Introduction #

Once the server has been installed, you will need to configure it before it can run as expected.

On your server’s dashboard, go to the “Startup” tab. Here, you will find several settings that you can configure according to your specific needs. Below is a list of options available for your ARK: Survival Evolved server in the “Startup” tab: 

1. STARTUP COMMAND and DOCKER IMAGE are read-only variables and cannot be modified. 

Variables #

1. (OPTIONAL) SERVER PASSWORD. If specified, players must provide this password in order to join the server. Leaving this variable empty, disables the SERVER PASSWORD.

2. ADMIN PASSWORD. This password must be provided via the in-game console each session and/or to connect with RCON to gain administrator commands on the server.

3. SERVER MAP. This is the map for the server. We only recommend changing this variable before starting the server. Sometimes the server may need to be re-installed completely to use a different map. The available maps are: TheIsland, TheCenter, Ragnarok, ScorchedEarth_P, Aberration_P, Extinction, Valguero_P, Genesis, CrystalIsles, Gen2, Fjordur

4. SERVER NAME. This is the name of your Ark Survival Evolved server. This name will be shown in the steam and in-game server lists.

5. (READ-ONLY) RCON PORT. This is the RCON port used to connect a RCON client with your Ark Survival Evolved server.

6. (READ-ONLY) QUERY PORT. This port is used by steam and the in-game server lists. To join manually via IP:PORT, this port must be provided. Using the normal game port, will not connect the player to the server, only the query port does that.

7. AUTO-UPDATE SERVER. This setting enables/disabled auto-updates on startup. Although Ark Survival Evolved rarely gets any updates anymore, we still recommend enabling AUTO-UPDATE SERVER.

8. BATTLE EYE. This is Ark Survival Evolved’s build-in anti-cheat system. We highly recommend leaving this option enabled as it helps preventing hackers/griefers.

9. (READ ONLY) APP ID. This is the APP ID used by steam to check for updates.

10. ADDITIONAL ARGUMENTS. Specify additional launch options, but use with caution. You must include a dash – and separate each parameter with space: -crossplay -exclusivejoin

11. MODS. Leave this field blank to disable mods. If you want mods, visit the Steam Workshop, find the mod you want, and copy the Project ID from the mod’s URL. Enter the Project ID(s) in this field, separated by commas (e.g., 1234,1235,1236) if you want multiple mods. 

12. MAX PLAYERS. Specifies the maximum number of players allowed to join the server at the same time. This option is prefilled with ProRedLine’s recommended maximum players based on each server plan. This value can be changed, but do so with caution.

13. BETA BRANCH. Installs beta branch if specified. Use with caution.

Starting your server #

• Once you have configured all the settings, you can start the server by going to the “Console” tab and clicking “Start”. 

• Wait a few moments for the server to boot. Once RCON has connected (connection can take up to 15 minutes), the control panel will tell you the server has started.

Note: The first time you start your server, it may take a little longer for your game server to show up in steam and Ark Survival Evolved’s server lists. Instead of waiting for your server to show up, we recommend manually joining your server with the IP:PORT for the first time.

Changing Configurations #

If you wish to change settings not listed in the Variables section, you can edit the server’s config file. However, note that any changes to the Variables options in the “Startup” tab will override the corresponding settings in the config file. We recommend only changing values in the config file that are not listed in the Startup tab.