55,"title":332,"title_short":333,"description":334,"content_md":335},"How to Fix an ARK Server Stuck at 70 Slots","70-Slot Issue","If your ARK: Survival Evolved server reverts to 70 slots, a command line formatting error or missing mod content is usually the cause.","If your ARK: Survival Evolved server keeps reverting to 70 slots instead of your allocated count, it is failing to read your command line or is missing map content. ARK falls back to 70 slots when the command line has a formatting error or the map cannot load. Work through the checks below.\n\n## Check the command line\nOpen the **Commandline Manager** and review your selected command line for:\n1. Stray quotation marks inside a parameter.\n2. Misuse of the total conversion mod parameter. Not every mod is a total conversion, so only use that parameter for mods that are.\n3. A misspelled map name. A common mistake is a space in `The Island`. The correct format is `TheIsland` with no space. See [loading a map or DLC](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fload-map) for the exact map names.\n\n## Restore missing mod content\nDeleting the default mod content from `ShooterGame\u002FContent\u002FMods` stops maps like Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Ragnarok from loading, which also triggers the 70-slot fallback. If you removed those files, [force a file validation](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fforce-file-validation) to download them again, then restart.",{"id":337,"article_path":338,"sort":46,"date_created":312,"date_updated":339,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":340,"translations":343},15,"cluster-servers","2026-06-10T18:25:37.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":341},[342],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[344],{"languages_code":55,"title":345,"title_short":346,"description":347,"content_md":348},"How to Cluster Your ARK Servers","Clustering","Link multiple ARK: Survival Evolved maps into a cluster so players carry characters and items between them, all on one Host Havoc account.","Clustering links several ARK: Survival Evolved maps so players move characters, dinos, and items between them through the obelisk transfer system. You need one server per map, and every server in the cluster has to sit on the same Host Havoc account. Players still connect to each map individually using our [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server) guide.\n\n> **Before you start:** A cluster needs one server per map. Two maps means two servers, three maps means three. If servers are on different accounts, transfer them onto one account first.\n\n## Set up the cluster\n1. Make sure every server you want clustered is on the same Host Havoc account.\n2. On each server, create and **Select** a custom command line with that server's map. See [loading a map or DLC](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fload-map) for the map names.\n3. With the command lines selected, our automatic cluster system links them. There is no manual cluster ID to set.\n\n> **Note:** Clustering is handled in the backend by our system when your command lines are selected. Setting a `clusterID` yourself does not properly cluster the servers, so contact support if you set one up manually.\n\n## Troubleshooting cluster travel\nIf you cannot see another clustered server at the obelisk:\n1. Confirm the servers were clustered by our system, not just given a matching `clusterID`.\n2. Make sure you can directly connect to every server in the cluster. Allow 5 to 10 minutes for each map to fully load.\n3. Check the obelisk server browser filters. Options like **Show Passworded Servers** can hide the rest of your cluster.\n4. Test without mods. Some mods block clustered servers from listing or break cross-map travel.\n\n## Add cross-server chat (optional)\nTo share chat across the cluster, install Cross ARK Chat from the **Non-Workshop Mods** panel on each server, then open `_configuration.json` in the text editor and fill in the **Servers** section for every server with `Active` set to `True`. Start it once from **More > Start\u002FRestart Cross ARK Chat Daemon** on a single server. If it does not start, paste `_configuration.json` into a JSON validator to check the formatting.",{"id":350,"article_path":351,"sort":46,"date_created":312,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":352,"translations":355},14,"enable-whitelist",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":353},[354],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[356],{"languages_code":55,"title":357,"title_short":358,"description":359,"content_md":360},"How to Enable the Whitelist on Your ARK Server","Whitelist","Restrict your ARK: Survival Evolved server to approved players using exclusive join mode and a list of Steam64 IDs.","Exclusive join mode turns your ARK: Survival Evolved server into a private, whitelist-only server: only the Steam64 IDs you approve can connect. You set it with a command line parameter plus a list file. This is separate from [adding admins](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-admins), which grants powers rather than access.\n\n## Turn on exclusive join\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Open the **Command Line Manager**, go to **Custom Commandlines**, and click **New**.\n3. In the **Additional Parameters** box, add:\n```\n-exclusivejoin\n```\n4. Save the command line and click **Select** on the right.\n5. Open **Configuration Files** and edit `PlayersJoinNoCheckList.txt`.\n6. Add each approved Steam64 ID on its own line, then save and restart.\n\n> **Tip:** You can also add players to the whitelist in game from the admin menu once the server is running. Approved players connect the usual way, shown in [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server).\n\n> **Note:** The same `PlayersJoinNoCheckList.txt` file also serves as ARK's join-check bypass, skipping slot and other join checks for the players listed in it.",{"id":362,"article_path":363,"sort":46,"date_created":364,"date_updated":365,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":366,"translations":369},13,"enable-crossplay","2026-06-08T01:47:36.000Z","2026-06-10T18:25:28.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":367},[368],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[370],{"languages_code":55,"title":371,"title_short":372,"description":373,"content_md":374},"How to Enable Crossplay on Your ARK Server","Crossplay","Let Steam and Epic Games players share your ARK: Survival Evolved server by adding the -crossplay parameter to your command line.","Crossplay lets Steam and Epic Games Store players join the same ARK: Survival Evolved server. You enable it by adding the `-crossplay` parameter to your command line, then restarting. Once it is on, players on both stores can follow our [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server) guide to connect.\n\n## Enable crossplay\nIf you already have a custom command line, add `-crossplay` to its **Additional Parameters** field and restart. To create one:\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Click the **Command Line Manager**.\n\n   ![Command Line Manager in the Host Havoc game panel](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002F06580774-c576-45d9-925c-51fd66b68f1d)\n\n3. Open the **Custom Commandlines** tab and click **New**.\n4. Scroll to **Additional Parameters** and enter:\n```\n-crossplay\n```\n5. Save the command line, then click **Select** on the right. The server restarts automatically.\n\n## Disable BattlEye if players cannot connect\nSome crossplay setups need BattlEye anti-cheat turned off. In the **Command Line Manager**, click **Select** on your command line, choose the **No BattlEye** option, then save and restart.\n\n> **Warning:** Disabling BattlEye lowers anti-cheat protection. Only turn it off if Epic players cannot otherwise connect. Crossplay does not change your passwords, so check them in [your server passwords](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fset-passwords).",{"id":376,"article_path":377,"sort":46,"date_created":364,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":378,"translations":381},12,"set-passwords",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":379},[380],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[382],{"languages_code":55,"title":383,"title_short":384,"description":385,"content_md":386},"How to Set Your ARK Server Passwords","Server Passwords","Set the admin and join passwords on your ARK: Survival Evolved server in GameUserSettings.ini, and clear a password when you want the server open.","Your ARK: Survival Evolved server has two passwords: the join password players need to connect, and the admin password that unlocks admin commands. Both live in the `GameUserSettings.ini` file and take a restart to apply. After setting them, share the steps from our [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server) guide with your players.\n\n## Set the passwords\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Click **Configuration Files**.\n3. Open `GameUserSettings.ini` in the **Config Editor**.\n4. Set the values you need:\n   - `ServerPassword=` for the join password.\n   - `ServerAdminPassword=` for the admin password.\n5. Save the file.\n6. Start or restart the server.\n\n> **Warning:** Always set a `ServerAdminPassword`. Without one, admin powers are exposed on the server. The admin password is also what players use with [admin commands](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadmin-commands).\n\n## Remove the join password\nIf you set the join password through a custom command line, clearing the `GameUserSettings.ini` value is not enough. Open the **Commandline Manager**, edit your custom command line, empty the password field, then save and click **Select** so it applies on the next restart.",{"id":388,"article_path":389,"sort":46,"date_created":364,"date_updated":390,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":391,"translations":394},11,"add-admins","2026-06-10T18:25:12.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":392},[393],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[395],{"languages_code":55,"title":396,"title_short":397,"description":398,"content_md":399},"How to Add Admins on Your ARK Server","Add Admins","Give players admin access on your ARK: Survival Evolved server by adding their Steam64 IDs to AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt in the control panel.","Admin access on your ARK: Survival Evolved server works as a whitelist of Steam64 IDs in the `AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt` file. Anyone listed there can run admin commands without entering the password each time. Once they are added, our guide on [ARK admin commands](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadmin-commands) covers what they can do.\n\n> **Before you start:** You need each admin's Steam64 ID, not their username. Look it up with a Steam ID finder before you begin.\n\n## Add an admin\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Open the **Configuration Files** module.\n3. Open `AllowedCheaterSteamIDs.txt` in the **Text Editor**.\n4. Enter each Steam64 ID on its own line:\n```\n76561198000000001\n76561198000000002\n76561198000000003\n```\n5. Save the file and restart the server to apply.\n\n> **Note:** This admin list is separate from the join whitelist. To restrict who can connect at all, see [how to enable the whitelist](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fenable-whitelist).",{"id":286,"article_path":401,"sort":46,"date_created":364,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":402,"translations":405},"change-server-name",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":403},[404],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[406],{"languages_code":55,"title":407,"title_short":408,"description":409,"content_md":410},"How to Change Your ARK Server's Name","Server Name","Set your ARK: Survival Evolved server's display name from the SessionName line in GameUserSettings.ini using the Host Havoc control panel.","Your ARK: Survival Evolved server's name is the title players see in the server browser, and it is set in the `GameUserSettings.ini` file rather than a panel label. You can change it in under a minute from the control panel, then restart to apply. If you have not connected yet, our guide on [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server) covers finding it in the list afterward.\n\n## Change the server name\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Click **Configuration Files**.\n3. Open `GameUserSettings.ini` in the **Config Editor**.\n4. Find the `SessionName=` line and enter your server name after the equals sign.\n5. Save the file.\n6. Start or restart the server.\n\n> **Tip:** Keep the name concise. A very long server name or command line description can stop a custom command line from saving, so trim both if the **Commandline Manager** refuses to save.\n\n> **Note:** Your admin and join passwords live in the same file. See [how to set your ARK server passwords](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fset-passwords). The new name appears in the browser a few minutes after the restart finishes.",{"id":412,"article_path":413,"sort":46,"date_created":414,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":415,"translations":418},9,"reset-server","2026-06-08T01:16:51.000Z",{"id":85,"slug":86,"sort":87,"display_style":70,"translations":416},[417],{"languages_code":55,"name":90},[419],{"languages_code":55,"title":420,"title_short":421,"description":422,"content_md":423},"How to Reset Your ARK Server's Data and Config","Reset Server","Restore your ARK: Survival Evolved server's default config, or wipe its world and player data, from the control panel with the exact files involved.","Resetting an ARK: Survival Evolved server covers two separate jobs: restoring your configuration to defaults, and wiping the saved world and player data. This guide handles both from the control panel. If you are resetting to clear a broken mod setup, review [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods) before you rebuild it.\n\n> **Before you start:** Resetting your config restores ARK's default server settings. Note any custom rates, rules, or admin settings first so you can re-apply them afterward.\n\n## Reset your config files\n1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.\n2. Stop the server.\n3. Open `GameUserSettings.ini` in the configuration file editor. The button is in the lower section of the panel when you are viewing your service.\n4. Select all the text in the file and delete it.\n5. Start the server. ARK regenerates a clean `GameUserSettings.ini` with default values.\n\n> **Note:** On disk the file lives at `ShooterGame\u002FSaved\u002FConfig\u002FWindowsServer\u002FGameUserSettings.ini` (or the `LinuxServer` folder on a Linux host), so you can also clear it over FTP.\n\n## Reset the world and player data\nThis wipes your map, structures, and player progress.\n1. Stop the server.\n2. Open the **File Manager**.\n3. Go to `ShooterGame\u002FSaved\u002FSavedArks`.\n4. Delete every file in the folder.\n5. Start the server to generate a fresh world.\n\n> **Tip:** This is much faster over an FTP client when the folder is large. After a reset, have players reconnect using our guide on [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server).",{"id":85,"article_path":425,"sort":46,"date_created":426,"date_updated":64,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":427,"translations":430},"server-not-starting","2026-06-08T01:16:33.000Z",{"id":67,"slug":68,"sort":69,"display_style":70,"translations":428},[429],{"languages_code":55,"name":73},[431],{"languages_code":55,"title":432,"title_short":433,"description":434,"content_md":435},"How to Fix an ARK Server That Won't Start","Server Won't Start","Work through the fixes that resolve most ARK: Survival Evolved server startup failures, from mod conflicts to corrupt saves, before opening a ticket.","An ARK: Survival Evolved server that will not come online is almost always fixable in a few minutes. Work through the checks below in order before you open a support ticket, because most failures come down to a mod conflict, a corrupt save, or an incomplete update. Start by confirming the server is truly offline rather than just slow to boot.\n\n> **Before you start:** Give the server 5 to 15 minutes after any boot or update. ARK can take a long time to load large maps and mod sets, and a server that looks offline is often still starting.\n\n## Confirm the server is actually offline\n1. Open the game panel and check whether the status shows the server as running.\n2. Try to find the server in your Steam favorites. If you are not sure how, follow our guide on [joining your ARK server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fjoin-server).\n3. If it appears after a few minutes, it was still starting and no further action is needed.\n\n> **Note:** If the server runs but will not show in the in-game session browser, set the session filter to show unofficial servers and search by name. A missing listing is usually a browser filter, not a down server.\n\n## Rule out mods\nMods are the most common cause of a server that will not start.\n1. Disable your mods in the Commandline Manager.\n2. Delete the `Mods` folder at `ShooterGame\u002FContent\u002FMods` to clear leftover files.\n3. Start the server and check whether it comes online.\n\n> **Warning:** Mods leave files behind even when disabled, which can keep a server from starting. Always clear the `Mods` folder after disabling, then reintroduce mods one at a time to find the culprit. See [how to add mods](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fadd-mods) when you add them back.\n\n## Reset the save folder\nA corrupt world save can stop the server from loading.\n1. Stop the server.\n2. Rename `ShooterGame\u002FSaved\u002FSavedArks` to something like `SavedArks_old`. The server generates a fresh folder on the next start.\n3. Start the server. If it boots, the original save was the problem, and you can rename the folder back later to recover it.\n\n## Update and validate the server files\n1. Run **Update Server Files** from the game panel. A log window opens; note that it does not refresh in real time.\n2. If the update does not help, force a full file validation to repair any missing or damaged files.\n3. Start the server once the validation finishes.\n\n## Still not starting\nIf the server is still down after every step above, open a support ticket from the billing panel and list the steps you have already tried. Tickets get a faster, tracked response than live chat or social messages.",{"id":67,"article_path":437,"sort":46,"date_created":438,"date_updated":439,"author_name":65,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":440,"translations":443},"add-mods","2026-06-07T02:57:32.000Z","2026-06-10T18:25:20.000Z",{"id":39,"slug":133,"sort":134,"display_style":70,"translations":441},[442],{"languages_code":55,"name":137},[444],{"languages_code":55,"title":445,"title_short":446,"description":447,"content_md":448},"How to Add Mods to Your ARK Server","Add Mods","Add Steam Workshop mods to your ARK: Survival Evolved server using the panel's Workshop installer or by editing GameUserSettings.ini.","All Host Havoc ARK servers support Steam Workshop mods. You can install them automatically from the game panel, or add them manually by editing your configuration file. Either way, [back up your server](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups) first, since mods can break after a game update.\n\n> **Before you start:** Mods can cause crashes or data loss, especially after game updates, and mod-related support is limited. Run **Create Backup** in the control panel before installing any mod.\n\n## Method 1: Install from the panel (recommended)\n\n1. Open your game panel and click the **Steam Workshop** icon.\n2. Search for a mod by name or mod ID and click **Install**.\n\nThe panel adds the mod ID to your configuration file automatically. You can use this method to install a whole mod collection too.\n\n## Method 2: Add mods manually\n\n1. In Steam, open the ARK Workshop and find the mod you want to use.\n2. Copy the numeric **mod ID** from the end of the workshop URL.\n\n   > **Note:** If you can't see the URL, enable it in Steam's interface settings or open the page in a web browser.\n\n   ![Finding the ARK mod ID on the Steam Workshop page](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002Fedab59e2-cc51-4da4-975e-57c6e9bde97a)\n\n3. Log into the game control panel.\n4. Open **Configuration Files** and edit `GameUserSettings.ini` in the Configuration Editor or Text Editor.\n5. Find the `ActiveMods` setting. If it doesn't exist, add an `ActiveMods=` line below the `[ServerSettings]` section.\n6. Add your mod IDs to the line, separated by commas, with no trailing comma:\n\n   ```\n   ActiveMods=123456789,987654321\n   ```\n\n7. Go to the main control page for your ARK server.\n8. Open the **Old Workshop Mod Handler** (on the same page as Start, Stop, and Restart).\n9. Enter the same mod IDs, separated by commas, with no trailing comma.\n10. Click **Run**, wait for it to finish, then start your server.\n\n> **Warning:** Not all mods support stacking, and a mod can break after a game update. If that corrupts your world, restore from a [recent backup](\u002Fwiki\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved\u002Fmanage-backups).\n\n> **Custom maps:** If you create a new command line for a custom map, click **Select** next to it so it changes to **Selected**. If the map mod won't load, add `\u002FGame\u002FMods\u002F\u003CMAPID>\u002F\u003CMAPNAME>` to the map portion of your command line.",{"id":8,"article_path":450,"sort":46,"date_created":451,"date_updated":64,"author_name":46,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":452,"translations":455},"automatic-restarts","2026-06-02T02:05:07.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":453},[454],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[456],{"languages_code":55,"title":457,"title_short":458,"description":459,"content_md":460},"How to Set Up Automatic Restarts for Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server","Automatic Restarts","Set up scheduled automatic restarts for your ARK: Survival Evolved server using the Host Havoc game control panel.","This article covers setting up automatic restarts on your [ARK server hosted by Host Havoc](https:\u002F\u002Fhosthavoc.com\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fark-survival-evolved).\n\n1. Log into the [Game Control Panel](https:\u002F\u002Fgamepanel.hosthavoc.com\u002F) and navigate to your server.\n2. Click the **Scheduled Tasks** icon on the left-hand side.\n3. Click **New** at the top, choose **Scheduled Start\u002FStop\u002FRestart**, then click **New** directly below that section.\n4. Give the task a name you can easily recognize, and make sure the **Enabled** box is checked.\n5. For the type, choose **Daily** if you'd like it to restart at the same time each day.\n6. Set the start date and time. This is when it runs each day. To confirm it's based on your time zone, see [Why is my game panel not in my time zone?](https:\u002F\u002Fhosthavoc.com\u002Fbilling\u002Fknowledgebase\u002F342\u002FWhy-is-my-game-panel-not-in-my-time-zone.html). Advanced settings such as the action type and waiting until the server is empty can be set under **Advanced Options**.\n7. Click **Save**.\n\nTo repeat the task every 6 hours within a 24-hour period, enable **Repeat Task** and configure it as needed.\n\n![ARK automatic restart recurring task example](https:\u002F\u002Fcontent.hosthavoc.com\u002Fassets\u002Ffc731496-e95f-4ffb-ad53-7d02f1881f15)",{"id":39,"article_path":462,"sort":46,"date_created":451,"date_updated":463,"author_name":46,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":464,"translations":467},"manage-backups","2026-06-09T03:07:47.000Z",{"id":85,"slug":86,"sort":87,"display_style":70,"translations":465},[466],{"languages_code":55,"name":90},[468],{"languages_code":55,"title":469,"title_short":470,"description":471,"content_md":472},"Creating and Restoring Backups","Backups","How to create, download, and restore backups for your game server using the Host Havoc control panel.","The control panel automatically attempts to create a backup every night at 2:45 AM. Backups typically contain only save data and settings files.\n\n## Create a backup\n\n1. Log into the [Game Control Panel](https:\u002F\u002Fgamepanel.hosthavoc.com\u002F).\n2. View your game service.\n3. Click the **Create Backup** icon in your server's control panel.\n\n## Restore a backup\n\n1. Log into the [Game Control Panel](https:\u002F\u002Fgamepanel.hosthavoc.com\u002F).\n2. View your game service.\n3. Stop your server.\n4. Click the **Restore Backup** icon in your server's control panel.\n5. Select a backup from the dropdown list.\n6. Press **Run**.\n\nBackups are stored in the **Backups** folder on the server. You can download backup `.zip` files using the **File Manager** or an FTP client.\n\n> **Note:** You cannot upload files directly to the backups folder.\n\n## Restore a downloaded backup .zip\n\n1. Use an FTP client to upload the zip to the main root directory.\n2. Open the **File Manager** in the control panel.\n3. Right-click the file and click **Extract**.\n\n> Extraction may take a few minutes.",{"id":33,"article_path":474,"sort":46,"date_created":475,"date_updated":64,"author_name":46,"featured_image":46,"subcategory":476,"translations":479},"admin-commands","2026-06-02T02:04:46.000Z",{"id":27,"slug":314,"sort":269,"display_style":70,"translations":477},[478],{"languages_code":55,"name":317},[480],{"languages_code":55,"title":481,"title_short":482,"description":483,"content_md":484},"How to Use Admin Commands on Your ARK: Survival Evolved Server","Admin Commands","Enable and use admin and cheat commands on your ARK: Survival Evolved server, including a full command reference.","This article walks you through using admin commands on your ARK: Survival Evolved server. The list of commands below is not exhaustive, and not all of them are implemented in the game.\n\n## Enabling admin commands\n\n1. Log into your server in-game.\n2. Press **Tab** to open the server console.\n3. Type `enablecheats adminpasswordgoeshere` (without quotes), using your own admin password.\n4. You're all set to use the cheat commands below.\n\n> **Note:** Your admin password is set in the `GameUserSettings.ini` file, found under **Configuration Files** in the control panel.\n\n## Command reference\n\n| Command | Effect |\n| --- | --- |\n| `Cheat AddExperience 500 1 1` | Gives you 500 XP. Change `500` to any value. |\n| `Cheat Fly` | Lets your character fly. |\n| `Cheat God` | Makes you invulnerable. |\n| `Cheat Ghost` | Noclip (fly with no collision). |\n| `Cheat GiveResources` | Gives 50 of every resource (local servers only). |\n| `Cheat Walk` | Stops flying. |\n| `SetCheatPlayer true\u002Ffalse` | Enables or disables the cheat menu. |\n| `Cheat SetTimeOfDay \u003Ctime>` | Sets the time of day, e.g. `admincheat settimeofday 12:00`. |\n| `Cheat ToggleInfiniteAmmo` | Toggles infinite ammo. |\n| `Cheat Teleport` | Teleports you in the direction you're facing. |\n| `Cheat SaveWorld` | Saves the current world. |\n| `Cheat AllowPlayerToJoinNoCheck \u003CsteamID>` | Whitelists the given Steam ID. |\n| `Cheat DisallowPlayerToJoinNoCheck \u003CsteamID>` | Removes the Steam ID from the whitelist. |\n| `Cheat Broadcast \u003Cmessage>` | Broadcasts a message to the server. |\n| `Cheat Slomo 5` | Changes movement speed. |\n| `Cheat PlayersOnly` | Freezes all dinos and crafting. |\n| `Cheat ForceTame` | Instantly tames the targeted dino. |\n| `Cheat InfiniteStats` | Gives infinite hunger, stamina, ammo, etc. |\n| `BanPlayer \u003CSteamName>` | Bans a player from the server. |\n| `UnBanPlayer \u003CSteamName>` | Unbans a player. |\n| `Cheat DamageTarget \u003Camount>` | Deals damage to your target. |\n| `Cheat DestroyAllEnemies` | Destroys all enemies. |\n| `Cheat HurtMe \u003Camount>` | Damages your own character. |\n| `Cheat SetPlayerPos 0 0 0` | Teleports you to the given coordinates. |\n| `Cheat Quit` | Saves and exits the server. |\n| `Cheat ExecSetSleeping true\u002Ffalse` | Puts your character to sleep or wakes them. |\n| `Cheat EnemyInvisible true\u002Ffalse` | Makes creatures ignore you, even if you attack. |\n| `Cheat Summon \u003Cclassname>` | Summons a creature or structure at your location. |\n| `Cheat GiveItemNum \u003CID> \u003CQTY> \u003CQuality> \u003CTrue\u002FFalse>` | Gives you an item, e.g. `admincheat giveitemnum 1 1 1 false`. |\n\n## Why can everyone see my admin commands in chat?\n\nIf the commands you run are broadcast to every player in chat, your server has `AdminLogging` enabled. Turn it off to keep your admin activity private.\n\n1. Open `GameUserSettings.ini` under **Configuration Files** in the control panel.\n2. In the `[ServerSettings]` section, add or edit this line: `AdminLogging=False`.\n3. Save the file and restart your server.\n\n> **Note:** With `AdminLogging` set to `False`, your admin commands no longer appear in chat for other players.",{"data":486},{"id":15,"sale_active":487,"sale_html":488,"sale_icon":489,"sale_icon_2x":490,"_translatedFields":491},true,"Save 10% off new services for life by using code \u003Cspan style=\"color: #6aeb34\">SPRING\u003C\u002Fspan> at checkout!","2f67e468-c12e-4412-b2cd-b781354b70f6","28db222b-0aea-4e31-a56c-01cbe993b567",[492],"sale_html",{"data":494},[495,498,501,504,507,510,513,516],{"Game":496,"Game_Link":497,"id":15,"sort":15},"Windrose","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fwindrose",{"Game":499,"Game_Link":500,"id":39,"sort":27},"Minecraft","\u002Fminecraft",{"Game":502,"Game_Link":503,"id":33,"sort":33},"7 Days to Die","\u002Fgame-servers\u002F7-days-to-die",{"Game":505,"Game_Link":506,"id":8,"sort":39},"Vintage Story","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fvintage-story",{"Game":508,"Game_Link":509,"id":27,"sort":8},"Arma 3","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Farma-3",{"Game":511,"Game_Link":512,"id":101,"sort":67},"Arma Reforger","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Farma-reforger",{"Game":514,"Game_Link":515,"id":85,"sort":101},"DayZ","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Fdayz",{"Game":517,"Game_Link":518,"id":67,"sort":85},"Rust","\u002Fgame-servers\u002Frust"]