Setting up an Ark: Survival Evolved server can feel overwhelming with the sheer number of options available. This guide breaks down the key Ark server settings, explaining their impact on gameplay and helping you create the perfect server for your community. Whether you're a seasoned Ark player or just starting, this detailed explanation will equip you with the knowledge to fine-tune your server to your exact specifications.
Understanding the Basics: Server Types and Configuration
Before diving into specific settings, it's crucial to understand the different server types:
-
Dedicated Server: This requires a separate computer or server hosting service. It offers superior performance and stability, particularly for larger player counts. This is generally the recommended approach for anything beyond a small group of friends.
-
Non-Dedicated Server: Runs directly from a player's game instance. Simpler to set up, but performance is directly tied to the host's computer. This option is best for very small, casual groups.
Configuration files, usually located within your server's directory, control the server settings. They're typically text-based files (.ini) that can be edited with a simple text editor. Remember to back up your configuration file before making any changes.
Key Ark Server Settings Explained:
This section covers the most impactful server settings, categorized for clarity:
Gameplay Settings:
-
DifficultyOffset: This multiplier adjusts the difficulty of the game. A higher value makes the game harder, increasing creature levels and resource scarcity. Experiment to find the sweet spot for your players. -
MaxDinoLevel: This sets the maximum level wild creatures can spawn at. Higher levels mean stronger, more challenging dinos, but also potentially a steeper learning curve for new players. -
HarvestAmountMultiplier: Controls how much resources are harvested per action. Increasing this speeds up resource gathering, potentially impacting the game's economy and pacing. -
TamingSpeedMultiplier: Affects how quickly creatures are tamed. A higher value makes taming significantly faster, while a lower value makes it more challenging and time-consuming. -
XP_Rate: Influences the rate at which players gain experience points. Boosting this speeds up character progression. -
PlayerDamageMultiplier: Modifies the amount of damage players inflict on creatures and vice versa. Adjusting this balances PvP combat and PvE challenges. -
StructureDamageMultiplier: Impacts the rate at which structures are damaged by players and creatures.
Resources and Economy Settings:
-
ResourceRespawnRate: Determines how quickly harvested resources respawn. A faster rate ensures plentiful supplies, while a slower rate increases resource scarcity and competition. -
OverrideOfficialDifficulty: This setting allows you to override the official difficulty settings, giving you finer control over the game's challenge. -
CraftingSpeedMultiplier: Influences the speed at which players can craft items.
PvP Settings (For PvP Servers):
-
PvP: A simple on/off switch for enabling or disabling player versus player combat. -
UseCrosshair: Determines if players see a crosshair during combat (typically on in PvP). -
DisableRaidProtection: Disables raid protection, typically a period of invulnerability after placing a structure. This can lead to more intense and frequent raiding. -
MaxPlayers: Sets the maximum number of players allowed on the server.
Server Performance and Administration Settings:
-
ServerCrosshair: Enables or disables crosshairs on the server. -
RCONEnabled: Enables Remote Console access for server administration. This is crucial for managing the server remotely. Always use a strong password. -
RCONPassword: The password for accessing the server's remote console. -
MaxPlayers: Sets the maximum number of players allowed on your server. -
Port: This specifies the port your server will use to communicate with clients (usually 7777, but can be changed).
Advanced Settings and Mod Support:
Ark's configuration allows for extensive customization beyond the basic settings. Exploring advanced options requires a deeper understanding of the game mechanics. Many settings work in conjunction, influencing each other. Careful experimentation and observation are key to finding the perfect balance.
For servers using mods, additional settings will appear in the configuration file. Refer to the mod documentation for guidance on these.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Ideal Ark Experience
Mastering Ark server settings allows you to create a unique and engaging experience for your players. By understanding the impact of each setting and carefully adjusting them to your preferences, you can build a thriving community and a memorable Ark adventure. Remember to always back up your configuration files before making changes, and take the time to test and refine your settings to achieve the perfect balance of challenge and fun for your players.
