Quick answer: Set up your server step by step – check requirements, install files, configure ports and start the service.
This guide shows you step by step how to install mods on your ARK: Survival Evolved server. ARK has a huge modding community – from new creatures to building parts to complete map overhauls. Installation is done entirely through the Steam Workshop.
How Do ARK Mods Work?
Unlike Minecraft or FiveM, ARK mods are not downloaded as files and placed in a folder. Instead, you subscribe to them in the Steam Workshop and specify their IDs in the server configuration. The server then downloads them automatically and keeps them up to date.
Step 1: Find Mods in the Steam Workshop
- Open the Steam Workshop for ARK: steamcommunity.com/app/346110/workshop
- Browse the categories or enter a search term
- Each mod has a unique Mod ID – you can find it in the URL:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=731604991 ^^^^^^^^^ Mod ID - Note down the Mod IDs of all mods you want to install
Step 2: Enter Mod IDs in Startup Parameters
Open your server startup script and add the GameModIds parameter:
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=MyServer?GameModIds=731604991,123456789?MaxPlayers=20?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015 -logMultiple Mod IDs are separated by commas – without spaces.
Step 3: Set Mod Load Order
The order of Mod IDs is important. Mods listed first are loaded first and have priority. Basic rules:
- Foundation mods first: Structures, framework mods
- Creatures and items next: New dinos, weapons, armor
- Overhauls last: Mods that change many other things
Step 4: Start Server and Let Mods Load
- Start the server with the adjusted startup script
- The server downloads the mods automatically on first start
- This can take 5-30 minutes depending on mod size
- You can see the progress in the console
Step 5: Inform Players
Players joining your server don't need to manually install mods. The server transmits the mod list automatically and players download the mods when connecting.
The Most Important Mods for Every Server
| Mod | Mod ID | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Structures Plus (S+) | 731604991 | Improved building system – more flexible placement, more building parts |
| Super Structures | 1999447172 | Evolution of S+ – actively maintained |
| Awesome Spyglass | 1404697612 | Advanced spyglass – shows dino stats directly |
| Dino Storage v2 | 1609138312 | Pokeball-like dino storage – saves server resources |
| Stacking Mod | Multiple | Larger item stacks – less lag from individual items |
Updating Mods
- ARK mods are updated automatically when the server restarts
- The server checks for new versions on startup and downloads them
- Players download the updated mods the next time they connect
Common Problems
Server won't start after mod installation:
- Wrong Mod ID? Check if the ID is correct
- Mod not compatible with current ARK version? Check the last update date
- Two mods incompatible? Try removing all mods except one for testing
Players cannot join ("Mod mismatch"):
- Player hasn't downloaded the mods yet – wait
- Player has old mod version – restart ARK
- Server mod list has changed – player needs to restart ARK
Mods load extremely slowly:
- Large mods (over 1 GB) take a long time the first time
- Players with slow internet connections need patience
- Install mods on SSD – HDD is the bottleneck here