Install ARK Survival Evolved/Ascended mods

ARK loads mods directly from the Steam Workshop. On a dedicated server, you need to list the mod IDs in the configuration and the server downloads them automatically on startup.

Cause / The problem

Without explicit mod declarations on the server side, players connecting with a mod will see version errors, invisible dinos, or a connection refusal. The server must have exactly the same mods as the clients, in the same order.

Solution

1. Get the Workshop IDs of each mod you want (the ID is in the mod page URL, e.g. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=821530042 → ID 821530042).
2. Open GameUserSettings.ini in the Pelican panel (Files tab), path ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/GameUserSettings.ini.
3. Add the ActiveMods line in the [/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameUserSettings] section:

   [/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameUserSettings]
   ActiveMods=821530042,812634342,731609437

   IDs are separated by commas, no spaces, in the desired load order.
4. For Survival Ascended, use ActiveModOverrides or the Mod IDs field in the panel instead — the interface differs slightly. Check the panel documentation.
5. Restart the server. The first boot downloads each mod (this can take several minutes depending on size).
6. Check the logs in the Console tab: search for Mod ... loaded for each entry. A failed mod shows Failed to load mod.
7. On the client side, players must subscribe to the mod on the Workshop before joining, otherwise the forced download can block the connection.

To update a mod, force the Workshop update from the panel (Steam Workshop → Update) then restart. Do not mix incompatible mods (overhauls that modify the same files): test them one by one.