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To add mods to an ARK server, first check whether it runs ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE) or ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA). ASE uses Steam Workshop mod IDs and settings in its configuration files; ASA uses CurseForge project IDs in the server’s -mods launch argument. These are different systems. The available documentation does not establish a general installation procedure for third-party server plugins, so do not treat plugins and game mods as interchangeable.
Check which ARK version your server runs
Identify the server’s game version before editing its mod list. The mod source, identifier, and configuration method differ between ASE and ASA. The ARK community wiki’s server configuration reference documents both paths.
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| Server version | Mod source | Identifier and configuration | Automatic server updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE) | Steam Workshop | Workshop IDs in ModIDS entries under [ModInstaller], and a comma-separated ActiveMods list under [ServerSettings]. |
Use -automanagedmods in the server launch command for automatic download, installation, and updates; the reference describes this option as Steam-only. |
| ARK: Survival Ascended (ASA) | CurseForge | CurseForge project IDs in the server’s -mods launch argument. |
The configuration reference says server mods update automatically when the server starts. |
ASA mods are distributed through CurseForge and are available through the game’s mod interface and the ARK:SA x CurseForge page. Do not use ASE’s Steam Workshop [ModInstaller] and ActiveMods settings for ASA.
Before changing the mod list
- Back up the world saves and server configuration. The ARK community wiki’s dedicated server setup guide recommends backups before server updates.
- Check that each mod supports your game version, target platform, and server. A complete compatibility list for all mods is not established in the cited documentation.
- Keep the mod identifier type straight: ASE needs Steam Workshop IDs; ASA needs CurseForge project IDs.
Add mods to an ASE server
For ASE, put each Steam Workshop mod ID in Game.ini, enable automatic management in the launch command, and list the mods to load in GameUserSettings.ini. The exact configuration names are documented in the server configuration reference.
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- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
- Open
Game.ini. Under the[ModInstaller]section, add oneModIDS=<Workshop ID>entry for each mod you want the server to download, install, or update. Replace the example text with the mod’s actual Steam Workshop ID. - Add the automatic-management argument. Add
-automanagedmodsto the server launch command. The reference identifies this as the Steam-only method for automatic downloading, installation, and updating. - Choose which mods load and in what order. In
GameUserSettings.ini, under[ServerSettings], setActiveModsto a comma-separated list of the Workshop IDs. The list determines which mods load and their order. - Save the files and start the server. Check the server’s startup output and confirm it completes loading with the intended mod list before players rejoin.
Add mods to an ASA server
For ASA, use CurseForge project IDs in the -mods server launch argument. The configuration reference says the IDs are comma-separated and server mods update automatically at startup.
- Find the mod’s CurseForge project ID. Confirm the mod supports ASA and the server platform you use.
- Add the IDs to the launch argument. Set
-modsto the comma-separated project IDs for the mods you want enabled. For example, the value should follow the pattern-mods=ID1,ID2, with the actual project IDs substituted. - Save the launch configuration and start the server. The server updates its mods when it starts, according to the configuration reference.
- Have players join through the server listing. CurseForge says a modded ASA server can show required mods in its listing and prompt players to install required mods they do not already have. Its in-game installation guide describes that player-side flow.
What about third-party ARK server plugins?
A server plugin is not necessarily the same thing as a game mod. The cited ARK configuration and setup pages explain game mods, but do not identify an authoritative plugin framework or establish an installation procedure that applies across ARK versions and operating systems. Do not put plugin files into the mod settings above unless the plugin’s own documentation explicitly tells you to.
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- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
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- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
For a specific plugin, follow its current primary documentation and verify that it supports your exact game version, server platform, and operating system. Without those details, a universal plugin recipe would be unreliable.
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Rank #4
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
Rank #3
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dino herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game. Run too far and not only will you be exhausted, but you will also quickly get hungry and thirsty. Weather effects are based on real-world climates, and so you'll need to hide out from rain and snow, while making the most of sunny days
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Gather Resources, Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes and style of everything from the walls of your home, to your character's armor, weapons and more
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout. Make your way to the final boss and figure out why you've been dropped into this Jurassic-era experience
If the server does not load the mods
- Check the version and ID type. ASE uses Workshop IDs; ASA uses CurseForge project IDs. Confirm that the server is running the version you intended.
- Review the configuration location and syntax. For ASE, verify that
ModIDSlines are under[ModInstaller]inGame.ini, and thatActiveModsis under[ServerSettings]inGameUserSettings.ini. For ASA, verify the comma-separated IDs in the-modslaunch argument. - Confirm the mod is suitable for the server. Check its version, platform, and server-support notes with its publisher; the cited references do not provide a comprehensive compatibility matrix.
- Restore the backup if needed. If a change prevents the world or server from loading, stop the server and restore the saved files before troubleshooting further.
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