Steam Workshop mods
Mods install themselves — you just list the IDs.
ARK auto-downloads Steam Workshop mods. You don't upload files — you list Workshop IDs in a config and restart.
Finding mod IDs
- Open the mod's Steam Workshop page.
- The URL contains
?id=<numeric-id>— that's the Workshop ID.
Setting active mods
In panel settings → ActiveMods → enter comma-separated IDs:
1234567890,9876543210,1122334455
Restart. The server downloads each mod (can take 5–15 minutes the first time). Watch the console for progress.
Order matters
Mods load in the order listed. Later mods can override earlier ones. For "core" mods (S+, Structures Plus replacements, total overhauls), put them first.
Player-side
Players need the same mods installed on their client. They get them by:
- Joining the server — Steam auto-subscribes them to the mods.
- Or manually subscribing on the Workshop pages.
The game won't connect until client + server have the same mods.
Updating mods
The server auto-updates Workshop mods on restart. Schedule a nightly restart to keep mods current.
Common useful mods
- Structures Plus (S+) — building QoL (snap points, demolish, ladders that work)
- Awesome Spyglass — extended spyglass with stats overlay
- HG Stacking Mod — bigger inventory stacks
- Death Recovery Mod — better corpse recovery
- Automated Ark — auto-feed dinos from troughs reliably
- Castles, Keeps and Forts — medieval building set
A mod broke the server
Check the console at startup. If a mod fails to download or load, remove it from ActiveMods and restart. You can keep the rest going while you sort it out.