How to Change Your ARK Server's Name

Published June 8, 2026 · By Host Havoc Technical Support Team

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 covers finding it in the list afterward.

Change the server name

  1. Log into the game panel and open your ARK service.
  2. Click Configuration Files.
  3. Open GameUserSettings.ini in the Config Editor.
  4. Find the SessionName= line and enter your server name after the equals sign.
  5. Save the file.
  6. Start or restart the server.

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.

Note: Your admin and join passwords live in the same file. See how to set your ARK server passwords. The new name appears in the browser a few minutes after the restart finishes.