ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved

Advanced Architecture Mod
 This topic has been pinned, so it's probably important
hogscraper  [developer] 26 Nov, 2015 @ 8:48am
Quick Start Guide to installing this mod
I have had a couple people ask for info on installing this mod, or any mod, so I wanted to get some of that basic information together here. These are the steps I take when updating my test server but there may be better options out there. Assumptions I'm making are that you were able to successfully install the dedicated server software whereever you intend on running it from and that you are able to upload files to that server as well. That information is beyond the scope of this guide but you can get started with this link:
http://ark.gamepedia.com/Dedicated_Server_Setup


1. While in Steam on your client machine, head to the Workshop page of the mod you want to add to your server and click subscribe.

2. Restart Steam. This step will force Steam to check for the latest versions of your subscribed mods and anything not up to date will be downloaded.

3. Start Ark. Once you get to the main screen you must wait while any mods install. You should see a notification on the bottom right of your screen telling you that a mod is being installed. You can verify that it installed by clicking Host and searching the box on the left-center area of the screen.

4. Determine which folder needs to be copied. Find your Steam install folder, and navigate to:

Steam/steamapps/common/ARK/ShooterGame/Content/Mods

Some mods provide the mod ID in their description. If they do not, you will need to go through the numbered folders in your mods directory looking for clues. Each mod should have a unique umap name in their folder or other items that will let you know its the folder you're looking for. I added this tip as I had to find one out of 40+ mods this way. Its a pain but you need to make sure you are copying the right files. For this version of my mod, look for folder 539464369. There is also a .mod file in the mods directory with the same number as the folder you were looking for.

5. Depending on your server host, your methods of getting the files uploaded will vary and out of the scope of this guide. Navigate to the folder where you installed Steam on your server. Navigate to

Steam/steamapps/common/ark survival evolved dedicated server/ShooterGame/Content/Mods

and copy the folder and .mod file from your client-side mods folder.

6. While still on your server, open the folder

Steam/steamapps/common/ark survival evolved dedicated server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/

and edit GameUserSettings.ini. Under the section marked [Server Settings] you will need to add:

ActiveMods=539464369

7. Your server should be ready to launch. If you ever want to disable a mod without deleting it, you can delete the mod's ID from that ActiveMods list. This can help you narrow down problems that might arise when using multiple mods.

8. Updating: Any time a mod gets an update your client will automatically download the update for a subscribed mod. As soon as your client is finished downloading the update, you will need to repeat the steps in this guide starting with step 3.

9. Troubleshooting Steps:
If the mod doesn't load correctly in game, exit to the main menu on your client, restart the server and rejoin. If that doesn't fix the issue, here are some questions you need to determine an answer for as well:

Are the mod folder on your client and the mod folder on your server exactly the same? Right click them and choose Properties. The size, number of files and number of folders should all be the same.

Are the mod numbers all the same? Check your GameUserSettings.ini, the mod folder and .mod file on the server as well as the mod folder and .mod file on the client. There are multiple versions of my mod and the files are not interchangable.

Have you updated your Ark Server to the latest Steam patch? This will keep a server from showing up in the server list in game.

Hope this infomation can help someone get started on running their own Ark kingdom!