Short answer
Which rates should I set for my ARK server?For beginners: 3x XP, 5x taming, 3x harvest, 10x breeding. For PvP go noticeably higher (10x+).
ARK Server — Overview
ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most complex games for server admins. The configuration options are huge — taming rates, XP, breeding times, mods and even clusters across multiple maps. This guide helps you keep track of it all.
What you need: An ARK dedicated server (e.g. at Agrar Chaoten), an FTP client and a bit of patience — ARK servers take a little time on first setup.
Basic Configuration
The most important configuration files are located at:
The GameUserSettings.ini contains the server's basic settings, while Game.ini controls gameplay parameters such as rates and dino settings.
Basic parameters in GameUserSettings.ini
The most important settings under [ServerSettings]: ServerName, ServerPassword (leave empty for public), MaxPlayers, AdminPassword for in-game admin access.
Admin rights in-game
In-game: ESC → "Enter admin password" → type your AdminPassword → prefix commands with "cheat". Or permanently via Steam ID: AllowSharedConnections=True.
Restart the server
Restart the server after every config change. ARK only reads config files at startup.
Recommended Server Rates
| Rate | Vanilla | Beginner | Fun server |
|---|---|---|---|
| XPMultiplier | 1x | 3x | 10x |
| TamingSpeedMultiplier | 1x | 5x | 15x |
| HarvestAmountMultiplier | 1x | 3x | 5x |
| MatingIntervalMultiplier | 1x | 0.1x | 0.01x |
| EggHatchSpeedMultiplier | 1x | 10x | 50x |
| BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier | 1x | 10x | 50x |
Tip: Vanilla rates are frustrating for most players — especially taming and breeding. Start with at least 3-5x for a positive experience.
Installing Mods via the Steam Workshop
Add the mod IDs to the config
In GameUserSettings.ini under [ServerSettings]: ActiveMods=1234567,2345678,3456789. Multiple IDs comma-separated — no spaces.
Restart the server
On the first start with new mods, the server automatically downloads them from Steam. Depending on mod size this can take 5-20 minutes.
Cluster Setup
An ARK cluster connects multiple maps and lets players travel between them with their dinos and gear.
- Each map needs its own server process
- All servers must use the same
ClusterDirOverride - Transfers work via the obelisks in-game
- Recommendation to start with: 2 maps (e.g. The Island + Ragnarok)
Performance Tips
RAM requirements: ARK is very RAM-hungry. Plan on at least 8 GB of RAM per server instance — even more with mods.
Raise breeding rates: Vanilla breeding takes real hours to days — significantly increase EggHatchSpeed and BabyMatureSpeed for community servers.
Regular backups: Back up the Saved folders regularly — with ARK, a server crash without a backup can cost a lot of progress.
Frequently asked questions
Which rates should I set for my ARK server?
How do I create an ARK cluster?
Personal support for our customers
Rent a ARK server with us and you get real people, not a ticket system. Sebbo and Langnesi help you personally on Discord — with setup, mods and troubleshooting. We run these servers ourselves every day, so we know the pitfalls.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 · Written by the Agrar Chaoten team