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Install Mods on Your Ark Server

Simple Method for Installing Mods on your Ark Survival Evolved Game Server Hosting

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How to Install Mods on an Ark Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing mods on your Ark: Survival Evolved server can enhance your gaming experience by adding new features, maps, and gameplay mechanics. This step-by-step guide will cover three methods for installing mods: the Simple Method, the Legacy Method, and the Advanced Method. It will also provide tips for handling stackable mods, total conversions, and map mods.

Simple Method for Installing Mods

  1. Stop Your Server: Always turn off your server before installing mods to prevent file corruption.
  2. Open the Steam Workshop Installer: Navigate to the Steam Workshop Installer within your server’s control panel.
  3. Download the Mods:
    • Filter for mods you want by searching in the Steam Workshop Installer.
    • Click Download on the mods you wish to install.
  4. Manage Mods:
    • To deactivate a mod, click Uninstall in the Workshop Installer or edit the `GameUserSettings.ini` file and remove the mod ID from the `ActiveMods=` line.

Legacy Method: Using -automanagedmods

  1. Add Mod IDs to ActiveMods: Open the `GameUserSettings.ini` file and add the mod IDs to the `ActiveMods` line. 
    ActiveMods=439927654,342653673
  2. Restart Your Server: The server will pause temporarily (10-15 minutes) while downloading the mods.

Advanced Method: For Non-Compatible Mods

How to Get Ark Mods

  1. Subscribe to Mods: Subscribe to your desired mods via the Steam Workshop.
  2. Launch the Game: Open Ark to the main menu, which installs and unpacks the mod. Then, close the game.
  3. Locate Mod Files: Navigate to: 
    Steam\steamapps\common\ARK\ShooterGame\Content\Mods\
    Find the mod folder (e.g., `46754636`) and the corresponding `.mod` file. ZIP these files together.

Upload Mods to Your Server

  1. Turn Off Your Server: Log in to TCAdmin or your server panel and switch the server off.
  2. Upload the Files:
    • Navigate to `ShooterGame\Content\Mods` in the file manager.
    • Upload the ZIP file containing the mod files.
  3. Extract the Files: Unzip the file to ensure the folder structure matches: 
    ShooterGame\Content\Mods\439927654
  4. Activate Mods: Open the `GameUserSettings.ini` file and add mod IDs to the `ActiveMods=` line. 
    ActiveMods=439927654,342653673
  5. Restart Your Server: The server may take longer to start as it loads the mods.

Special Cases

Mod Stacking

To use multiple mods together, list their IDs in the `ActiveMods=` line, separated by commas.

ActiveMods=439927654,342653673,567893421

The top mod takes priority, while secondary mods add items or override settings. Test for compatibility before full deployment.

Total Conversions

  1. Upload the Mod: Use the Advanced Method to upload the total conversion mod.
  2. Activate via Command Line Manager:
    • Create a new command line with the argument: 
      -TotalConversionMod=547377246
    • Set the map to `TheIsland` or your desired map.
  3. Save and restart the server.

Map Mods

  1. Upload the Map Mod: Use the Advanced Method to upload map mods.
  2. Activate via Command Line Manager:
    • Select the `Custom Map` option.
    • Enter the mod’s map name in the first box and its ID in the second box.
  3. Save and restart the server.

Tips for Managing Mods

  • Backup Configurations: Save a copy of your configuration files before making changes.
  • Test Mod Compatibility: Some mods may not work together. Check mod descriptions for compatibility notes.
  • Monitor Server Performance: Adding too many mods can increase load times and server strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my server stuck at 54MB RAM during startup? This is normal when the server is downloading mods. Allow 10-15 minutes for the process to complete.

2. What happens if a mod is incompatible? Incompatible mods may fail to load or cause server crashes. Use the Advanced Method to manually install mods.

3. Can I stack mods with total conversions? No, total conversion mods replace the entire game and are incompatible with other mods.

Conclusion

Installing mods on your Ark server can transform your gameplay experience. Whether you’re using the Simple, Legacy, or Advanced Method, this guide ensures you can add, activate, and manage mods with ease. For reliable Ark server hosting with full mod support, check out EUGameHost’s Ark Hosting Services.

Start customising your Ark server today with mods and take your adventures to the next level!