> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ARK GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini Explained

> ARK GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini explained: where they are on your server, which settings go where, and how to edit them without losing changes.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ARK: Survival Evolved server | **Game settings**, **Files** |

## Where are the ARK config files?

| File | Path | Holds |
| - | - | - |
| `GameUserSettings.ini` | `ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini` | `[ServerSettings]`, `[SessionSettings]` and more: rates, rules, limits, saving, transfers. |
| `Game.ini` | `ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini` | `[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]`: breeding, spoiling, fuel, crops, level ramps, engram points, supply crate loot. |
| `GameUserSettings.ini.bak` | Same folder | The previous version, kept each time **Game settings** saves. |

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

## 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.

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**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.

```ini theme={null}
[ServerSettings]
TamingSpeedMultiplier=3.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0

[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]
EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=10.0
BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=10.0
```

The first block goes in `GameUserSettings.ini`, the second in `Game.ini`.

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [ARK server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/ark-survival-evolved-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every ARK page in one place.

> [card] [Rates and multipliers](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/changing-ark-server-settings-multipliers-rates.md)
>
> Game settings and extra Game.ini keys.

> [card] [Breeding settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/detailed-breeding-and-mutation-settings.md)
>
> Game.ini breeding keys.

> [card] [Custom drops with Beacon](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/ark-survival-evolved/configuring-custom-drops-with-beacon-app.md)
>
> Supply crate loot.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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](https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Server_configuration)**. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.