Editing ARK Server Configuration Settings

Understanding ARK Server Config Files: GameUserSettings.ini & Game.ini

ARK keeps two separate copies of the game configuration files (example: GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini).

One set is the default example that is reset by the game every time you turn it on, so you will want to make sure that you are editing the correct file which is located in the Saved directory.

Depending on the platform (Windows or Linux), these files will be located in a different place. Akliz ARK servers run on Linux.

Start your Server

Before modifying server settings, you must start your ARK server at least once. This initial startup generates the GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files, allowing you to customize configurations properly.

Where to Find GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini

To edit your ARK server settings, you’ll need to find the correct configuration files. On Akliz-hosted servers, navigate to the ark-survival-evolved base directory, which contains the ShooterGame folder. Inside, you’ll find the necessary GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini files for customization.

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Locating GameUserSettings.ini on Akliz ARK Servers

Using the above table, if you needed to find your GameUserSettings.ini file on your Akliz server, you would find it at this location:
ark-survival-evolved/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini

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Important Notes for Editing ARK Config Files

Before modifying your GameUserSettings.ini or Game.ini, follow these essential steps to prevent errors and ensure your settings are applied correctly:

1. Stop Your Server First – Always turn off your ARK server before making changes to avoid file resets.
2. Back Up Your Changes – Copy your edits to a text editor like Notepad as a backup in case the game overwrites them.
3. Check for Errors – Typos, incorrect settings, or misplaced values can cause the game to reset your config file.
4. Use the Correct Sections – Most settings in GameUserSettings.ini belong under [ServerSettings], but some may require different headings.

GameUserSettings.ini Overview

This file gives you the ability to modify most of the game's settings to customize the way you play in your server. There are a lot of options to go over, so we'll share the most commonly used settings here.

For a full explanation of all settings found in GameUserSettings.ini, we recommend checking the ARK Wiki which has detailed explanations for every setting that can be changed in the file.

Information in this table comes directly from the ARK Wiki. Most PvE settings have PvP counterparts, so you will need to decide which setting to use based on how you want to play.

All of these options must be set under the [ServerSettings] heading. Some mods might have their own options and usually require you to add a heading for the mod.

If you're unsure how to set up the file yourself, ArkForum has helpfully created a tool to Generate GameUserSettings.ini files by just setting the options you want on the form.

Game.ini Overview

The Game.ini file allows for more detailed customization of gameplay settings. You can adjust factors like how many stat points a player or dino gains per level and the number of engram points awarded.

While this file contains many advanced options, we’ve highlighted some of the most commonly used and easier-to-configure settings in the table below.

For a full explanation of the settings found in Game.ini, we recommend checking the ARK Wiki which has detailed explanations for every setting that can be changed in the file.

All of these options must be set under the [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode] heading. Game.ini is empty by default so you will need to add the heading on its own line above any other settings.

Information in this table comes directly from the ARK Wiki.