How to Install Mods on an ARK Survival Ascended Server
Mods are how you turn an ARK Survival Ascended server into a unique experience — QoL changes, balance tweaks, new dinos, and custom content. In this guide you’ll learn how to install mods on an ARK Ascended server, add multiple mods safely, and fix the most common issues (crashes, infinite loading, or the server not showing up).
TL;DR
Stop the server → add your mod IDs (comma separated) in your startup "MODS" field → start once and wait for the first boot to download mods → verify in logs → only add/remove mods one at a time. For a stable base, host on ARK Survival Ascended Hosting with NVMe + enough RAM.
Before You Start (2 quick checks)
- Back up your server first (world + config), especially before removing mods.
- Make sure you have enough memory — mods can increase RAM usage fast. If you’re unsure, read how much RAM an ARK Ascended server needs.
1) Find the Mod ID (the mod you actually install)
ARK Survival Ascended mods are referenced by an ID. You’ll copy the ID from the mod’s page (where you subscribe/download it). You’ll paste those IDs into your server configuration.
Example mod IDs list:
123456 789012 345678
2) Add Mods to Your Server (comma separated)
In your game panel, stop the server, then open your startup area (where mods are configured). You’ll usually have a field for mod IDs.
Add multiple mods in one line, separated with commas:
123456,789012,345678
-mods= followed by your IDs.- No spaces is safest (commas only).
- Start with a small set first. Once stable, add more.
- If a mod requires a specific order, follow that mod’s docs.
3) First Boot Takes Longer (don’t panic)
The first time you start after adding mods, the server must download and mount them. This can take several minutes depending on mod size and count.
✅ Important
Don’t spam restart during mod downloads. If you interrupt the first boot, you can corrupt the mod cache and cause crashes on the next start.
4) Verify Mods Loaded (quick sanity check)
Once the server starts, check your console logs for mod download and mounting messages. If players join and are prompted to download the same mods, you’re good.
If you want a stable baseline before you add a big mod list, set your core configuration first. Here’s a good next step: read best ARK Survival Ascended server settings.
Common Problems (and fixes)
Server crashes after installing mods
- Remove the last mod you added (test one at a time).
- Increase RAM / CPU headroom — mods can spike usage.
- Check mod compatibility (some mods conflict).
Server stuck “loading” / infinite boot time
- Wait longer on first boot (big mod packs can take time).
- Verify disk space (mods + cache can be large).
- If you interrupted downloads, stop the server and re-run once (avoid repeated kill/restart).
Server not showing up after adding mods
- Let the server fully finish mod install and startup (wait).
- Confirm query/ports are correct and not blocked.
- Try reducing mod count to identify a broken mod.
💡 Pro Tip
Add mods in batches: 2–3 at a time, restart, test, then continue. This makes it easy to spot the exact mod causing issues.
FAQ
Do players need the same mods?
Yes — clients will download required mods when joining the server.
How many mods can an ARK Ascended server run?
It depends on mod size and RAM. If you plan heavy modding, size your server properly (see our RAM guide).
Should I remove mods on a live server?
Only with a backup. Removing some mods can break items/structures that exist in the world.
Conclusion
Installing ARK Survival Ascended mods is simple once you know the workflow: add mod IDs, let the first boot finish, and test changes step-by-step. If you want a stable, mod-friendly setup with NVMe and low-latency regions, start here: ARK Survival Ascended Server Hosting.