Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Godlike.Host offers hosted ARK: Survival Evolved servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
To install Steam Workshop mods on an ARK: Survival Evolved (ASE) dedicated server, record each mod’s numeric Workshop ID, enable -automanagedmods, list the IDs in Game.ini under [ModInstaller], and activate the same IDs in load order through ActiveMods in GameUserSettings.ini. Save the files, restart the server, and verify the startup console shows every mod before players connect. This procedure applies to ASE, not ARK: Survival Ascended, whose server and mod controls are different.
What does this ASE mod procedure cover?
This guide is for a self-hosted ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server using Steam Workshop content. The official Steam listing describes Workshop support as “Mod the game, with full Steam Workshop support and customized Unreal Engine 4 editor.” ASE dedicated servers run natively on 64-bit Windows or Linux. A server hosting panel can expose the same ID-and-restart workflow, but the file names and controls in this guide refer to ASE’s standard server configuration.
Recommended Free Tools
Do not apply these settings to ARK: Survival Ascended. ASA uses a different server ecosystem and different mod controls, so copying ASE launch arguments or INI entries can leave a server unable to start. Confirm the game edition in your host panel, install directory, and server executable before troubleshooting a mod problem.
The process has three distinct jobs: obtaining the Workshop files, telling the server which files to activate, and preserving the intended priority order. A server can download a mod without loading it, or list a mod as active without successfully downloading it. Treat those as separate checks when you diagnose a problem.
Popular on Amazon
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
What do you need before adding mods?
- An installed ASE dedicated server on a 64-bit Windows or Linux machine.
- SteamCMD access, or a hosting panel that provides an equivalent mod field.
- Permission to stop and restart the server and edit its launch command and INI files.
- The numeric Workshop ID for every mod, map, or total conversion you plan to use.
- A recent save backup before changing server files or updating mods.
Keep a plain-text record of the IDs and their intended load order. This makes it easier to restore the configuration after an update, move the server to another machine, or diagnose a startup failure. Include the mod name beside each number in your notes, but put only the numeric value in the configuration entries.
Plan a maintenance window in which no one is connected. The server must be stopped while you edit its launch settings or INI files, and the first boot after adding content can take longer than a normal restart. Tell players not to join until the console reaches its normal ready state.
How do you install or update the ASE dedicated server?
SteamCMD identifies ASE with app ID 376030. Create a directory for the server, install SteamCMD on the host, and run the following command, replacing the path placeholder with the actual server directory:
steamcmd +force_install_dir <install_dir> +login anonymous +app_update 376030 validate +quitThe command installs or updates the dedicated-server files and validates them. The equivalent interactive SteamCMD sequence uses the same force-install directory, anonymous login, app update for 376030, validation, and quit commands. Run it from an account and directory where the service has permission to write files. If the host uses a service account, make sure that account can read and modify the server directory and its configuration files.
Validation checks the files SteamCMD manages; it does not replace the need to check Workshop downloads or mod dependencies. After SteamCMD finishes, keep your existing configuration and save files unless you intentionally created a fresh installation. On a first installation, finish the server’s normal setup and confirm that an unmodded boot succeeds before adding several variables at once.
Stop the game server process before updating or editing its configuration. A running process can overwrite settings during shutdown, and the first restart after an update needs to complete its file and Workshop checks cleanly. If a panel has separate Stop, Save, and Start controls, use them in that order rather than editing a live process.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How do you find a mod’s Steam Workshop ID?
Open the mod in the ARK Steam Workshop and inspect its page address. The numeric value after ?id= is the Workshop item ID that ASE expects. Copy the digits exactly; do not copy the mod title, add spaces, or change punctuation. For example, if the page address ends in ?id=123456789, the value to record is 123456789.
For each item, read the Workshop description before adding it. Mod authors commonly document required companion mods, dedicated-server instructions, supported maps, total-conversion requirements, and load-order rules there. Record dependencies as separate IDs and place them in the order the author specifies. A description may also state that a mod is client-side, server-side, or unsuitable for dedicated servers; follow those notes rather than assuming every subscribed item works on a server.
Also popular on Amazon
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Make the list in the order you want the server to load it. Keep that order in your notes as well as in the server configuration, because a later restart does not reliably resolve an order conflict for you. Use one consistent spelling of each ID in your notes, and remove duplicate entries before copying the list into the INI or panel field.
How do you make the server download Workshop content automatically?
Automatic downloading requires both a launch flag and a Game.ini section. First stop the server, then add -automanagedmods to the command or startup field used to launch the dedicated server. On a self-hosted machine, place the flag in the same launch command that starts the ASE server. On a panel, use the startup or automatic-mod-download control that represents this flag.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Next open Game.ini and add one ModIDS= line for every Workshop item:
[ModInstaller]
ModIDS=123456789
ModIDS=987654321Each line accepts one numeric Workshop ID. The installer accepts a mod, map, or total-conversion ID, so the same mechanism can retrieve those content types when their authors support dedicated-server use. The -automanagedmods flag is required; placing IDs in the INI without the flag does not enable the automatic installer.
Use the exact section name [ModInstaller] and the exact key spelling ModIDS. Keep one ID per line rather than combining several IDs on one line. Save the file only after the server process has been stopped. If [ModInstaller] already exists, add the new ModIDS= lines to that section instead of creating a second section with a different spelling.
Download entries and activation entries should contain the same set of IDs. If an ID appears in ModIDS but not in ActiveMods, the server may obtain the files without enabling the content. If it appears only in ActiveMods, the server may fail to initialize it because the files are absent.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow do you activate mods and set their load order?
Downloading a Workshop item and activating it are separate operations. In GameUserSettings.ini, under the server-settings section, add a comma-separated ActiveMods entry:
[ServerSettings]
ActiveMods=123456789,987654321Use the same IDs you placed in Game.ini, in the intended load order. Do not insert spaces after commas or alter any digit. The ActiveMods setting is the preferred configuration location. The section header belongs in GameUserSettings.ini, not in Game.ini; mixing the files is a common reason a correct-looking entry has no effect.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
ASE also accepts an equivalent launch-line argument:
?GameModIds=123456789,987654321If you use ?GameModIds, the leftmost ID has the highest priority. Follow the mod author’s order when deciding which item belongs first. Avoid maintaining conflicting lists in several startup fields: choose the configuration method your host supports, then keep that single ordered list authoritative. If both an INI value and a launch-line value are present, compare them carefully so an older startup field does not silently supply a different sequence.
When a mod author specifies that a dependency must load first, place that dependency first in the ordered list and preserve the sequence after every edit. A plain-text copy of the final line is useful when a panel rewrites configuration files or when you migrate from self-hosting to a provider.
How do you restart and confirm that the mods loaded?
- Stop the server completely.
- Save the launch command,
Game.ini, andGameUserSettings.ini. - Start the server again.
- Allow extra time on the first boot while Workshop content is downloaded.
- Read the startup output and confirm that every intended mod appears.
- Wait until the server reaches its normal ready state before inviting players.
A restart is required after every change to IDs, activation order, or the automatic-installer flag. If a panel provides separate Save and Restart controls, use Save first and then Restart; changing a field without restarting leaves the running process on the old configuration.
Use the console as the authoritative first check. A saved file proves only that text was written; startup output shows whether the server read the setting, attempted the download, and initialized the item. Record the final ordered list and any warnings from the first successful boot so you can compare them after future updates.
How do you install mods through a hosting control panel?
Managed panels abstract SteamCMD and the server directories, but the underlying workflow remains ID based. Panel labels vary, so look for a Mods, Startup, Workshop, or command-line field.
- Stop the server from the panel.
- Open the mod or startup configuration page.
- Paste the numeric Workshop IDs as a comma-separated list in the order required by the mod authors.
- Enable the panel’s automatic mod-download option when it is offered; this corresponds to
-automanagedmods. - Save the configuration and restart the server.
- Review the panel’s startup console or log view for each mod and wait for the ready state.
If the panel exposes direct INI editing instead, enter the [ModInstaller] and ModIDS= lines in Game.ini, then place the ordered ActiveMods line in GameUserSettings.ini. Provider-managed files can be easier to maintain, but a self-hosted installation gives you direct control of SteamCMD, the filesystem, and the launch process.
Before choosing a provider, check whether the panel supports the ASE edition specifically, exposes the startup console, permits ordered IDs, and offers scheduled restarts or backups. Those controls reduce routine work, but they do not replace reading a mod’s Workshop instructions. If the panel hides logs or rewrites the launch command, contact the provider with the exact ID and the final console lines.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
What should you do when a mod does not load?
Verify the ID and restart
Compare the configured number with the digits after ?id= on the Workshop page. Remove accidental spaces, punctuation, or a copied URL, then save and restart. Check the startup output again rather than assuming a saved file was read. Confirm that the ID appears in both the download list and the active list.
Check dependencies and server notes
Return to the mod’s Workshop description and look for required companion mods, dedicated-server instructions, or compatibility warnings. Add every required dependency to the download and activation lists, preserving the author’s specified order. If the author changed requirements in a recent update, update your notes and backup before trying again.
Isolate a startup failure
If the server stops during startup, remove the last mod you added and start again. Inspect the final console lines for the failing item, then add mods back one at a time. This narrows the failure to a specific mod or dependency instead of changing several variables at once. Keep the known-good list unchanged while testing so you have a reliable rollback point.
Resolve load-order conflicts
Compare the ActiveMods sequence with the author’s instructions. Keep the same order on every restart, and make sure an alternative ?GameModIds list is not silently overriding the INI setting with a different sequence. Remove duplicate IDs and ensure there are no spaces or line breaks inside the comma-separated value.
Check the edition and host controls
Confirm that the server is ASE, not ASA, and that the panel or launch script is starting the ASE executable. A correct ASE ID list will not repair an ASA configuration mismatch. On a managed host, verify that the panel saved the field to the correct server instance and that a restart, rather than only a configuration refresh, occurred.
How should you update mods and server files safely?
Make a save backup before updating server files or Workshop content. Updates can change dependencies or startup behavior, and a backup gives you a recovery point if the new combination fails. Keep the backup separate from the live server directory when possible, and label it with the date and the ordered mod list.
After backing up, update the dedicated-server files with SteamCMD or your panel’s update control. Start the server with -automanagedmods enabled so the configured Workshop items can be refreshed, then watch the console for download or initialization errors. If the updated server will not start, remove the most recently changed mod, confirm the previous ordered list, and restore the backup if necessary.
Make changes in small groups when stability matters. Updating several items simultaneously can work, but it makes the final console output harder to interpret. A one-at-a-time sequence lets you identify which Workshop update introduced a dependency, order, or startup problem. After a successful test boot, record the new IDs, order, and date in your maintenance notes.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
For recurring maintenance, optional software such as ARK Server Manager can manage SteamCMD, write INI and command-line settings, schedule server and mod updates, and schedule save backups. It is an automation option, not a requirement; the same settings can be maintained manually. Whether you use a manager or scripts, retain access to the underlying console and configuration so you can recover from a failed automated update.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhich approach is better: self-hosting or a managed panel?
| Consideration | Self-hosted ASE server | Managed hosting panel |
|---|---|---|
| Server installation | Install and update with SteamCMD app ID 376030. |
Provider supplies the server files and an update control. |
| Mod entry | Edit Game.ini, GameUserSettings.ini, and the launch command directly. |
Paste comma-separated IDs into a Mods or Startup field, then save and restart. |
| Load-order control | Maintain the ordered ActiveMods list or ?GameModIds argument yourself. |
Use the panel’s ordered ID field; exact labels depend on the provider. |
| Updates and backups | Run SteamCMD and create backups manually, or schedule them with optional server-management software. | Panel features may provide scheduled restarts, updates, and provider-managed files. |
| Operating-system control | Choose and administer a 64-bit Windows or Linux host. | Use the operating system offered by the provider. |
| Troubleshooting access | Read the dedicated server’s console and files directly. | Use the panel’s console and log views where the provider exposes them. |
Choose self-hosting when direct SteamCMD and file access matter more than convenience. Choose a panel when you want an interface for IDs, restarts, and provider-managed maintenance and do not need to administer the underlying host. Compare the options by control over files, ease of entering and ordering IDs, automatic update and restart support, backup scheduling, operating-system control, and access to logs.
A panel does not eliminate the need for a backup or a load-order record. Likewise, self-hosting does not require a graphical manager: SteamCMD, the two INI files, a launch flag, and a disciplined restart process are sufficient. Optional management software is useful when you want scheduled updates and backups, not because ASE requires it.
What is the final pre-launch checklist?
- The server is ASE, not ASA, and runs on a 64-bit Windows or Linux system.
- SteamCMD installed or updated app
376030. - Every Workshop ID was copied from the value after
?id=. - Dependencies and dedicated-server notes were reviewed on each Workshop page.
- The server was stopped before configuration changes.
-automanagedmodsis present in the launch settings.Game.inicontains oneModIDS=line per item under[ModInstaller].GameUserSettings.inicontains the ordered, comma-separatedActiveModsline under[ServerSettings], or the launch line uses?GameModIds.- The IDs in the download and activation lists match, with no duplicate entries or spaces.
- A save backup exists before an update.
- The server was restarted and the console reached its normal ready state with every intended mod listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same Workshop ID represent a map or total conversion?
Yes. The automatic installer accepts a Workshop mod, map, or total-conversion ID on its own ModIDS= line. The item still needs to support dedicated-server use, and its Workshop description should define any additional requirements.
Why should I keep a separate ordered list of IDs?
A plain-text ordered list gives you a recovery copy when a configuration file is replaced, a host is migrated, or a bad update must be rolled back. It also lets you compare the intended sequence with the startup configuration without relying on memory.
Should I update several new mods at the same time?
Updating in small groups is easier to diagnose because a failed startup can be tied to the latest change. Make a save backup first, then add or update one item at a time when stability is more important than speed.
Where exactly does ActiveMods go?
Put the comma-separated ActiveMods value under [ServerSettings] in GameUserSettings.ini. Keep [ModInstaller] and its one-ID-per-line ModIDS= entries in Game.ini.
What does -automanagedmods do?
It enables the server’s automatic Workshop installer. It must be present in the launch command or panel startup field; listing IDs in Game.ini alone does not turn automatic downloading on.
How should multiple IDs be ordered?
Use the order required by the mod authors and keep it unchanged in ActiveMods or ?GameModIds. For the launch-line form, the leftmost ID has the highest priority. Do not add spaces between comma-separated IDs.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDoes this procedure configure ARK: Survival Ascended servers?
No. It is specifically for ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated servers and their Steam Workshop workflow. Ascended servers use different server and mod controls, so consult documentation for that edition instead of copying these ASE settings.
The Bottom Line
For ASE, copy each Workshop ID exactly, download it with -automanagedmods and [ModInstaller], activate the same IDs in ordered ActiveMods, then restart and verify the console before players join.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
