Rent and set up an ARK server – beginner's guide 2026

ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most resource-intensive survival games around. Your own server gives you full control over maps, taming rates, player count and cluster setup. This guide walks you through the complete configuration — from ordering to your first admin commands.

Order a Server

ARK is very resource-hungry. Plan generously:

1. Go to rent an ARK server
2. Choose at least 8 GB RAM — less than 6 GB causes crashes
3. Select your map (Ragnarok recommended for beginners)
4. The server installs automatically via SteamCMD (~20 GB download, 15–30 minutes)

GameUserSettings.ini Explained

The most important configuration file for your ARK server. Find it in the panel under Configuration:

[ServerSettings]
ServerPassword=OptionalAccessPassword
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPassword
MaxPlayers=20
DifficultyOffset=1.0

; Taming and breeding
TamingSpeedMultiplier=5.0
BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=10.0
EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=10.0
MatingIntervalMultiplier=0.1

; Resources and XP
HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0
XPMultiplier=2.0
ResourceRespawnPeriodMultiplier=0.5

; Quality of life
AllowFlyerCarryPvE=True
PreventTribeAlliances=False
AllowThirdPersonPlayer=True

All changes to the .ini require a server restart to take effect.

Taming Rates: Recommendations for PvE and PvP

Official taming rates are tuned for the official servers and are very time-consuming. For private servers, higher multipliers are recommended:

PvE recommendation: High taming rates (5–10x) make the game more relaxed and shift focus to exploration and building. PvP recommendation: Moderate rates (3–5x) preserve the competitive aspect.

Popular Maps Compared

Tip: Ragnarok is the best choice for new servers — large map, diverse biomes, wyverns included without DLC.

Admin Setup: Password and First Commands

After setting up the server, configure the admin password and test it:

1. Set ServerAdminPassword=YourPassword in GameUserSettings.ini
2. Restart the server
3. In-game: press Tab → enter enablecheats YourPassword
4. Test with fly — if you lift off, everything is working

Essential Admin Commands for the Server Start

# Respawn all wild dinos (recommended after rate changes)
admincheat destroywilddinos

# Save the game world immediately
saveworld

# Show all players
listplayers

# Send a server message
broadcast Welcome to our server!

# Kick a player
kick <SteamID>

Cluster Setup: Connecting Multiple Maps

An ARK cluster lets players travel between multiple maps and bring their characters, dinos and items along:

1. Order multiple servers — one per map
2. Set ClusterID — in GameUserSettings.ini on all servers under [ServerSettings]:

   ClusterDirOverride=/mnt/cluster
   ClusterId=MyClusterName
   

3. Allow cluster transfers:

   PreventDownloadSurvivors=False
   PreventDownloadItems=False
   PreventDownloadDinos=False
   

4. Restart all servers — players can now travel between maps via obelisks or supply drop terminals

Important: All cluster servers must share the same ClusterId.

FAQ

How much memory does ARK actually need?

At least 6 GB — but below 8 GB you will see regular crashes with more than 5 players. For comfortable operation with 10+ players, 12 GB is recommended.

Can I change the map after starting?

Yes, via the server settings in the panel. Note: the savegame from the old map is preserved, but you will play on a freshly generated new map.

How do I set up a password-protected server?

Set ServerPassword=YourAccessPassword in GameUserSettings.ini. Players must enter the password when joining.

Will my settings be reset after an update?

No. GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini remain unchanged after updates. Only a full reinstall of the server software would reset them.