Granting administrative control on an ARK: Survival Evolved server is essential for managing your community and maintaining a stable environment. This process varies depending on whether you are playing on a dedicated server, a console, or a Steam server, and it requires a clear understanding of the tools at your disposal.
Understanding Admin Commands and Access Levels
Before diving into the setup, you must understand the two primary methods of control: built-in console commands and the Unreal Engine 1 Admin Manager. The in-game console allows for direct execution of commands, while the Admin Manager provides a persistent list of authorized Steam IDs that retain privileges even after server restarts.
Granting Access via In-Game Console
If you are playing on a dedicated server or a local session, the quickest way to elevate a player is through the console. You will need to open the console by pressing the designated key (usually the tilde key ~) and input specific administrative commands.
Using the Player ID Method
To grant immediate access, locate the player’s Steam ID or use their session index. Execute the command adminplayer , replacing the ID with the numerical identifier of the player you wish to promote. This action provides temporary admin status for the current session only.
Using the Steam ID Method
For a permanent solution, you will need the 17-digit Steam ID of the user. Use the command addadmin to lock their identity to your admin list. This ensures the player retains elevated permissions every time they connect to the server.
Configuring the Admin Manager File
For server hosts, managing permissions through configuration files is the most professional approach. The AdminManagerSettings.ini file is where you permanently store the Steam IDs of your trusted members. Editing this file correctly is the difference between a stable server and one that requires constant manual intervention.
Editing the Configuration File
Locate the AdminManagerSettings.ini file within your server's directory, typically found in the ShooterGame folder. You will need to open it with a text editor like Notepad++. Inside, you will find a section titled AdminUsers . To add a user, insert their Steam ID under the Users parameter, ensuring the format is precise to avoid parsing errors.
Setting Admin Roles and Permissions
Simply adding an ID is not enough; you must define what that admin can do. ARK utilizes a role-based permission system where you assign specific rights to users or groups. This allows you to create moderators who can only ban, or full admins who can fly, god, and manage tribes.
Verification and Testing
After configuring the files or entering the commands, you must verify that the permissions have been applied correctly. Have the user join the server and test the commands to ensure they work as intended. If the player cannot execute admin commands, double-check the Steam ID for typos or verify that the server has been restarted if you edited the .ini file.
