ARK Survival Ascended settings are split between your start batch file and the server config files.
Use the batch file for launch options such as map, server name, join password, admin password, and ports.
Use the config files for gameplay settings, multipliers, PvE/PvP behaviour, breeding, taming, harvesting, and other server rules.
- Stop the ARK Survival Ascended server.
- Take a backup first: How to back up an ARK Survival Ascended server on a Windows VPS.
- Open
C:\ark-asa\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer. - Open
GameUserSettings.iniorGame.iniin Notepad. - Edit the values you need.
- Save the file.
- Start the server again and test the setting in-game.
Common files and settings
| File | Common setting | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
start-asa.bat | ?SessionName= | Server browser name. |
start-asa.bat | ?ServerPassword= | Password players enter before joining. |
start-asa.bat | ?ServerAdminPassword= | Admin password for server commands. |
GameUserSettings.ini | ServerPVE=True | Enables PvE rules when supported by your setup. |
GameUserSettings.ini | DifficultyOffset= | Part of the creature difficulty setup. |
GameUserSettings.ini | XPMultiplier= | Changes experience gain. |
GameUserSettings.ini | TamingSpeedMultiplier= | Changes how quickly creatures tame. |
GameUserSettings.ini | HarvestAmountMultiplier= | Changes how many resources players gather. |
Game.ini | [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode] | Header used for many gameplay rule overrides. |
Not every setting belongs in the same file. If a mod or server-setting page tells you to use a specific file or section, follow that instruction exactly.
If the server ignores a setting, confirm the spelling, section header, file path, and that the server was fully restarted after saving.
