Use Steam Update when ARK releases a dedicated-server update or players receive a version mismatch. Take a backup first if you are also changing mods, maps, or important configuration files.
Update ARK
- Open your ARK server in the control panel.
- Click Backup Server if you want a restore point before updating. For a fuller backup workflow, use the ARK backup guide.
- Stop the server if players are still connected.
- Click Steam Update.
- Confirm the update and wait for the Steam update task to finish.
- Start the server again.
- Join the server or check the console to confirm it starts on the expected version.
Modded servers
If you use ARK API, overhaul mods, or heavy Workshop mods, check that plugins and mods still load after the update. A game update can temporarily break mods until their maintainers publish compatible versions.
If the server does not start after updating, review the latest log output and recent Workshop changes first. If needed, restore your backup or submit a support ticket with the newest relevant log lines.
Player version mismatch
If players still see a version mismatch, ask them to restart Steam and update their local game. The server and client both need compatible versions before players can join.
