Logo
Docs
Guides

User Guide: Getting Started with ARK ASA Server Manager

Updated May 15, 2026

User Guide: Getting Started with ARK ASA Server Manager

Welcome to the ARK: Survival Ascended Server Manager 2.0. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up and manage your first ASA server.

1. Initial Setup

Requirements

  • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit).
  • Permissions: Administrator privileges are required for process management and firewall rules.
  • Hardware: Minimum 16GB RAM (32GB+ recommended for multiple servers).

First Launch

When you first open the application:

  1. SteamCMD: The manager will automatically download and install SteamCMD if it's missing.
  2. Administrator Check: Ensure you accept the UAC prompt to allow the manager to control server processes.
  3. Settings: Go to the Settings page and verify your "Base Install Directory." This is where all your servers will be stored.

2. Deploying Your First Server

  1. New Server: Click the "New Server" button on the Sidebar.
  2. Basic Config: Give your server a name and select your map (e.g., The Island).
  3. Installation: Click "Install." The manager will use SteamCMD to download the server binaries (approx. 40GB).
  4. Ports: Ensure ports 7777, 27015, and 27020 are open in your router/firewall.

3. Configuration & Mods

Editing Settings

Use the Configuration Editor to adjust your multipliers (XP, Taming, Harvesting) and server rules.

  • Save Profiles: You can save your settings as a profile to reuse later.
  • Preview: Check the "Preview" tab to see exactly what your startup command looks like.

Managing Mods

  1. Go to the Mod Manager.
  2. Search for mods via the CurseForge integration.
  3. Add them to your server and arrange the Load Order.
  4. Click "Apply to Server" to update the configuration.

4. Running Your Server

  • Start: Launches the server process. You can monitor progress via the "Startup Progress" bar.
  • RCON: Once the server is online, use the RCON Console to manage players and execute commands.
  • Updates: Use the "Check for Updates" button to keep your server binaries and mods current.

5. Automation (Optional but Recommended)

  • Guardian: Enable the Guardian for 24/7 crash protection.
  • Scheduler: Set up daily restarts or hourly backups.
  • Backups: Configure automatic world backups to protect against data loss.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Server Not Visible: Double-check your Port Forwarding and firewall rules.
  • Stuck on Startup: Check the Logs page for specific error messages (e.g., missing mods or corrupt saves).
  • Performance Issues: Use the Hardware page to optimize CPU affinity and process priority.

For more detailed technical guides, visit the Knowledge Base within the application.

Back to Documentation