ARK: Survival Evolved Game Modes – Server Guide

ARK Game Modes – Server Introduction

On an ARK: Survival Evolved server, you’ll be in a dangerous world inhabited by dinosaurs and other creatures. You and your friends will need to fight to survive, something that can be quite difficult when dangers like a pack of wild dinosaurs can charge all at once. While trying to survive, if PvP is enabled on your server this can be made worse by other players joining in to attack you and your friends. To avoid this, you can change between the ARK game modes on your server.
 
ARK servers support different game modes that allow you to change between PvP and PvE. Additionally, on ARK Mobile servers there are even more game mode variants to try while you’re on the go. Adjusting between PvP and PvE style game modes can drastically change how players experience your server. Therefore, it’s important to choose the perfect mode for you and your server players. Below, we’ll show you how to change the mode of your ARK game server so that you can start having the best adventure with your friends!

Changing Modes on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch Servers

ARK servers include PvP and PvE options that can be changed. In PvP, or player versus player, there is little protection as players can fight and kill each other. For a safer mode, PvE, or player versus environment, disables PvP and puts players solely against the game and the creatures you’ll encounter.
 
Additionally, ARK Mobile game servers support two more modes called PvX and PvX Clock. PvX sets PvP zones with specific rules like no building within 100 ft. of the zones and tribe size limits of 6 survivors. PvX Clock is similar to PvX but with a smaller PvP zone, however, there is an addition of a PvP zone segment that rotates every hour around the entire map.
 
These game modes can bring a lot of unique fun to your ARK Mobile server for you and your server players. To set these game modes on your server, you can follow the steps below this section.

How to Change Your ARK Server Mode

1. Head to your ARK server webinterface and stop your server.
2. Next, on the left under “Settings”, select “General”.
3. Once you’re inside your server settings, scroll down to the “PvE” section.
4. PvP will be enabled by default. To disable this, you can check the setting “Disables PvP & Enables PvE”. This will disable PvP and enable PvE on your ARK server.


5. If you’re using an ARK: Mobile server, this option will appear under the “Gameplay” section as “Gamerules”. You can use the dropdown to choose between PvE, PvP, PvX, and PvX_Clock.


6. Additionally, if you’d prefer to keep PvP on but have PvE set at specific times, you can with the AutoPvE start and end options. These options are located at the bottom of the “Gameplay” section.


7. After making adjustments to your server, press “Save changes” and then start it. Your server will now be set to your preferred ARK game mode.

How to Change Game Modes in Expert Mode with Nitrado

On ARK PC servers, it is possible to enable and disable an expert mode, a more advanced method of editing your server options with Nitrado. If you have expert mode enabled, you can follow the steps below to change the game mode in your server files.

1. To begin, stop your ARK server.
2. Then, to the left underneath “Settings”, click on “Expert Settings”.
3. In your “Expert Settings”, the file GameUserSettings.ini will be loaded by default. In this file, locate the setting “ServerPVE=”.


4. You can adjust this setting to “False” to enable PvP and to “True” to disable it.
5. Finally, press “Save changes” and start your ARK server to load those adjustments!

With a Unique Game Mode, Try Other ARK Server Options

Alongside trying new ARK game modes, there are other options you can edit to make your server unique for you and your players! You can change your ARK server name and description, use admin commands, and even install mods for new experiences. Below, we have included several guides to help you create your dream ARK server!

• Manage your server as a server admin and protect your server with ARK commands.
• Try one of ARK’s most popular maps with your friends.
• Add server mods to take your ARK server’s fun to new heights.
• Then, protect your server with a backup to be safe!

Experience New Adventures with Friends in ARK

Using ARK’s different game modes, it is possible to completely charge your ARK server and gameplay for your server players. Through this, you can decide between epic PvP battles or more cooperative journeys with a focus on sharing resources, building, and surviving together. Plus, if you’re on an ARK Mobile server, it can become even more exciting with custom PvP modes like PvX. Discover the exciting fun to be had when you change to and try the different modes on your own ARK server!

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