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ARK: Survival Evolved keeps server settings in two files: GameUserSettings.ini (rates, rules and most server options, section [ServerSettings]) and Game.ini (breeding, level ramps, loot and other advanced options, section [/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]). On FREAKHOSTING both are in ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/. Game settings edits them for you. Always stop the server before you change either file.

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Where are the ARK config files?

Game.ini is empty on a new server until you save a breeding setting or add lines yourself.

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Which settings are not in the files?

Some settings are passed on the command line from the Startup page instead: server name, server password, admin password, map, mods, player slots, BattlEye and Additional Arguments. Game settings marks the ones it covers with a STARTUP label and saves them on the Startup page. BattlEye and Additional Arguments are only on the Startup page.

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How to edit the files safely

1

Stop the server

ARK rewrites its settings files when it shuts down and ignores changes made while it runs. A change made while the server is running is lost at the next stop.
2

Use Game settings when you can

It writes the right key in the right section and shows a diff in Review your changes before saving.
3

Open the raw file for anything else

At the bottom of Game settings, click GameUserSettings.ini: open the raw file or Game.ini: open the raw file. You can also use the File Manager.
4

Put each line under its section

A setting only works under the right [section] header. Add the header if it is missing.
5

Save and start

Save the file and start the server.
The first block goes in GameUserSettings.ini, the second in Game.ini.

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What does “a setting appears twice” mean?

Checks on Game settings notes when a key appears more than once in a section; the game uses the last one. Some ARK settings are lists and are meant to repeat, for example ConfigOverrideSupplyCrateItems (one line per crate) or OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints (one line per level). On a new server these notes need no action.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why do my changes disappear after a restart?

You edited the file while the server was running. Stop the server, make the change again and start it.

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Can I upload my own GameUserSettings.ini?

You can, with the server stopped. Keep the server’s lines for name, ports and passwords out of it; those come from Startup. It is safer to copy single settings.

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How do I undo a bad change?

Open GameUserSettings.ini.bak in Files, copy its contents back into GameUserSettings.ini with the server stopped, or restore a backup.

ARK server guide

Every ARK page in one place.

Rates and multipliers

Game settings and extra Game.ini keys.

Breeding settings

Game.ini breeding keys.

Custom drops with Beacon

Supply crate loot.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server). Sections checked against the official ARK Wiki server configuration. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026