# Setting Up and Configuring an ARK Server

> Set up an ARK Survival Evolved server: XP rates, taming, Steam Workshop mods, cluster setup and performance tips.

**Short answer:** For beginners: 3x XP, 5x taming, 3x harvest, 10x breeding. For PvP go noticeably higher (10x+).

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Game | ARK |
| Category | Configuration |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Reading time | 10 min |
| Last updated | 2026-02-19 |
| Language | en |
| Source | https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten |
| Other language | https://agrarchaoten.com/guides/ark-server-einrichten |

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## Contents

- [ARK server overview](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#ueberblick)
- [Basic configuration](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#einrichten)
- [Recommended server rates](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#raten)
- [Installing mods](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#mods)
- [Cluster setup](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#cluster)
- [Performance tips](https://agrarchaoten.com/en/guides/ark-server-einrichten#tipps)

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## 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](https://agrarchaoten.com/gameserver/ark)), 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.

**1. Basic parameters in GameUserSettings.ini**

The most important settings under `[ServerSettings]`: `ServerName`, `ServerPassword` (leave empty for public), `MaxPlayers`, `AdminPassword` for in-game admin access.

**2. Admin rights in-game**

In-game: ESC → "Enter admin password" → type your AdminPassword → prefix commands with "cheat". Or permanently via Steam ID: `AllowSharedConnections=True`.

**3. 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

**1. Note the Workshop IDs**

Find mods in the [Steam Workshop](https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=346110) and note the mod IDs from the URL.

**2. Add the mod IDs to the config**

In `GameUserSettings.ini` under `[ServerSettings]`: `ActiveMods=1234567,2345678,3456789`. Multiple IDs comma-separated — no spaces.

**3. 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.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Which rates should I set for my ARK server?**
A: For beginners: 3x XP, 5x taming, 3x harvest, 10x breeding. For PvP go noticeably higher (10x+).

**Q: How do I create an ARK cluster?**
A: Each map needs its own server. All servers must share the same ClusterID. Transfers happen via the obelisks.

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## About this guide

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

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