ARK: Survival Evolved Server Setup

Complete guide to setting up an ARK: Survival Evolved server on CoreSynth.

Overview

Prerequisites

Steam Game Server Token (GSLT)

1. Log in to Steam 
2. Go to Game Server Token Management 
3. Create a new token for ARK (APP ID: 376030)
4. Copy the generated token

Note: Without a GSLT token, the server will not appear in the official server list.

Getting Started

Step 1 — Create your service

1. Log in to CoreSynth Dashboard 
2. Navigate to Game Servers
3. Select ARK: Survival Evolved
4. Choose location and hardware (recommended: 8-10 GB RAM, 2 CPU cores)
5. Complete your order

Step 2 — GameUserSettings.ini Configuration

In the control panel, edit GameUserSettings.ini:

[ServerSettings]
ServerAdminPassword=your_admin_password
ServerPassword=
MaxPlayers=20
SessionName="My ARK Server"
MapName=TheIsland
QueryPort=27015
Port=7777
RconPort=27020
RconPassword=your_rcon_password
 
[MessageOfTheDay]
Message="Welcome to My ARK Server!"
 
[SessionSettings]
SessionIP=0.0.0.0
SessionPort=27015

Step 3 — Game.ini Configuration

Edit Game.ini for advanced settings:

[/Script/Shootergame.ShootergameMode]
MaxStructuresInRange=6000.0
PreventOfflinePvP=false
bDisablePvEAggressiveBehavior=false
XPMultiplier=1.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=1.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=1.0
 
[GameMode]
OverrideOfficialDifficulty=1.0
DifficultyOffset=1.0

Step 4 — GSLT Token Configuration

Add GSLT token to startup parameters:

1. In the control panel, go to Startup
2. Find Game Server Token or GSLT Token
3. Paste your token
4. Save and restart server

Step 5 — Server Start

1. In the control panel, click Start
2. Wait for game files to download (first start may take 15-30 minutes)
3. Server will automatically restart

Connecting to Server

Method 1 — Steam

1. Launch ARK: Survival Evolved
2. Go to View → Servers → Add a Server
3. Enter IP address or ark.coresynth.io
4. Click Connect

Method 2 — Direct Connect

1. In ARK menu, select Host/Local
2. Or use console: connect ark.coresynth.io

Installing Mods

Finding Mods

1. Go to Steam Workshop - ARK 
2. Subscribe to modifications
3. Copy the modification ID (number in URL)

Installing Mods via Panel

1. In the control panel, go to Mods
2. Enter Steam Workshop ID of the mod
3. Click Install
4. Restart server

Manual Installation

1. Download mod (.arkmod file) from Workshop
2. In the control panel, upload to ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ folder
3. Restart server

Recommended Mods

Troubleshooting

Server Not Showing in List

Cause: Missing or invalid GSLT token.

Solution:

1. Verify GSLT token at Steam Dev Portal 
2. Check that token is correctly set in startup parameters
3. Restart server

Connection Issues

Cause: Firewall or wrong port.

Solution:

1. In the control panel, go to Security
2. Ensure ports 7777 (UDP) and 27015 (UDP) are allowed

Server Crashes

Cause: Insufficient RAM or mod issues.

Solution:

1. Increase RAM to at least 8 GB
2. Remove problematic modifications
3. Check server logs in panel

Next Steps

• Subdomains — Custom domain setup
• Game Servers — All supported games

Need help? Open a support ticket  or ask Alex.