From 5c77da0978e296702d4f8d416052977745f9b708 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Spencer Grimes Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:05:04 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] "vault backup: 2026-03-20 13:05:04 from Flow" --- 21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/ark.md | 170 ++++++++++++++++++ .../homelab/stacks/ark/mods.md | 131 ++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 301 insertions(+) create mode 100644 21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/ark.md create mode 100644 21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/mods.md diff --git a/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/ark.md b/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/ark.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a719af1 --- /dev/null +++ b/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/ark.md @@ -0,0 +1,170 @@ +# ARK: Survival Evolved Server + +Self-hosted ARK: Survival Evolved dedicated server. Map: **TheIsland**. + +## Access + +- **Game:** `192.168.2.114:7777` (LAN / Tailscale) +- **Steam Query:** `192.168.2.114:27015` +- **RCON:** `192.168.2.114:27020` (TCP) + +No Tailscale sidecar — ports exposed directly on the host (same pattern as Minecraft). + +## Containers + +| Container | Image | Role | +|---|---|---| +| `ark_server` | `hermsi/ark-server:latest` | Game server | + +## Compose File + +**Path:** `/ARK_Server/docker-compose.yaml` + +```yaml +services: + ark: + image: hermsi/ark-server:latest + container_name: ark_server + mem_limit: 10g + ports: + - "7777:7777/udp" + - "7778:7778/udp" # Must be game port +1 + - "27015:27015/udp" # Steam query / server browser + - "27020:27020/tcp" # RCON + volumes: + - /ARK_Server/data:/app + - /ARK_Server/backups:/home/steam/ARK-Backups + environment: + SESSION_NAME: "Inanis ARK" + SERVER_MAP: TheIsland + SERVER_PASSWORD: + ADMIN_PASSWORD: + MAX_PLAYERS: 20 + UPDATE_ON_START: "true" + BACKUP_ON_STOP: "true" + PRE_UPDATE_BACKUP: "true" + WARN_ON_STOP: "true" + ENABLE_CROSSPLAY: "false" + DISABLE_BATTLEYE: "false" + # GAME_MOD_IDS: "" # See mods.md — add IDs here when ready + restart: unless-stopped +``` + +## Host Directory Setup + +Run these once before first boot: + +```bash +sudo mkdir -p /ARK_Server/data /ARK_Server/backups +sudo chown -R 1000:1000 /ARK_Server +``` + +The container runs as the `steam` user (UID 1000). The chown ensures it can write to the bind-mount volumes. + +## Data Layout + +| Path | Contents | +|---|---| +| `/ARK_Server/data` | Server binaries, world saves, config files | +| `/ARK_Server/backups` | Automatic backups (triggered by `BACKUP_ON_STOP`) | + +> **First boot warning:** The server downloads ~30 GB of files from Steam on first startup. This takes a long time. Do not restart the container — just wait. + +## Server Configuration (Multipliers) + +After first boot, edit these two config files directly on the host. They are created by the server on first run. + +### `GameUserSettings.ini` +**Path:** `/ARK_Server/data/server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/GameUserSettings.ini` + +Add/update these values under the `[ServerSettings]` section: + +```ini +[ServerSettings] +; Rates — faster and more forgiving, but not trivial +TamingSpeedMultiplier=5.0 +HarvestAmountMultiplier=3.0 +XPMultiplier=3.0 +ResourcesRespawnPeriodMultiplier=0.5 + +; Survival annoyances — reduced +PlayerCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=0.5 +PlayerCharacterWaterDrainMultiplier=0.5 +DinoCharacterFoodDrainMultiplier=0.5 + +; Inventory QoL +ItemStackSizeMultiplier=2.0 + +; Loot +SupplyCrateLootQualityMultiplier=1.5 +``` + +**Rationale:** +- **5x taming** — vanilla taming is hours-long; 5x is still meaningful but won't eat a whole session +- **3x harvest/XP** — fast enough to feel rewarding, slow enough to preserve the grind loop +- **0.5x food/water drain** — cuts survival micromanagement in half without eliminating it +- **0.5x resource respawn** — resources come back faster so you're not farming across the whole map + +### `Game.ini` +**Path:** `/ARK_Server/data/server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini` + +Add these values under the `[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode]` section: + +```ini +[/script/shootergame.shootergamemode] +; Breeding — fast enough to do in a session +MatingIntervalMultiplier=0.1 +EggHatchSpeedMultiplier=10.0 +BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier=20.0 + +; Imprinting — scaled proportionally to maturation speed +; Rule: BabyCuddleIntervalMultiplier ≈ 1 / BabyMatureSpeedMultiplier +; At 20x mature speed, cuddles happen ~every 24 minutes instead of 8 hours +BabyCuddleIntervalMultiplier=0.05 +BabyImprintAmountMultiplier=2.0 +``` + +**Rationale:** +- **20x maturation** — a large dino that normally takes 5 real-world days now takes ~6 hours +- **0.05x cuddle interval** — keeps the number of cuddles per maturation roughly constant, so full imprinting is still achievable +- **2x imprint amount** — each cuddle gives double imprint credit, reducing the number of cuddles needed for 100% +- **0.1x mating interval** — vanilla mating cooldown is 18 hours; this reduces it to ~2 hours + +> Restart the server after editing INI files. + +## RCON Usage + +Connect with any RCON client (e.g. RCON Console, mcrcon) to `192.168.2.114:27020` using the admin password. + +Useful commands: +``` +SaveWorld — Force save +DoExit — Clean shutdown +admincheat AllowPlayerToJoinNoCheck — Whitelist a player +listplayers — Show connected players +``` + +Manual save before stopping the container: +```bash +docker exec ark_server arkmanager rconcmd "SaveWorld" +``` + +## Mods + +See [[mods.md]] for the full mod reference and recommended load order. + +To enable mods, set `GAME_MOD_IDS` in the compose file: +```yaml +GAME_MOD_IDS: "839162288,1999447172,1609138312,..." +``` + +Mods are downloaded automatically on container start. + +## Notes + +- Uses `hermsi/ark-server` which wraps `arkmanager` internally — use `docker exec ark_server arkmanager ` for manual operations +- `UPDATE_ON_START: true` — pulls the latest server patch on every container start +- `BACKUP_ON_STOP: true` + `PRE_UPDATE_BACKUP: true` — automatic backup before updates and on shutdown +- Port `7778` is always game port + 1; if you change `7777`, update both +- RAM: 10 GB hard limit. ARK base footprint is ~6-8 GB; mods and a populated server will push toward the cap +- Storage: allocate 50+ GB for `/ARK_Server/data` — binaries alone are ~30 GB, save data grows over time diff --git a/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/mods.md b/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/mods.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..865a592 --- /dev/null +++ b/21-Server Reference/homelab/stacks/ark/mods.md @@ -0,0 +1,131 @@ +# ARK: Survival Evolved — Mod Reference + +Top 20 server mods. All are Steam Workshop mods loaded via `GAME_MOD_IDS` in the compose file. + +> **Load order matters.** Mods are loaded in the order their IDs appear in `GAME_MOD_IDS`. Content-heavy mods like Primal Fear must go first. + +--- + +## Quick Reference Table + +| # | Mod Name | Workshop ID | Category | Notes | +|---|---|---|---|---| +| 1 | Super Structures | 1999447172 | Building | Use instead of S+. More polished fork. | +| 2 | Structures Plus (S+) | 731604991 | Building | Original. Superseded by Super Structures — pick one. | +| 3 | Dino Storage v2 | 1609138312 | Creature Mgmt | Pokéball-style creature storage | +| 4 | Death Recovery Mod | 751991809 | QoL | Gravestone on death; recover lost items | +| 5 | Awesome Spyglass! | 1404697612 | QoL | Shows dino stats, player info, loot, eggs at range | +| 6 | Awesome Teleporters! | 889745138 | QoL | Fast travel network; personal teleporter remote | +| 7 | Auto Engrams! | 1428596566 | QoL | Auto-unlocks engrams on level up | +| 8 | Lethals Reusables | 1967741708 | QoL | Reusable parachutes/tools; removes durability from hazmat/scuba | +| 9 | Upgrade Station v1.8i | 821530042 | QoL | Upgrade armor, weapons, and tools beyond base tier | +| 10 | Primal Fear | 839162288 | Content | Adds tiered dino variants (Toxic → Elemental). PvE focused. | +| 11 | Improved Dinos | 479929837 | Content | Rare dino spawns with better loot and harder fights | +| 12 | Shiny! Dinos | 2016338122 | Content | Rare color-variant dinos to hunt and tame | +| 13 | Immersive Taming | 1251632107 | Content | Hand-feed and interact with creatures to tame; more natural feel | +| 14 | Higher Difficulty | 687208953 | Content | Raises dino level cap up to 9600 | +| 15 | Marniimods: Wildlife | 1984936918 | Content | Adds non-dino animals (owls, etc.) with saddles | +| 16 | The World Turtle | 936959483 | Content | Massive tameable turtle; functions as a mobile base | +| 17 | Dino Tracker | 924933745 | Utility | GPS device to locate tamed dinos on the map | +| 18 | More Turrets and Turret Tools | 771785590 | Defense | New turret types with auto-refill capability | +| 19 | Survivor Chronicles | 3582903552 | Map Expansion | Expands Lost Island with 14 biomes and 31 caves (WIP, ~36% complete) | +| 20 | Rideable Dodos | 502202937 | Fun | Makes dodos mountable. Important. | + +--- + +## Mod Details + +### Building + +**Super Structures** `1999447172` +Fork of S+ from 2019 with a cleaner codebase and fewer bugs. Adds snapping, auto-doors/gates, item collectors, auto-crafter, silent structures, fuel-free torches. The recommended choice over the original S+. + +**Structures Plus (S+)** `731604991` +The original building overhaul that S+ forked from. Avoid using both simultaneously. Listed here for reference — Super Structures is preferred. + +--- + +### Quality of Life + +**Dino Storage v2** `1609138312` +Capture tamed creatures into a glass sphere (effectively a Pokéball). No debuffs on release. Fast-capture feature makes it practical for large collections. Reduces server strain from keeping hundreds of dinos loaded in the world. + +**Death Recovery Mod** `751991809` +Places a gravestone at your death location. You can retrieve all lost items from it. Eliminates the most frustrating part of ARK for casual servers. + +**Awesome Spyglass!** `1404697612` +Replaces the vanilla spyglass. Points at dinos to see HP, torpor, level, and stats. Works on players, structures, eggs, and supply drops too. Essential for evaluating tame candidates. + +**Awesome Teleporters!** `889745138` +Places teleporter pads around the map for fast travel between bases and farming spots. Includes a personal teleporter remote that doubles as an item recovery tool on death. +> Note: As of early 2026, the Steam Workshop page for this mod may be restricted. Verify availability before adding. + +**Auto Engrams!** `1428596566` +Automatically unlocks all available engrams as you level up. Eliminates the tedious engram point management that clutters early-game progression on private servers. + +**Lethals Reusables** `1967741708` +Makes parachutes, grappling hooks, and tools reusable. Removes durability from hazmat suits and scuba gear. Significantly reduces the grind around utility items. + +**Upgrade Station v1.8i** `821530042` +Adds an upgrade workbench that lets you push armor, weapons, and tools to higher quality tiers. Gives purpose to otherwise-marginal blueprints. + +--- + +### Content & Creatures + +**Primal Fear** `839162288` +Massive content mod. Adds tiered dino variants: Toxic, Alpha, Apex, Fabled, Buffoon, Celestial, Demonic, Elder, and Elemental. Each tier is harder to tame but stronger. Boss dinos included. **PvE only — not designed for PvP.** Must be first in mod load order. Incompatible with mods that override vanilla creatures (e.g. Classic Flyers). + +**Improved Dinos** `479929837` +Spawns rare dino variants with increased difficulty and guaranteed high-quality blueprint drops on kill. Makes the world feel more alive and rewards exploration. + +**Shiny! Dinos** `2016338122` +Rare, distinctively-colored dino spawns. Inspired by Pokémon shinies. Adds a collectible hunt layer to taming without changing core mechanics. + +**Immersive Taming** `1251632107` +Replaces the traditional knockout/force-feed taming loop with a trust-based approach — feeding and interacting with creatures over time. More natural feel on PvE servers. Can coexist with standard taming methods. + +**Higher Difficulty** `687208953` +Raises the server-side dino level cap. Vanilla max is 150; this mod pushes it up to 9600. Pairs well with Primal Fear since tiered dinos need room to scale. + +**Marniimods: Wildlife** `1984936918` +Adds non-dinosaur animals to the world — owls and others, many with saddles. Fills out the ecosystem beyond the vanilla creature roster. + +**The World Turtle** `936959483` +A massive tameable turtle that functions as a mobile base platform. More a novelty than a meta choice, but a strong server centerpiece. + +--- + +### Utility & Defense + +**Dino Tracker** `924933745` +A GPS-style device that lets you locate any of your tamed dinos on the map. Useful once your collection grows and dinos wander or get left at outposts. + +**More Turrets and Turret Tools** `771785590` +Adds new defensive turret types beyond vanilla and a tool for auto-refilling ammo. Useful even on PvE servers for base defense against wild dinos. + +--- + +### Map Expansion + +**Survivor Chronicles** `3582903552` +Work-in-progress expansion for the Lost Island DLC map. Adds 14 new biomes and 31 caves. ~36% complete as of early 2026. Only relevant if playing on Lost Island. + +--- + +### Fun + +**Rideable Dodos** `502202937` +Exactly what it says. + +--- + +## Suggested Load Order + +If using multiple mods, prioritize content mods before QoL mods: + +``` +GAME_MOD_IDS=839162288,1999447172,1609138312,751991809,1404697612,479929837,2016338122,1251632107,687208953,1984936918,936959483,889745138,1428596566,1967741708,821530042,924933745,771785590,502202937 +``` + +> Primal Fear (839162288) first. Super Structures (1999447172) second. Adjust order if mod conflicts arise.