Optimize ARK performance (lag, tick)

ARK is demanding on CPU and RAM. On a populated server (large bases, many dinos), the tick rate drops, dinos teleport around and actions are delayed. A few tweaks are usually enough to get a smooth server back.

Cause / The problem

ARK lag usually comes from three sources: world saves that are too frequent and freeze the server, accumulation of wild dinos/objects, and structures loaded simultaneously (huge bases). The number of slots and the allocated RAM also play a role.

Solution

1. Check available RAM in the panel. ARK needs at least 6 GB for a standard map, 10-12 GB for Ragnarok or large maps. Upgrade to a higher plan if memory usage exceeds 85%.
2. Space out automatic saves. In the panel (Schedules) or via GameUserSettings.ini:

   AutoSavePeriodMinutes=15

   A value that is too low (1-2 min) freezes the server on every save.
3. Limit wild dinos:

   MaxDinoCount=5000

   Beyond that, the server struggles to compute AI. Enable AutoDestroyTamedDinos for orphaned dinos.
4. Lower MaxStructuresInRange to 1300 or less to limit the number of structures loaded per area.
5. Limit the number of slots to what your CPU can handle (an Intel Xeon Silver 4214 comfortably runs 40-50 active players in PvE).
6. Enable Anti-DDoS Gcore in the panel to filter attacks that saturate the network link.
7. Monitor the tick rate via the admin command cheat ListPlayers or a monitoring plugin. A stable tick at 30 FPS server-side = a smooth experience.
8. Clean up old saves in /Saved/SavedArksLocal: keep only the 5 most recent, delete the rest.

If lag persists around a specific base, ask players to store dinos in a cryopod/fridge: a stored dino no longer consumes AI computation.