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How to Run a Dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved Server (Ultimate Guide)

How to Run a Dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved Server (Ultimate Guide)

How to Run a Dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved Server (Ultimate Guide)

How to Run a Dedicated ARK: Survival Evolved Server (Ultimate Guide)

Alright, let's get real for a second. You’ve probably been there, haven't you? Staring at the ARK: Survival Evolved main menu, that primal urge to dive back into the prehistoric chaos, only to be met with the same old frustrations. Maybe it's the official servers, a land of unpredictable lag spikes, the ever-present threat of alpha tribes wiping your hard-earned progress with a casual shrug, or admins who seem to operate on a whim. Or perhaps you’re tired of the dreaded "tether" on non-dedicated sessions, that invisible leash yanking your friends back to your side, destroying any semblance of exploration or independent base building. I’ve lived through those moments, felt that particular sting of injustice, and let me tell you, there's a better way. A way to reclaim your ARK experience, to sculpt it exactly as you envision. We're talking about running your own dedicated ARK server, and if you’re anything like me, once you go dedicated, you never go back. This isn't just a guide; it's an invitation to true freedom in the world of ARK.

Why Run Your Own ARK Dedicated Server?

So, you might be asking, "Is it really worth the hassle?" And my answer, with every fiber of my being, is a resounding, unequivocal yes. The benefits dedicated ARK server hosting provides are so profound, so utterly transformative, that they fundamentally alter your entire relationship with the game. We're not just talking about minor tweaks here; we're talking about taking the reins of your destiny, becoming the architect of your own personal dinosaur-infested paradise (or nightmare, if that's your jam).

Let's dissect the core problem first: the official servers. Oh, the official servers. I remember when I first started playing ARK, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, thinking, "This is it! The ultimate survival game!" Then reality hit, harder than a Giga bite. The constant, soul-crushing grind, only to have your entire base leveled by some anonymous mega-tribe who just happened to be flying by and felt like it. The lag, oh god, the lag! Trying to land a crucial shot or escape a pursuing pack of raptors, only for the server to stutter, and suddenly, you're dead, your precious gear gone. And let's not even get started on the official server wipes – months of effort, just...poof. It felt less like survival and more like masochism. This is where the stark contrast between ARK official vs dedicated servers becomes glaringly obvious. On an official server, you are a guest, subject to the whims of the host (Wildcard) and the often-toxic behavior of other players. You have zero say in the rules, zero recourse against griefers (beyond reporting, which feels like screaming into the void), and zero stability.

Then there's the non-dedicated option, often the first port of call for friends wanting to play together. It's easy, sure, but it comes with that infamous, soul-crushing tether. "Hey, can you come over here for a second?" "Nah, man, I'm trying to explore this cave on the other side of the island!" "Well, you can't, because I'm building a wall and the tether won't let you!" It's like playing with an invisible bungee cord attached to your hip, constantly pulling you back to the host. Plus, the server only runs when the host is playing, meaning your friends' progress is entirely dependent on your availability. Want to log on and check your tames while the host is at work? Tough luck. These limitations aren't just minor inconveniences; they fundamentally restrict the open-world, exploratory nature that makes ARK so captivating.

This is precisely why the dedicated ARK server advantages shine so brightly. Imagine a world where the server is always online, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether you or your friends are logged in. Your dinosaurs continue to mature, your crops continue to grow, and your production chains keep chugging along, even when you're asleep or at work. Imagine a world where you set the rules. No more arbitrary wipes, no more unchecked griefing, no more "alpha tribe" dominance unless you explicitly allow it. You become the benevolent (or tyrannical, if you choose) deity of your own ARK. It’s a game-changer, plain and simple. It transforms ARK from a frustrating, often unfair experience into a truly personalized adventure playground for you and your chosen community. The initial setup might seem daunting, but the long-term payoff in terms of enjoyment, stability, and sheer control is immeasurable. Trust me, the moment you log into your own, custom-tailored ARK server, you'll wonder how you ever played any other way.

Unparalleled Control and Customization

This, my friends, is the real meat and potatoes, the juicy prime rib of running your own server. When I talk about unparalleled control and customization, I'm not just throwing around buzzwords; I'm talking about the power to literally sculpt the very fabric of your ARK universe. Forget the limitations of official servers where every gather rate, every XP multiplier, every taming speed is locked into a fixed, often painfully slow, setting. On your dedicated server, you are the master of your domain, holding the ultimate authority over game settings, rules, server events, and, perhaps most excitingly, mod integration. This isn't just about making things "easier"; it's about making them better, more tailored to your specific playstyle and the desires of your community.

Let's dive deep into what this "full authority" truly entails. First, consider the myriad of game settings. Do you find the default gather rates excruciatingly slow, turning every resource run into a tedious chore? Crank it up! Want to speed up the often agonizingly long taming process so you can actually enjoy your new dino without waiting half a day? Adjust the taming speed multiplier. Breeding, that intricate and time-consuming dance of stats and mutations, can be fine-tuned to your liking, accelerating incubation, maturation, and even the frequency of mutations. You can tweak player and dino stats, making players stronger, dinosaurs more resilient, or even dialing up the difficulty if you're a glutton for punishment. Structure decay, stack sizes, item weights – virtually every aspect of the game economy and progression is yours to command. I remember one server I ran where we decided to go for a truly epic, long-term build. We set gather rates to 10x, taming to 50x, and breeding to 100x. It completely transformed the game from a desperate struggle for survival into a creative sandbox where players could focus on massive constructions, elaborate dino armies, and grand adventures without the soul-crushing grind. This level of granular control is something you simply cannot get anywhere else.

Beyond the numerical settings, you also dictate the very rules of engagement. Is your server going to be a peaceful PvE haven where players collaborate and build magnificent bases without fear of destruction? Or a brutal, no-holds-barred PvP arena where only the strong survive? Perhaps a hybrid, with designated PvP zones or scheduled "purge" events? You decide. You can implement specific rules about griefing, base raiding, PVE protection timers, or even enforce role-playing elements. This is crucial for fostering a healthy, engaged community because everyone knows where they stand. No more ambiguity, no more relying on vague "terms of service" that are rarely enforced. You are the law.

Pro-Tip: The Admin Command Console is Your Best Friend
Don't be intimidated by the idea of "coding" your server. While some advanced configurations might involve editing INI files, many settings and real-time events can be managed directly through the in-game admin command console. Learn a few key commands for teleportation, item spawning, or even spawning specific dinosaurs, and you'll feel like a true deity. It's incredibly powerful and surprisingly user-friendly once you get the hang of it.

Then there are server events – a fantastic way to keep your community engaged and inject fresh excitement. Want to host a Gladiator Arena where players pit their best dinos against each other? Or a treasure hunt with custom-spawned loot? Perhaps a "purge night" where PvP is temporarily enabled for a few hours of mayhem? With full admin access, you can spawn items, creatures, teleport players, and modify settings on the fly to create truly unique, memorable experiences. This ability to be dynamic and responsive to your community's desires is a huge draw and a massive dedicated ARK server advantage.

But perhaps the most compelling reason for the discerning ARK player to customize ARK server settings is the sheer, unadulterated power of mod integration. This is where ARK truly opens up. The Steam Workshop for ARK is a treasure trove of player-created content, ranging from essential quality-of-life improvements like "Structures Plus" (S+) that revolutionizes base building, to entirely new creatures, weapons, and even massive expansion maps. Tired of vanilla ARK? Slap on some mods! Want flying dinosaurs to be faster? There's a mod for that. Want a better stacking system, automatic door closing, or even entirely new crafting stations? Mods, mods, mods! The ability to pick and choose from thousands of community-made additions allows you to tailor your gameplay experience in ways Wildcard never even dreamed of. I've spent countless hours browsing mods, envisioning how they could enhance my server, and then seeing those visions come to life. It's like having an infinite expansion pack, custom-designed by the community, and you get to be the curator. This level of control isn't just a convenience; it's a creative outlet, allowing you to craft an ARK experience that is truly, uniquely yours.

Understanding Server Hosting Options

Alright, so you're convinced. The allure of total control, custom rules, and a stable, mod-friendly environment has hooked you. Fantastic! Now comes the practical question: "How do I actually do this?" This is where we break down the different avenues for hosting your dedicated ARK server. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding your options is crucial to making the right choice for your needs, your technical comfort level, and your wallet. We'll explore the primary methods, from the hands-on approach of self-hosting to the convenience of third-party providers. Each has its own set of pros and cons, and knowing them upfront will save you a lot of headaches down the line.

Renting from a Game Server Provider (GSP)

This is, without a doubt, the most popular and often the most straightforward path for many players looking to run a dedicated ARK server. Think of it like this: instead of buying a whole car, you're just renting it for a specific period. You pay a monthly fee to a company that specializes in hosting game servers, and in return, they provide you with a pre-configured, ready-to-go ARK server. The best dedicated ARK server hosting providers handle all the backend infrastructure, the hardware, the network, and often provide user-friendly control panels that simplify server management.

The primary appeal here is convenience. You don't need to be a networking guru or a hardware expert. Most GSPs offer intuitive web-based control panels where you can easily adjust server settings, install mods with a few clicks, manage player bans, and even backup your server data. It's designed to be accessible even for those with minimal technical knowledge. This ease of use dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, allowing you to focus on playing and managing your community rather than wrestling with command lines and router settings. I remember my first foray into dedicated servers was through a GSP, and the sheer simplicity of it was a relief. Within an hour, my server was up, my friends were connecting, and we were off exploring. That immediate gratification is a powerful draw.

However, this convenience comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. You're paying a premium for the managed service, and while many GSPs offer competitive pricing, it will always be more expensive than self-hosting if you already own the hardware. Furthermore, while the control panels are user-friendly, they often don't provide the absolute granular control that you get with self-hosting. There might be certain advanced settings or specific file edits that are either difficult or impossible to access through the GSP's interface. You're also reliant on their infrastructure and support. If their network goes down, or if you encounter a bug that their support team can't resolve, you're out of luck until they fix it. This isn't usually a major issue with reputable providers, but it's something to be aware of.

When choosing a GSP, it’s crucial to do your homework. Look for providers with a strong reputation for uptime, low latency (especially important for ARK, where desync can be deadly), and responsive customer support. Check reviews, ask around in ARK communities, and don't just go for the cheapest option. A few extra dollars a month for a reliable, performant server can save you countless hours of frustration. Many GSPs also offer different tiers of service, varying by CPU cores, RAM, and storage type (SSD vs. HDD), which directly impacts performance. For ARK, especially with mods, RAM and CPU clock speed are king. Don't skimp if you plan on having more than a handful of players or a heavily modded experience.

Insider Note: Don't Always Trust the Player Slot Count
Some GSPs advertise a high number of player slots (e.g., 70 slots) for a relatively low price. Be wary. ARK is a demanding game. A server advertised for 70 players might struggle immensely with even 20-30 active players, especially if you're running mods. Always prioritize CPU speed and RAM over raw player slot numbers when evaluating GSPs for ARK. It's better to have a stable 20-player server than a laggy 70-player one.

The process usually involves signing up on their website, selecting your game (ARK: Survival Evolved), choosing your server location (pick one closest to the majority of your players for best ping), and then configuring basic settings through their panel. Most GSPs will have your server online within minutes of payment, making it an incredibly quick way to get into the action. It's a fantastic option for those who want a robust, dedicated experience without the deep dive into technical server administration.

Self-Hosting on Your Own Machine

Now, this is where things get interesting for the technically inclined, the budget-conscious, or those who simply crave the ultimate level of control. Self-hosting means you are running the ARK dedicated server software directly on your own computer, whether it's your primary gaming rig, an old desktop gathering dust, or a purpose-built server machine. This approach offers unparalleled flexibility and, if you already have suitable hardware, can be incredibly cost-effective as you're not paying monthly rental fees.

The biggest advantage here is absolute control. You have direct access to all server files, all configuration settings, and the operating system itself. This means you can implement any mod, any INI tweak, and any custom script without any limitations imposed by a GSP's control panel. You can also monitor performance in real-time, troubleshoot issues directly, and truly understand the intricacies of how your server operates. For those who enjoy tinkering and learning, it's a rewarding experience. Plus, if you have an existing powerful PC, the only "cost" is electricity and your internet bandwidth.

However, self-hosting is not for the faint of heart. It demands a decent level of technical proficiency. You'll need to understand networking concepts like port forwarding (opening specific ports on your router to allow external connections to your server), firewall rules, and potentially static IP addresses. Hardware requirements are also significant. ARK is a notoriously resource-hungry game, and running a dedicated server, especially with mods and multiple players, requires a robust CPU (high clock speed is key), ample RAM (16GB minimum, 32GB+ recommended for modded servers), and fast storage (SSD is almost a necessity). If your machine isn't up to snuff, your server will suffer from lag, crashes, and a generally poor player experience. I once tried to self-host on an older machine, and it was a disaster. The game itself ran fine for me, but the server was a stuttering mess for my friends. It taught me a valuable lesson about matching hardware to demand.

Furthermore, your internet connection becomes a critical factor. You need a stable, high-speed connection with sufficient upload bandwidth. Most home internet plans prioritize download speeds, but a server needs strong upload to send game data to all connected players. If your upload speed is insufficient, players will experience rubberbanding and lag, regardless of how powerful your hardware is. The server also needs to be running 24/7 if you want your ARK world to persist, which means your dedicated machine will be consuming power constantly. You'll also need to manage updates, backups, and general server maintenance yourself. This can be a time commitment, and any issues you encounter, you'll be largely on your own to troubleshoot (though online communities are a great resource).

Pro-Tip: Use the ARK Server Manager Tool
If you decide to self-host on Windows, the ARK Server Manager (ASM) is an absolute godsend. It's a free, community-made tool that provides a graphical interface for managing almost every aspect of your ARK server, from installing updates and mods to configuring INI settings and backups. It significantly simplifies the self-hosting process and makes it far more accessible than trying to do everything manually through command lines.

Despite the challenges, self-hosting offers an unmatched sense of accomplishment and freedom. It's the ultimate DIY approach, allowing you to craft an ARK experience that is truly bespoke, without any intermediaries. If you have the technical chops, the hardware, and a robust internet connection, it's a highly rewarding path that gives you complete sovereignty over your ARK domain.

Hosting on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or Dedicated Server (Cloud)

This option sits somewhere in between renting from a GSP and self-hosting, offering a blend of control and managed infrastructure. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a full dedicated server in a data center (often referred to as cloud hosting) provides you with a virtual or physical machine that you have root access to, allowing you to install and configure the ARK server software yourself, much like self-hosting. However, the hardware, network, and physical security are all managed by the hosting provider.

The advantages here are significant. You get the robust, high-bandwidth internet connections of a data center, eliminating concerns about your home upload speed. The hardware is typically enterprise-grade, offering excellent performance and reliability. You also gain full root access (for a VPS) or bare-metal access (for a dedicated server), meaning you have complete control over the operating system and all server files, just like self-hosting. This allows for maximum customization, advanced scripting, and the ability to run other applications on the same machine if desired. You're not limited by a GSP's control panel; you're working directly with the server's OS.

The downside is that it requires a higher level of technical expertise than using a GSP. You'll need to be comfortable with Linux command lines (most VPS/dedicated servers run Linux for efficiency, though Windows options exist) or Windows Server administration. You'll be responsible for installing the ARK server, configuring it, managing updates, setting up firewalls, and troubleshooting any software-related issues. It's essentially self-hosting, but on someone else's powerful, professionally managed hardware. The cost is also generally higher than a basic GSP package, but often less than a top-tier GSP package that offers comparable resources, especially for a full dedicated server.

For ARK, a powerful VPS or a dedicated server is an excellent choice for larger communities or heavily modded servers where maximum performance and control are paramount. You get the stability and network performance of a professional data center combined with the administrative freedom of self-hosting. It's the choice for those who are technically confident and want to squeeze every last drop of performance and customization out of their ARK server without having to buy and maintain their own physical server hardware. Many of the larger, more complex community servers you see online are often run on this type of infrastructure, precisely because it offers the best of both worlds for experienced administrators.

Server System Requirements for ARK

Alright, let’s talk brass tacks: the hardware. ARK: Survival Evolved is not a lightweight game. It’s a beast, a beautiful, sprawling, resource-hungry beast that will chew through your CPU cycles and gobble up RAM like a hungry Giga devouring a Dodo. If you’re going to run a dedicated server, whether it’s on your own machine or evaluating a GSP/VPS, understanding the system requirements isn't just a suggestion; it’s a critical necessity. Skimping here is a recipe for lag, crashes, and a generally miserable experience for everyone involved. Trust me, I’ve seen countless servers brought to their knees by insufficient resources, and it’s always a frustrating sight. We're aiming for smooth, stable gameplay, and that starts with a solid foundation.

Minimum vs. Recommended Specifications

When you look at system requirements for almost any software, you'll typically see "minimum" and "recommended" specs. For an ARK dedicated server, I'm going to tell you right now: ignore the minimums for anything other than a tiny, unmodded server for 1-2 players. The minimum specs usually refer to the barest possible functionality, not a good user experience. For a game as complex and dynamic as ARK, aiming for or exceeding the recommended specifications is the only sane approach if you want a server that can handle more than a handful of players and any significant modding.

Let’s break it down by component, starting with the brain of your operation: the CPU. ARK servers are notoriously single-core performance dependent. This means that while having many cores is nice, a high clock speed on those individual cores is far more important. A server with a 2.5 GHz 8-core processor might perform worse than a 3.5 GHz 4-core processor for ARK, simply because ARK can't effectively utilize all those extra cores. For a small, unmodded server with 1-4 players, you might get away with a decent quad-core processor (Intel i5/Ryzen 5 equivalent or better) with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher. However, for a truly stable experience with 5-10+ players and a moderate mod list, you should be looking at an Intel i7/Ryzen 7 equivalent or better, ideally with a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz or more, and good single-thread performance. If you're hosting on a GSP or VPS, inquire about the specific CPU model and its clock speed, not just the number of cores. This is one of those areas where investing a little more pays dividends in stability.

Next up, memory – RAM. This is another critical component where ARK loves to stretch its legs. For a barebones, vanilla ARK server with maybe 1-2 players, you might get away with 8GB of RAM. But honestly, that's pushing it. The moment you introduce more players, more structures, more dinosaurs, and especially mods, that 8GB will evaporate faster than a Dodo in a lava pit. For a comfortable, stable experience with a small group (4-8 players) and a few quality-of-life mods, I strongly recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM. If you plan on running a larger server (10+ players) or a heavily modded server with custom maps and many content additions, 32GB of RAM is not overkill; it's practically a necessity. I run a server for about 15 players with 20+ mods, and it consistently uses over 20GB of RAM. Don't underestimate ARK's hunger for memory.

Pro-Tip: Monitor Resource Usage
Regardless of how you host, learn to monitor your server's CPU, RAM, and disk I/O usage. Tools like `htop` (Linux) or Task Manager (Windows) are invaluable. If your CPU is constantly at 100%, or your RAM is maxed out, you know you're bottlenecked and need to upgrade or optimize. Proactive monitoring can prevent crashes and help you scale your resources appropriately.

Storage is often overlooked but is incredibly important for ARK. The game world itself is massive, and with updates, mods, and save files, it grows quickly. A vanilla ARK installation can easily be 150GB+, and with mods, it can balloon to 300GB or more. More importantly, disk speed is crucial. The server constantly reads and writes to the save files. An old, slow Hard Disk Drive (HDD) will introduce stuttering and save-lag, especially during auto-saves. You absolutely, unequivocally need a Solid State Drive (SSD) for your ARK server files. Period. An NVMe SSD is even better if your budget and hardware allow. Aim for at least 500GB of SSD space, preferably 1TB, to give yourself plenty of room for growth, mods, and backups. The difference in performance between an HDD and an SSD for an ARK server is like night and day.

Finally, networking. If you're self-hosting, your internet connection's upload speed is paramount. Most home internet plans focus on download speed, but a server needs to upload data to all connected clients. For a small server (1-4 players), you might get away with 5-10 Mbps upload, but for anything larger, you'll want 20 Mbps or more. A stable connection with low latency is also vital. If you’re hosting with a GSP or VPS, they’ll handle the network infrastructure, but you still want to choose a data center location that is geographically close to the majority of your players to minimize ping. High ping means lag, and lag means death in ARK.

Bandwidth and Internet Connection Considerations

Let's dedicate a moment to the unsung hero of self-hosting: your internet connection. We often obsess over CPU and RAM (rightfully so!), but a powerful machine with a shoddy internet connection is like having a Ferrari with bicycle tires – it just won't perform. For a dedicated ARK server, it's not just about having an internet connection; it's about having the right kind of internet connection.

The key metric here, as I briefly touched on, is upload bandwidth. Most internet service providers (ISPs) advertise download speeds prominently because that's what consumers use most for streaming, browsing, and downloading games. However, when you host a server, you're primarily uploading game state data to all the connected players. Think about it: every dino's movement, every bullet fired, every structure placed, every player's location – all that information needs to be sent from your server to everyone else. If your upload speed is insufficient, players will experience rubberbanding, desync, delayed actions, and general frustration. It's the digital equivalent of trying to pour a gallon of water through a straw.

For a modest ARK server with, say, 4-8 players, I'd honestly recommend a minimum stable upload speed of 10-20 Mbps. If you're planning on hosting for a larger community (10+ players) or running a heavily modded server where there's even more data to transmit, you'll ideally want 30-50 Mbps or higher. Crucially, this needs to be stable upload. Many residential connections can have fluctuating speeds, especially during peak hours. Before committing to self-hosting, run speed tests at different times of the day to get a realistic picture of your average upload performance.

Beyond raw speed, stability and latency are paramount. A connection that frequently drops packets or experiences high ping will lead to a choppy, frustrating experience for your players, even if the raw bandwidth numbers look good. If your home internet is prone to outages or inconsistent performance, self-hosting might not be the best long-term solution. Fibre optic connections are generally superior in this regard, offering symmetrical (or near-symmetrical) upload and download speeds and greater stability compared to traditional cable or DSL.

Insider Note: Port Forwarding is Non-Negotiable for Self-Hosting
If you self-host, you must configure port forwarding on your router. ARK typically uses UDP ports 7777, 7778, and 27015 (and sometimes 27016 if you run multiple servers or specific mods). This tells your router to direct incoming connections on those specific ports to your server machine's internal IP address. Without correctly configured port forwarding, no one outside your local network will be able to connect to your server. It's a common stumbling block for new self-hosters.

Finally, consider the impact on your own network. Running a dedicated server, especially when it's active, will consume a significant portion of your upload bandwidth. If you're also trying to stream 4K content, download large files, or play other online games on the same network, you might notice a degradation in performance for those activities. It's a balancing act, and sometimes, the best solution is to have a dedicated internet line for your server or to use a GSP/VPS where bandwidth is not a concern. The internet connection is the lifeline of your server; treat it with the respect it deserves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your ARK Server

Alright, we've talked about the "why" and the "what." Now, let's get into the "how." This is where the rubber meets the road, where theory transforms into practice. Setting up an ARK dedicated server, especially for the first time, can feel like navigating the jungles of The Island without a map. There are a few different paths you can take depending on your hosting choice, but the core principles remain similar. I'm going to walk you through the general process, focusing on the most common methods, and give you the confidence to get your ARK world up and running.

Using the ARK Server Manager (Windows Self-Host)

For anyone planning to self-host an ARK server on a Windows machine, the ARK Server Manager (ASM) is, without exaggeration, a godsend. Seriously, if you're not using it, you're making your life unnecessarily difficult. It transforms a potentially complex, command-line-driven setup into a relatively user-friendly, graphical experience. This is my go-to recommendation for Windows users because it simplifies so many of the tedious tasks involved.

First things first, you'll need to download ASM. A quick Google search for "ARK Server Manager" will lead you to the official GitHub page or various community sites where it's hosted. Download the latest version and extract it to a folder on your desired server machine (preferably on an SSD, remember our earlier discussion!). Once extracted, launch the `ARK Server Manager.exe`.

The first time you launch it, ASM will likely guide you through an initial setup. It will prompt you to select the SteamCMD path (which it usually downloads and sets up for you if it's not present), and then you'll be able to create your first server profile. This profile is essentially a container for all your server's settings, mods, and save data. Give your server a memorable name, like "My Awesome ARK Server" or "Dinosaur Deathmatch Arena."

Now for the fun part: configuring your server. ASM presents a clean interface with various tabs for different settings.

  • General Tab: Here, you'll set your server name, password (if you want it private), admin password (CRUCIAL for in-game commands), and choose your map (The Island, Ragnarok, Valguero, etc.). This is also where you'll define the query port (default 27015) and game port (default 7777). Remember these for port forwarding!

  • Rules Tab: This is where you adjust all those juicy multipliers we talked about – XP gain, gather rates, taming speed, breeding speed, dino resistance, player resistance, crop growth, structure decay, stack sizes, and so much more. Take your time here and customize it to your heart's content. This is where you truly make your server yours.

  • Mods Tab: This is a fantastic feature of ASM. You can simply paste the Steam Workshop IDs of your desired mods into the list, and ASM will automatically download and install them for you. It also handles the correct mod load order (though sometimes you might need to manually adjust this for specific mod conflicts). This makes mod management incredibly easy compared to manual installation.

  • Updates Tab: ASM has a built-in update mechanism that makes keeping your