Adding Mods to ARK: Survival Ascended
ARK: Survival Ascended uses CurseForge for mod distribution. This guide explains how to install and manage mods.
Finding Mods
Browse mods on CurseForge for ARK: Survival Ascended.
When you find a mod you want, you’ll need the Project ID:
- Go to the mod’s page on CurseForge
- Look on the right side of the page for “Project ID”
- Copy this number
The Project ID is a numeric value like 1234567. This is what you’ll enter in your server configuration.
Installing Mods
Mods are configured in the Startup tab:
Stop Your Server
Go to the Console tab and stop your server
Go to Startup Tab
Navigate to the Startup tab in your Game Panel
Enter Mod IDs
Find the MOD IDs field and enter your mod IDs
Save and Restart
Save and start your server
Important formatting rules:
- Separate mod IDs with commas only
- Do NOT include spaces between IDs
- Use only the numeric Project ID from CurseForge
Example
If you want to install three mods with Project IDs 123, 456, and 789:
Mod Load Order
Mods load in the order they appear in the MOD IDs field:
- First mod ID loads first
- Dependency mods should be listed before mods that require them
Example with Dependencies
If “Mod B” requires “Mod A”:
Client-Side Requirements
Players must have the same mods installed! When a player connects, they’ll need matching mods. Most mods auto-download when joining, but some may require manual installation.
RAM Requirements for Mods
Mods significantly increase RAM usage:
| Mod Count | Recommended RAM |
|---|
| 1-3 small mods | 14GB+ |
| 4-10 mods | 16GB+ |
| 10+ mods | 20GB+ |
| Heavy mod packs | 24GB+ |
ARK:SA is already resource-intensive. Each mod adds to RAM requirements. Monitor your server’s memory usage and upgrade if needed.
Managing Mods
Adding New Mods
- Stop the server
- Add the new mod ID to the existing list
- Start the server (mod will download automatically)
Removing Mods
- Stop the server
- Remove the mod ID from the list
- Optionally delete mod files from the server
- Start the server
Removing mods may cause issues! Some mods add items/dinos that will disappear when the mod is removed. Always backup before removing mods.
Updating Mods
Mods update automatically when:
- Server restarts with Auto Update enabled
- You reinstall the server
To force a mod update:
- Stop the server
- Delete the mod’s folder from
ShooterGame/Binaries/Win64/ShooterGame/Mods/
- Start the server (mod will re-download)
Alternative: ARGS_FLAGS Method
You can also add mods via the ARGS_FLAGS field:
-mods=1234567,7654321,9876543
Troubleshooting Mods
Mods Not Downloading
- Verify mod IDs are correct (numeric CurseForge Project IDs)
- Check there are no spaces in the mod list
- Ensure server has enough disk space
- Check console for download errors
Server Crashes with Mods
- Remove mods one by one to find the problem mod
- Check mod compatibility with current game version
- Verify all dependencies are installed
- Check if mod requires specific settings
Players Can’t Join
- Ensure players have auto-download enabled
- Verify mod versions match
- Check if any mods are client-side only
- Have players manually subscribe to mods on CurseForge
Mod Conflicts
If two mods conflict:
- Check mod pages for known incompatibilities
- Try changing load order
- Contact mod authors for compatibility patches
- Choose one mod over the other
Popular Mod Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Quality of Life | Stack mods, UI improvements |
| Building | Additional structures, decoration |
| Creatures | New dinos, creature overhauls |
| Maps | Custom maps when available |
| Gameplay | New mechanics, rebalancing |
Best Practices
Mod Management Tips:
- Start with a few essential mods
- Add mods one at a time to identify issues
- Keep a list of your mod IDs for easy reinstallation
- Regularly backup your world
- Test mods on a test server first
Before adding mods:
- Backup your world data
- Check mod compatibility with current ARK:SA version
- Read mod descriptions for requirements
- Ensure you have enough RAM
