Ultimate Guide to ARK Server Stats and Settings

Allen Anderson
Jul 27
4 min read

If you are an ARK: Survival Evolved player, you know how crucial server settings and stats are to your gaming experience. Whether you are running your own server or playing on someone else's, understanding these settings can make a significant difference in how you enjoy the game. This guide will break down everything you need to know about ARK server stats and settings, ensuring you can tailor your gameplay to your liking.

What Are ARK Server Stats?

ARK server stats refer to the various settings that control gameplay mechanics on a server. These stats can affect everything from the speed at which players level up to the damage dealt by creatures. Understanding these stats is essential for both server administrators and players.

Key Server Stats

Player Stats: These include health, stamina, oxygen, food, water, weight, melee damage, and movement speed. Adjusting these can make the game easier or harder.
Dino Stats: Similar to player stats, these include health, stamina, oxygen, food, weight, melee damage, and movement speed for dinosaurs.
Experience Points (XP): This stat determines how quickly players and dinosaurs level up.
Taming Speed: This affects how quickly you can tame creatures.
Harvesting Rates: This controls how much resource you gather from the environment.
Breeding Settings: These settings influence how quickly creatures breed and how many offspring they produce.

Why Adjust Server Stats?

Adjusting server stats can enhance your gaming experience. For example, if you want a more relaxed gameplay style, you might increase taming speed and harvesting rates. Conversely, if you seek a challenge, you could decrease these stats.

How to Access Server Settings

To access server settings, you need to be the server administrator. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Game: Launch ARK: Survival Evolved.
Navigate to the Server Settings: If you are hosting your own server, go to the settings menu.
Adjust the Stats: You will find various options to adjust player and dino stats, XP rates, and more.
Save Changes: Always remember to save your changes before exiting the settings menu.

Common Server Settings Explained

Understanding common server settings can help you make informed decisions about how to adjust your gameplay. Here are some of the most important settings:

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level affects the maximum level of wild creatures. A higher difficulty means tougher creatures, which can provide better loot when defeated.

XP Multiplier

This setting determines how much experience points players earn. A higher multiplier means players level up faster, which can be beneficial for new players.

Taming Speed Multiplier

This setting controls how quickly you can tame creatures. Increasing this multiplier can make it easier to build your dino army.

Harvest Amount Multiplier

This setting affects how much resource you gather from each node. Increasing this can make resource gathering much more efficient.

Breeding Interval

This setting controls how long it takes for creatures to breed again. A shorter interval means you can breed more often, which is great for creating powerful offspring.

Example Configurations

Here are a few example configurations for different gameplay styles:

Casual Play

Difficulty Level: 1.0
XP Multiplier: 2.0
Taming Speed Multiplier: 5.0
Harvest Amount Multiplier: 3.0
Breeding Interval: 0.5

This configuration is perfect for players who want a relaxed experience. You will level up quickly and tame creatures with ease.

Hardcore Play

Difficulty Level: 1.5
XP Multiplier: 1.0
Taming Speed Multiplier: 1.0
Harvest Amount Multiplier: 1.0
Breeding Interval: 1.0

This setup is for players seeking a challenge. You will face tougher creatures and have to work harder for resources.

Tips for Server Administrators

If you are running your own server, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Communicate with Players: Always ask for feedback from your players. They can provide valuable insights into what settings work best.
Test Settings: Before finalizing settings, test them out yourself. This will help you understand how they affect gameplay.
Be Flexible: Don’t be afraid to change settings if players are struggling or if the game feels unbalanced.
Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on server performance. If you notice lag or other issues, consider adjusting settings to improve performance.
Regular Updates: Keep your server updated with the latest patches and updates from the game developers. This ensures a smoother experience for players.

The Importance of Backups

Before making significant changes to your server settings, always back up your server. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore it to its previous state.

How to Backup Your Server

Locate Your Server Files: Find the folder where your server files are stored.
Copy the Files: Make a copy of the entire folder and store it in a safe location.
Regular Backups: Make it a habit to back up your server regularly, especially before making major changes.

Engaging with the Community

Being part of the ARK community can enhance your gaming experience. Here are some ways to engage:

Join Forums: Participate in ARK forums to share tips and tricks with other players.
Social Media: Follow ARK on social media for updates and community events.
YouTube and Twitch: Watch gameplay videos and streams to learn new strategies and techniques.
Discord Servers: Join ARK-related Discord servers to chat with other players and share experiences.

Final Thoughts

Understanding ARK server stats and settings is essential for both players and server administrators. By adjusting these settings, you can create a gaming experience that suits your style. Whether you prefer a casual playthrough or a hardcore challenge, the right settings can make all the difference.

Remember to communicate with your players, test your settings, and engage with the community. With the right approach, you can create an enjoyable and balanced ARK experience for everyone involved.