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How to Add Mods to Your ARK Server

Adding mods is one of the best ways to make your ARK: Survival Evolved server more fun, more customizable, and more interesting for your players.

In this guide, you will learn two ways to install mods on your server:

Before you begin, choose the mod you want to install from the Steam Workshop.

If you plan to use the manual method, make sure you are subscribed to the mod in Steam and launch the game at least once so the required files are created on your PC.

For this example, we will use the Ultra Stack mod:

761535755

Steam Workshop link:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=761535755

Automated installation​

This is the easiest way to add mods to your server.

Step 1) Open your console, select your server, and stop it using the STOP button.

Console stop

Once the server is stopped, open SETTINGS.

Settings

Step 2) On the settings page, find the MODS field in the bottom-right section.

Settings Mods

Paste the mod ID into that field.

TIP

The random number at the end of a Steam Workshop mod URL is the mod ID.

Example:

?id=761535755

In this case, the mod ID is:

761535755

If you want to install multiple mods, separate the IDs with commas.

Example:

761535755,574382345,293827123

Step 3) Return to the console and start your server again.

Console start

Your mod should now be installed automatically.

Manual installation​

Use this method if you want to upload mod files manually.

Step 1) On your computer, open Steam, right-click ARK: Survival Evolved, then go to:

Manage → Browse Local Files

From there, open:

ShooterGame > Content > Mods

Step 2) Inside the Mods folder, you will see:

  • a .mod file
  • a folder with the same numeric mod ID

Create a .zip archive of the specific mod you want to upload.

Important: The number in the .mod filename and the folder name is the mod ID.

Example:

761535755.mod

Step 3) Open your console and click File Manager from the left-side menu.

Go to:

ShooterGame > Content > Mods

Upload the archive, then right-click it and extract it.

Step 4) After uploading the mod files, go to:

ShooterGame > Saved > Config > LinuxServer

Then open the GameUserSettings.ini file.

Navigate to GameUserSettings.ini

Step 5) Under the [ServerSettings] section, add the following parameter:

ActiveMods=761535755

If you want to use multiple mods, separate the IDs with commas.

Example:

ActiveMods=761535755,574382345,293827123

Step 6) Click Save Content after making your changes.

Save Content

Step 7) Return to the console and start your server again.

Your mods should now be active on the server.

Enjoy the game with your newly added mods!