Customizing server rate multipliers is the most effective way to shape the pacing and difficulty of your ARK: Survival Evolved server. On DustBowl Warden, rate multipliers are configured in GameUserSettings.ini under the [ServerSettings] section.
Which File Controls Rates?
All core gathering, taming, and experience multipliers live in:
ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini
Under the header:
[ServerSettings]
Note
Breeding, hatching, and maturation rates are configured in Game.ini rather than GameUserSettings.ini. For breeding settings, see our dedicated ARK Breeding and Imprinting Rates Guide.
Core Rate Multipliers Reference
| Setting Key | Default | Description | Recommended Range |
|---|---|---|---|
XPMultiplier |
1.0 |
Global multiplier for all experience gained (crafting, killing, harvesting). | 2.0 - 5.0 |
TamingSpeedMultiplier |
1.0 |
Multiplies taming progression per food bite. Higher values reduce total taming time. | 3.0 - 8.0 |
HarvestAmountMultiplier |
1.0 |
Quantity of resources yielded per hit on rocks, trees, and carcasses. | 2.0 - 5.0 |
HarvestHealthMultiplier |
1.0 |
Durability of resource nodes before depleting. | 1.0 - 2.0 |
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier |
1.0 |
Speed at which depleted resource nodes regrow (lower value = faster respawn). | 0.5 - 0.8 |
DinoDamageMultiplier |
1.0 |
Damage output scaling for wild creatures. | 1.0 |
PlayerDamageMultiplier |
1.0 |
Damage dealt by human survivors. | 1.0 |
Recommended Rate Presets
Preset 1: Casual / Weekend Warriors (5x Rates)
Perfect for working adults and casual groups who want rewarding progression without losing days to grinding:
[ServerSettings]
XPMultiplier=3.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=5.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=4.0
HarvestHealthMultiplier=1.5
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier=0.7
Preset 2: Fast-Paced PvP / Mega-Tribe (10x Rates)
Optimized for fast-paced combat, rapid base rebuilding, and frequent raiding:
[ServerSettings]
XPMultiplier=5.0
TamingSpeedMultiplier=10.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=8.0
HarvestHealthMultiplier=2.0
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier=0.5
Preset 3: Vanilla+ Enhanced Hardcore (2x Rates)
Retains vanilla survival tension while respecting player time:
[ServerSettings]
XPMultiplier=1.5
TamingSpeedMultiplier=2.5
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0
HarvestHealthMultiplier=1.0
ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier=1.0
Step-by-Step Configuration in DustBowl Warden
- Log into your dashboard at DustBowl Warden.
- Select your ARK instance and click Stop.
- In the sidebar, select File Manager.
- Open
ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini. - Find the
[ServerSettings]block. - Insert or update your multiplier keys.
- Click Save Content.
- Start the server. The updated rates take effect immediately for all active survivors.
Related Tools and Guides
- ARK Rates Calculator: Calculate precise taming durations and harvest quantities based on your multipliers.
- ARK Taming Calculator: Food requirements and narcotics breakdown per creature.
- ARK GUS Builder: Build and export complete
GameUserSettings.iniconfiguration blocks. - How to Configure Breeding and Imprinting Rates: Set maturation, cuddle intervals, and hatch speeds.