How to Install Mods on Your ARK Server
Add Steam Workshop mods to your ARK dedicated server in three steps: find the mod ID from the Workshop URL, add it in the control panel, and reboot. Covers mod order, auto-updates, and config files.
Step 1: Find the Mod ID
- Open the ARK Steam Workshop
- Browse or search for the mod you want
- Open the mod's page and look at the URL:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=XXXXXXXXXX
The number after ?id= is the Mod ID. Copy it.
Step 2: Add the Mod to Your Server
In your AMP panel, open your ARK server's configuration:
- Go to the Mods section (in AMP it's under the Configuration tab)
- Paste the Mod ID and add it to your mod list
- Repeat for any additional mods
- Save and reboot
The server pulls each mod from Steam Workshop on startup. Large modpacks like Primal Fear can take several minutes to download — watch the console for progress.
Mod order matters. Some mods must load in a specific order to work correctly. Check the mod author's documentation for any ordering requirements. You can drag mods in the panel to reorder them.
Step 3: Tell Players to Install the Mods
Players must also have the mods installed on their client to join. When they connect to your server, ARK will automatically download missing mods from Steam Workshop — but only if their Steam library is set to do so.
If a player gets a "mod mismatch" error:
- Have them check their ARK mods list (Main Menu → Host/Local → Mods tab)
- Make sure the mods are installed and match the server's mod list
Automatic Updates
ARK mods update automatically on each server reboot. If a mod author releases a patch:
- The update will apply the next time you reboot
- Remind players to also update their client-side mods (Steam usually handles this automatically)
- After major ARK game updates, some mods may temporarily break — check the mod's Workshop page for compatibility notes
Mod Configuration Files
Most mods place their config files inside:
/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/
Or in a mod-specific subfolder. Common files:
Game.ini— gameplay multipliers and mod settingsGameUserSettings.ini— general server and mod settings
Refer to each mod author's documentation for which settings go where.
Troubleshooting
Server crashes after adding a mod
- The mod may be incompatible with your current ARK version or another mod
- Remove the new mod and test — add mods one at a time to identify conflicts
"Mod mismatch" when players join
- Your server's mod list and the player's local mod list differ
- Double-check mod IDs in the panel; ensure all mods loaded successfully (check server console on startup)