# Setting Up an ARK: Survival Ascended Server

> Set up an ASA server: differences from Survival Evolved, Game.ini and launch parameters, mods via CurseForge, backing up saves, common errors.

**Short answer:** They are two different games with their own servers. Ascended uses ArkAscendedServer.exe, maps with a suffix such as TheIsland_WP, and mods from CurseForge instead of the Steam Workshop. It also needs considerably more performance.

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Game | ARK SA |
| Category | Configuration |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Reading time | 8 min |
| Last updated | 2026-10-03 |
| Language | en |
| Source | https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten |
| Other language | https://agrarchaoten.com/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten |

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## Contents

- [Survival Ascended is not Survival Evolved](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#unterschied)
- [Creating and starting the server](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#server-starten)
- [Settings and launch parameters](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#einstellungen)
- [Mods via CurseForge](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#mods)
- [What ARK Ascended needs in terms of performance](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#hardware)
- [Backing up the savegame](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#spielstand)
- [When something does not work](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten#probleme)

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## Survival Ascended is not Survival Evolved

Both are called ARK, both play on the same maps — but they are two different games with two different servers. Mix them up and you will be looking for files that do not exist. The differences that matter for server owners:

|   | Survival Ascended | Survival Evolved |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Executable | `ArkAscendedServer.exe` | `ShooterGameServer.exe` |
| Maps | with a suffix, e.g. `TheIsland_WP` | without one, e.g. `TheIsland` |
| Mods | via CurseForge | via the Steam Workshop |
| Hardware | considerably hungrier | more modest |

If you are looking for the older game, the guide [Setting up an ARK server](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten) is the right one. The instructions do not transfer — least of all when it comes to mods.

## Creating and starting the server

**1. Create the server**

Select ARK: Survival Ascended in the panel. The installation is large, so allow time for it — far more data is downloaded here than for most other games.

**2. First start**

The first start takes a long time even once the installation is finished: ARK is building its world. Do not cancel just because nothing happens for several minutes.

**3. Join**

In the game, enter the address from the panel under "Join ARK". Via the public list it often takes longer for a fresh server to appear.

## Settings and launch parameters

ARK spreads its settings across two places, and that is the most common source of confusion.

**The launch parameters** hold what the server needs to know at startup: which map is loaded, what the server is called, how many slots it has and whether a join password applies. Whether RCON is active is set there too. You configure these in the panel, not in a file.

**The file** `ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/Game.ini` holds the rules of play: experience and harvesting rates, taming speed, breeding. It is only created after the first start.

**Always edit with the server stopped.** ARK rewrites its configuration on shutdown. Change the file while the server is running and your edits are gone at the next start.

## Mods via CurseForge

This is where Ascended differs most from its predecessor: mods no longer come from the Steam Workshop but from CurseForge. In the panel you search for the mod, add it to the list and restart the server — it downloads the files itself.

**Mod order matters.** Map and overhaul mods belong at the top, small additions at the bottom. If the server stops starting after a new mod, take it out again and keep testing one at a time.

Every player needs the same mods. If someone is missing one, they cannot get onto the server — usually with a less than helpful error message.

## What ARK Ascended needs in terms of performance

Ascended is demanding, above all on memory. Large maps with plenty of buildings and tamed creatures need noticeably more than a fresh server. Two things help day to day:

- **Keep an eye on usage.** If memory use keeps climbing over weeks, it is usually down to bases that have grown, not to a fault.
- **Mods cost extra.** Every mod has to be loaded. Ten mods are no problem, thirty rather more so.

## Backing up the savegame

The savegame sits under `ShooterGame/Saved/SavedArks`. Download it via FTP before every game update and before larger mod changes. ARK saves grow quickly — a mature world can reach several gigabytes, so expect the download to take a while.

## When something does not work

**Server does not appear in the list:** join via the direct address. It often takes minutes before a server shows up publicly.

**A player cannot get in but you can:** almost always a missing or different mod, less often the join password.

**Settings have no effect:** either changed in the wrong file, or the server was running at the time.

**Server will not start after an update:** take all mods out first and start. If it runs then, one of the mods is still waiting to be updated.

The last lines of the log under `ShooterGame/Saved/Logs/ShooterGame.log` almost always name the reason.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What is the difference between ARK Survival Ascended and Survival Evolved?**
A: They are two different games with their own servers. Ascended uses ArkAscendedServer.exe, maps with a suffix such as TheIsland_WP, and mods from CurseForge instead of the Steam Workshop. It also needs considerably more performance.

**Q: How do I install mods on an ARK Ascended server?**
A: Via CurseForge, not the Steam Workshop. Add the mod to the list in the panel and restart the server; it downloads the files itself. Every player needs the same mods.

**Q: Where do I set rates such as XP and taming?**
A: In ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/Game.ini, which is created after the first start. Map, server name, slots and password live in the launch parameters instead. Always change them with the server stopped.

**Q: Why does my ASA server not start after an update?**
A: Usually a mod is still waiting to be updated. Take all mods out and start; if it runs, switch them back on one at a time. The last lines of ShooterGame/Saved/Logs/ShooterGame.log almost always name the reason.

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## About this guide

This guide was written by Agrar Chaoten — a German game server host specialising in ARK SA.
Rent a server: https://agrarchaoten.com/gameserver

*Source: https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-ascended-server-einrichten*
*Agrar Chaoten — https://agrarchaoten.com*
*Support: support@agrarchaoten.com | Discord: https://discord.gg/YgredRdvY6*