Dedicated Server Setup

An ARK Dedicated server can be setup or rented from a Game Server Provider, a list can be found here: ARK\_Server\_Providers

This is based off of the Steam Discussion Guide by ShuwA.

##### Ports Required

* TCP + UDP 27015
* TCP + UDP 7777

^^

#### Prerequisites

* Make sure you have the latest DirectX Run-Time package. Download it here.
* Install Visual Studio 2013 Redist pack (Included with download C:\ArkServer\\_commonRedist\Vredist\)
* SteamCMD: Download and Extract from https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD

#### Setup

1. Create a folder where you wish to store your ARK: Survival Evolved Dedicated Server Files (such as *C:\ArkServer*)
2. Doubleclick the extracted SteamCMD.exe file. It will start downloading the rest of SteamCMD. NOTE: **YOU MUST OWN ARK: IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE SERVER**
3. Once you reach the prompt, type the following. Replace *USERNAME* with your Steam username, and *PASSWORD* with your Steam password
	1. login *USERNAME* *PASSWORD*
	2. force\_install\_dir *C:\ArkServer\* #(or whatever directory you selected in Step 1)
	3. app\_update 346110 validate
4. You can close the application once the download has finished. You can also download the entire game and the server files are included in the game folder.
5. Install Direct-X from *C:\ArkServer\\_commonredist\DirectX*
6. Install Visual Studio 2013 Redist pack from *C:\ArkServer\\_commonRedist\Vredist\*
7. Navigate to *C:\ArkServer\shootergame\binaries\win64\* and create a batch script to properly startup ArkServer (can later be setup to auto-start on system startup)
	1. Right click -> New text Document - type in Serverstart.bat as it's name
	2. Open Serverstart.bat in a text editor (such as Notepad)
	3. Enter the following into the file. Change the *ServerPassword* and *ServerAdminPassword* to the passwords you want.

```
start ShooterGameServer "TheIsland?SessionName=GameServerSetup?QueryPort=27015?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=MYPassword?Port=7777?listen"
exit

```

1. Ensure that the ports above have been allowed through the firewall and port-forwarded if operating in a NAT environment (most home users will be)
2. Double click Serverstart.bat to start up the server!

#### Updating

Update by executing Step #2 & #3 above to update the server code.

Alternatively, see https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD#Automating\_SteamCMD on how to automate SteamCMD to keep the application up to date.

A simple batch file placed in your SteamCMD directory with the following commands will help you automate the process of updating your ARK server:

```
@echo off
start "" steamcmd.exe +login USERNAME PASSWORD +force_install_dir "C:\Path_to_Ark" +app_update 376030 validate +quit
```

If your ARK installation is on a different drive, simply change the drive letter above.

#### Additional Tools

SteamCMD has some additional tools at https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD#Windows\_Software.2FScripts which can be used to make installation and updates easier and more seamless.

#### Console Commands

**Accessing Server Console & Logging In As Admin**

To access the server console press the tilde key (~) and type in enablecheats <adminpassword>

Example: enablecheats pass123

Can't open console? Try this
Go to Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Config, open DefaultInput.ini in either Notepad or Notepad++ and scroll to the very bottom and remove the ; before +ConsoleKeys=Tab. Save the file, and open the game and try to use the console again

**Multiplayer Admin Commands**

Note: Use of these commands in a live server environment may negatively impact the game play of those on your server. Use these commands with discretion and care.

Before any of the commands will work, use the setcheatplayer true command.

* setcheatplayer true: Enables a cheat menu
* setcheatplayer false: Disables the cheat menu
* admincheat God: Enables god mode, you are unkillable except be careful, you can still drown.
* admincheat Fly: You are able to fly.
* admincheat Walk: Deactives flying and allows you to walk again
* admincheat Teleport: You are teleported in the way that you are facing.
* admincheat Ghost: noclip, ability to walk through walls/objects.
* admincheat forcetame: instantly tames a dinosaur, can ride without saddle too.
* admincheat giveresources: This command will dump 50 of every item into your inventory, instantly putting you overweight. Use with care.
* admincheat infinitestats: Gives you infinite hunger, stamina, etc.
* admincheat ban <name>: Bans the user from the server
* admincheat unban <name>: Unbans the user from the server
* giveengrams: Unlocks all crafting recipes for your character \*Bugged, you can't craft these recipes\*
* settimeofday <timestring>: Changes the time of day, for example settimeofday 12:00

**Singleplayer / Local Admin Commands**

* God: Enables god mode, you are unkillable except be careful, you can still drown.
* Fly: You are able to fly.
* Walk: Deactives flying and allows you to walk again.
* Teleport: You are teleported in the way that you are facing.
* Ghost: noclip, ability to walk through walls/objects.
* ToggleInfiniteAmmo: Gives you infinite ammo for your weapons
* addexperience 1000 0 0: gives you 1000 xp, you can change the value of 1000
* forcetame: instantly tames a dinosaur
* giveresources: gives you 50 of all resources
* setcheatplayer true: Enables a cheat menu
* setcheatplayer false: Disables the cheat menu
* giveengrams: Unlocks all crafting recipes for your character \*Bugged, you can't craft these recipes\*
* infinitestats: Gives you infinite hunger, stamina, etc.
* settimeofday <timestring>: Changes the time of day, for example settimeofday 12:00

##### Additional ARK server setup guides

* http://gameserversetup.com/ark-survival-evolved-dedicated-server-setup/
* https://survivalservers.com/wiki/index.php?title=How\_to\_Create\_an\_ARK:\_Survival\_Evolved\_Dedicated\_Server\_Guide