How To Get A Server In Ark Ascended With Mods: Complete Setup Guide

To establish a dedicated server in Ark: Survival Ascended with mods, administrators must choose between renting a managed instance through Nitrado or hosting a self-managed server via SteamCMD. Mod integration is handled natively through CurseForge, requiring you to append specific numerical Mod IDs to the ActiveMods line of your server's configuration file. Successful deployment hinges on allocating at least 16 gigabytes of RAM and configuring precise UDP port forwarding rules to allow public crossplay connections.

Infrastructure Requirements and Pre-Configuration Checklist

Before deploying a multiplayer environment for Ark: Survival Ascended (ASA), you must determine the hosting path that matches your technical capabilities and budget. Because Ark: Survival Ascended relies heavily on the Unreal Engine 5 architecture, the resource footprint for hosting is substantially higher than its predecessor, Ark: Survival Evolved.

If you choose the self-hosted route, your hardware must run continuously to keep the world persistent. Alternatively, renting a server through a commercial provider offloads the hardware maintenance, power costs, and network configuration, but requires a monthly subscription.

• Managed Server Rental Budget: Expect a recurring cost of $15.00 to $40.00 per month depending on player slots and resource allocation.
• Self-Hosting Hardware Specs: A dedicated PC with a minimum of an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU, 16 gigabytes of DDR4/DDR5 RAM (32 gigabytes highly recommended for modded play), and a high-speed Solid State Drive with at least 100 gigabytes of unallocated space.
• Network Requirements: A fiber or high-speed cable connection with upload speeds of at least 20 Megabits per second, along with administrative access to your network router for port forwarding.
• Software Prerequisites: Windows Server 2019/2022 or Windows 10/11 64-bit operating system, DirectX End-User Runtimes, and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages installed on the hosting machine.
• CurseForge Account: While not strictly mandatory for hosting, access to the CurseForge platform is necessary to locate and track the specific Mod IDs you plan to install.

How to Deploy and Mod Your Ark: Survival Ascended Server

Step 1: Choose and Initialize Your Hosting Environment

You must first decide whether to utilize a commercial hosting provider or set up a local dedicated machine. If opting for a commercial route, Nitrado holds the exclusive commercial distribution rights for Ark: Survival Ascended server hosting. You will need to create an account on their platform, select a server package, and choose your server's geographic location.

If you choose to self-host on your own hardware, download SteamCMD, which is Valve's command-line interface for Steam. Create a directory on your drive such as C:\ASA_Server. Open your command prompt, navigate to your SteamCMD folder, and execute the command to download the server files anonymously. The app ID for the Ark: Survival Ascended Dedicated Server is 2430930. Run the app update command pointing to your install directory to fetch the complete server files.

Pro-Tip: If self-hosting, always create a dedicated Windows user account with restricted privileges to run the server files. This minimizes security risks to your host OS in the event of an exploit in the game server's network stack.

Step 2: Configure Network Port Forwarding (Self-Hosted Only)

For a self-hosted server to appear in the in-game server browser and allow external players to connect, you must configure port forwarding on your local router. Log into your router’s administrative gateway via your web browser.

Navigate to the port forwarding or NAT/Gaming section. You must create rules directing incoming traffic to the internal static IP address of your hosting PC. Create rules for UDP Port 7777 and UDP Port 7778, which handle game client traffic. You must also forward UDP Port 27015 to handle Steam query traffic. Save these rules and ensure your Windows Defender Firewall is configured to allow incoming connections on these specific ports for both private and public networks.

Warning: Never place your dedicated hosting machine in your router’s DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This exposes the entire machine to all external traffic without firewall protection, making it highly vulnerable to malicious attacks.

Step 3: Locate and Select CurseForge Mod IDs

Ark: Survival Ascended handles mods directly through Overwolf's CurseForge network. This architecture allows for crossplay mods that run seamlessly across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. To select mods, visit the CurseForge website and navigate to the Ark: Survival Ascended section.

Search for the mods you wish to run on your server, such as custom structures, reusable items, or new dinosaur species. Click on each mod’s main page and locate the Project ID, which is a unique seven-digit or eight-digit number displayed in the right-hand metadata sidebar. Write down these numbers in the exact order you want them to load, as they are crucial for the configuration stage.

Step 4: Integrate Mods into Server Configurations

To make your server download and load the mods, you must edit the server's configuration files. If you are using a managed host like Nitrado, navigate to their web control panel, locate the Expert Settings or Configuration Files tab, and open the GameUserSettings.ini file.

If you are self-hosting, navigate to your server directory, go to ShooterGame, then Saved, then Config, and open WindowsServer. Locate and open the file named GameUserSettings.ini in a text editor like Notepad. Scroll down to find the section header labeled ServerSettings. If it does not exist, create it at the bottom of the document. Under this header, add a new line starting with ActiveMods= followed immediately by your selected CurseForge Mod IDs separated by commas. For example, your line should look like ActiveMods=928503,931204,912803 without any spaces. Save and close the file.

Pro-Tip: Mod load order matters. Place massive overhaul mods or maps first in the comma-separated list, followed by structural mods, and finally smaller quality-of-life or cosmetic mods to prevent structural assets from failing to register on startup.

Step 5: Launch and Verify Server Initialization

To launch your server with mods enabled, you must use a startup script or use your provider's Web GUI. For self-hosted setups, create a batch file named StartServer.bat in your server executable folder, which is located in ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64. Inside the batch file, write a command starting with ArkAscendedServer.exe followed by your map name, such as TheIsland_WP, and add your command-line arguments.

Include arguments like -WinLiveMaxPlayers=32, -port=7777, -queryport=27015, and -mods to instruct the server to run the mod manager. Save the file and run it. The server console window will open, and you will see the system communicate with the CurseForge API to automatically download, unpack, and install the specified mods into your ShooterGame\Content\Mods folder.

Once the console outputs that the server has successfully booted and is listening on the designated ports, open your game client, search for your server name in the unofficial server list, and join. Your client will automatically download the correct mod versions before connecting.

Hosting Environment Specifications: Self-Hosted vs. Managed Nitrado Servers

Common Ark Ascended Modded Server Failures and Technical Resolutions

Server Fails to Launch or Crashes in a Boot Loop After Mod Addition

• Root Cause: This issue is typically caused by a corrupted mod download from the CurseForge repository, an outdated mod file that is incompatible with the current server build version, or a syntax error within the ActiveMods configuration line in the GameUserSettings.ini file.
• Actionable Fix: Stop your server completely. Open your server’s file directory, navigate to ShooterGame\Content\Mods, and delete the folder matching the numerical Mod ID of the newly added mod. Double-check your GameUserSettings.ini file to ensure there are no spaces, trailing commas, or non-numeric characters in your ActiveMods line. Restart the server to force a fresh download of the mod files directly from CurseForge.

Players Encounter a "Mod Version Mismatch" Error When Joining

• Root Cause: This occurs when the CurseForge author updates a mod, and the version installed on the player's local console or PC does not match the version currently running on the server.
• Actionable Fix: If you are running a self-hosted server, restart the server execution script to trigger the automated update check upon startup. If you use a managed Nitrado server, log into your administration portal, locate your server dashboard, and click the designated restart button. Managed servers are configured to query the CurseForge API for updates during every boot sequence.

Server is Completely Invisible in the In-Game Server Browser

• Root Cause: The server is either failing to communicate with the Master Server List because of closed firewall ports, or it is running on a local network without NAT Loopback enabled, which prevents local clients from seeing their own hosted servers.
• Actionable Fix: Verify that UDP ports 7777, 7778, and 27015 are forwarded in your router settings. Ensure that your antivirus program or Windows Defender Firewall has explicit rules to allow outbound and inbound traffic on those ports. If you are testing locally, check the "Show Player Dedicated Servers" filter box inside the Ark: Survival Ascended server browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a modded Ark: Survival Ascended server for free?

Yes, you can host a modded server for free on your own computer by using SteamCMD to download the dedicated server files. However, this method requires a powerful PC with at least 16 gigabytes of RAM and administrative control over your network router to configure port forwarding.

How do I locate my server's GameUserSettings.ini file to paste the mod IDs?

If you are self-hosting, the file is located within your installation folder under ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer. If you use a managed hosting service like Nitrado, you can access this file directly through their integrated file manager or by enabling Expert Mode in their control settings.

Do console players need to download mods before joining my crossplay server?

No, console players do not need to download mods beforehand. The game's native CurseForge integration automatically prompts players to download all required mods when they join your server, handling the download and installation in the background.

What is the difference between client-side mods and server-side mods?

Server-side mods change core gameplay mechanics, add structures, or introduce new creatures, requiring them to be installed on both the server and client. Client-side mods only modify visual aspects like your user interface or map overlays, meaning players can run them individually without server-side installation.

Upgrade Your Ark: Survival Ascended Adventure Today

Configuring your server is only the first step toward building an active, customized gaming community. Take control of your hosting experience today and transform your island into a unique world by adding your favorite CurseForge mods.