Installing Your First Server

Step 1: Installing SteamCMD

At the top of the Server Manager interface, you’ll find a button labeled “Install SteamCMD.” Click this button to download and install SteamCMD, a critical tool required for downloading, updating, and maintaining your server files.

Note: SteamCMD serves as the backbone for all server file management operations.

Step 2: Accessing the Server Dashboard

After SteamCMD is installed, launch the Server Manager. You’ll be greeted by the Server Dashboard, which provides an overview of your entire server environment. On this dashboard, locate the prominent blue/cyan “+ Add Server” button at the top. Clicking this button initiates the process of adding a new server.

Step 3: Creating a New Server

Once you click “+ Add Server,” a popup window appears offering you two options:

• Import Existing Server
• Create New Server

For your first server installation, choose “Create New Server.”

Step 4: Naming and Locating Your Server

After selecting “Create New Server,” you will be prompted to enter a name for the new server folder.

Important: This name is used internally as the folder name and does not determine the in-game server name.

Next, a file explorer window will open, prompting you to choose where the server folder and files should be installed. Navigate to your desired location and select the root folder that will contain all the server files.

A confirmation popup will then display the chosen directory layout. If you’re satisfied with the location, click “Yes” to continue.

Step 5: Installing the Server Files

Once you confirm the installation directory, the Server Manager takes you to the dedicated tab for your new server. In the space where the “Install SteamCMD” button once appeared, you’ll now see a button labeled “Install Server.”

Click “Install Server” to begin the process of downloading and installing all the necessary server files.

When you click this button, a command prompt window will open—this is SteamCMD at work as it downloads your server files.

At the same time, a popup will ask whether you want to use the default configuration files (GameUserSettings.ini and Game.ini) provided with the Server Manager or if you wish to import your own custom configuration files. For a new server installation, it is recommended to use the default configuration files, which contain the complete default settings for an Ark Ascended server.

Once you make your selection, a progress window will appear showing that the configuration files are being reloaded. After the process is complete, the input fields in the Server Manager will populate with the new server’s settings.

Step 6: Starting Your First Server

With the server files installed and configured, you’re now ready to launch your server. You have two options to start your server:

• Option 1: Start from the Server Tab
  In your new server’s dedicated tab, the “Install Server” button will change to “Start Server” (with an additional option for “Update / Verify Files”). Simply click “Start Server” to launch your server immediately.
• Option 2: Start from the Server Dashboard
  Alternatively, navigate back to the main Server Dashboard and click the “Start” button on your server’s box. This method is especially convenient if you are managing multiple servers at once.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed your first server using the Ark Ascended Server Manager. Your new server is now up and running and ready for customization and management. With the powerful features at your fingertips, you can optimize performance, schedule automated updates, and manage your server with ease. Happy gaming, and enjoy your enhanced server management experience!