news Version 0.3.0.0 Released (July 25) - New Server Overview & Improvements
logo ASA Server Manager
logo ASA Server Manager
Change Log
Completed Changes to Ark Ascended Server Manager

Software Changelog

Version 0.3.0.0 - 25th July 2024

  • Splash Screen: Introduced a splash screen during application startup to indicate progress, especially useful when servers are running and initialization takes time.
  • Server Overview Tab: Added a new tab to provide a comprehensive view of all servers, allowing users to start, stop, update, delete, and open server folders with ease.
  • Cluster Settings: Cluster settings are now saved to `Config.ini`. When loading settings, any discrepancies between `Config.ini` and `GUS.ini` will result in `Config.ini` values being applied.
  • Enhanced Saving Mechanism: Improved the saving mechanism to ensure all settings are saved accurately. Extensive testing has been conducted, but users are encouraged to report any issues.
  • New Map Addition: Added the map `Bobs_Misson_WP` to the map dropdown, which does not require Mod IDs.
  • Update Process Improvement: Resolved an issue where multiple update console windows would appear for a single server during automatic updates. The application now checks the process list to ensure no other update process is running before opening a window.
  • INI File Import Error Handling: Users attempting to import INI files without an installed server will now receive an error message instructing them to install the server first.
  • Backup and Restore Enhancements: Users can now set a custom directory for backups. If no custom directory is set, the default directory will be used. The backup directory will be adjusted based on the selected map, and the specified folder will be created.
  • Backup Settings Auto-Save: When editing backup settings, the program will automatically save the settings to `config.ini`.
  • Backup Scheduler: The scheduler now uses the custom directory for backups and creates a folder for each server named after the server.
  • Configuration Caching Fix: Fixed an issue where the manager would cache some configurations, requiring users to re-edit settings after reloading the tab.
  • Maintenance Task Check: Added a check to ensure that maintenance tasks are not carried out if the server is not running.
  • Sequential Server Startup: The "Start All Servers" feature now starts servers 30 seconds apart, reducing the risk of crashes during startup.
  • Graceful Server Shutdown: The "Stop All Servers" feature now shuts down servers one by one, ensuring each server is gracefully shut down.

Version 0.2.3.4 - 9th July 2024

Bug Fixes and Enhancements:

  • Resolved issue with server logger showing incorrect status despite successful server start.
  • Extended time for Saveworld execution during Scheduled Auto Restart to ensure world save before exit.
  • Implemented DoExit command via RCON after Saveworld for graceful server shutdown.
  • Manual server shutdowns now send DoExit command if RCON is connected, ensuring graceful shutdown.
  • Introduced RCON Connection Delay, attempting to connect every 30 seconds up to 20 retries for reliability.
  • Fixed issue with Install Server button appearing erroneously while loading server tabs.
  • Enhanced checks during server loading to prevent Immediate_update flag duplication.
  • Adjusted sequential server startup timing post scheduled updates/restarts to prevent blocking.
  • Fixed issue where scheduling multiple server restarts and updates only started one server.
  • Corrected INI Backup reading errors and ensured unique settings in INI files are not duplicated.
  • Resolved disappearing and reappearing update timer issues when server is online.
  • Fixed RCON connection issues on Windows Server 2019.
  • Changed Save Settings icon to a button for better user experience.
  • Updated Save Settings button message for clarity.
  • Logged all warnings and errors to debug.log for easier error tracking and debugging.
  • Fixed issue where RCON might try to reconnect, causing blocking/hanging.
  • Enhanced Auto Start and maintenance processes for better reliability and reduced CPU load.
  • Added option for user shutdown messages, including customizable minute warnings before shutdown.
  • Optimized code to reduce CPU load during multiple server operations.
  • Fixed issues with Cluster settings not saving correctly, improving cluster management.

Version 0.2.3.3 - 25th June 2024

Bug Fixes:

  • Removed filepath updating for versions prior to 0.2.3.0, ensuring all existing users are running smoothly.
  • Fixed issues with ASA API Toggle reading from config.ini for correct checkbox settings.
  • Ensured INI uploads retain all raw configs without removing duplicate lines.
  • Resolved errors with ConfigOverrideItemMaxQuantity during INI import, ensuring application stability.
  • Rebuilt server shutdown process to connect RCON and send SaveWorld command before shutdown.
  • Notified users of RCON connection status during server shutdown attempts.
  • Improved server backup creation and retention, automatically deleting backups older than 10 days.
  • Added toolbar icon for restoring previous server INI files, improving user control over backups.
  • Resolved issues with server name case sensitivity affecting directory paths.
  • Fixed server installation issues, enhancing user experience and reliability.
  • Adjusted Configparser to allow uppercase items in config.ini files.
  • Resolved backup settings loading issues in Server Manager, ensuring accurate backup configurations.

New Features:

  • Allowed RCON Manager usage on another PC using the same license details.
  • Introduced button to easily restore previous server INI files, enhancing user control and recovery options.
  • Added new toolbar icons and functionalities for improved user experience.

Version 0.2.3.1 - 10th June 2024

Enhancements:

  • Ensured server directories remain unchanged for new users to prevent re-import issues.
  • Enhanced RCON Manager to clear commands and messages upon send or execute, improving usability.
  • Enabled RCON Manager to listen for "Enter" key for sending commands, streamlining user interaction.
  • Retained console and chat data when switching between servers in RCON Manager.
  • Introduced dropdown for known RCON commands in RCON Manager for easier command input.
  • Improved server duplication process, prompting users for duplication location.
  • Added Maintenance Tab buttons for easier port opening, Unreal Engine certificate installation, and log cleaning.

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed issues with server duplication causing application crashes.
  • Resolved various bugs related to server renaming and path updates in Config.ini.

Version 0.2.3.0 - 22nd June 2024

New Features:

  • New RCON Management Window: Simplified interface for managing server connections.
  • Easy Server Connection: Effortless server connectivity.
  • Simultaneous Multi-Server Control: Manage multiple servers concurrently.
  • Streamlined RCON Command Execution: Execute RCON commands with ease.
  • Direct Server Chat Messaging: Send server chat messages directly.
  • Private Messaging: Send private messages to users.
  • Enhanced In-Game Chat Management: View and respond to in-game chat efficiently.
  • Player Ban Functionality: Ability to ban players.
  • Player Kick Functionality: Ability to kick players.
  • Banned Players Tab: New tab for managing banned players.

Improvements:

  • Improved Unban Process:
    • Offline: If the server is offline, the banned player will be removed from the text file.
    • Online: If the server is online, the unbanplayer command will be used for live unbanning.
  • Error Handling Enhancements: Improved reconnection handling for RCON Manager and Server Manager on connection dropouts.
  • Console Logging and Chat Table: Logs and chat displayed in a table format for easier viewing.
  • Server Messages Pre-Population: Server messages will prepopulate with server chat unless specified otherwise.
  • File Directory Path Flexibility: Now supports capital letters and special characters.
  • Duplicate Handling in GameUserSettings.ini: Duplicates are now allowed in GameUserSettings.ini.
  • Auto-Correction of Out-of-Range Values: Values outside the 32-bit integer range in Game.ini or GameUserConfig.ini will be auto-corrected.
  • Improved RCON Stability:
    • Immediate reconnection on disconnection.
    • Scheduler now queues multiple simultaneous commands, preventing connection drops.
    • Automatic creation of missing Banlist.txt or Nochecklist.txt without errors.
  • Directory Management Fix: Resolved issue with extra folder creation in the server directory.
  • Socket Management Improvement: RCON Manager and Server Manager now use a single socket per command, improving reliability.
  • Performance Optimizations: Enhanced speed and efficiency of the Server Manager.

Version 0.2.2.9.6 - 11th June 2024

Bug Fixes and Adjustments:

  • Resolved issue with Disable Structure Decay being applied twice.
  • Included LevelExperienceRampOverrides in the duplicate list.
  • Fixed auto-starting servers on application load using the wrong configuration.

New Features:

  • Added CryopodFridgeCooldownTime=90 setting in the Rules Tab.
  • Implemented bForceCanRideFliers setting in the Rules Tab.
  • Introduced ForceExploitedTameDeletion setting in the Rules Tab.
  • Added setting for -PrideColors in server command line arguments (Server Settings Tab).
  • Added custom maps to the dropdown list, eliminating the need for MOD ID input.
  • Enabled right-click menu option to move server to a different location.
  • Added version number to the About dialog box.

Enhancements:

  • Users can select the server folder location when adding a server.
  • Allowed importing of existing server folders or creation of new ones during server addition.
  • Refined server renaming to update all directory paths in Config.ini.
  • Ensured complete deletion of all files and folders upon server removal.
  • Utilized force_install_dir for SteamCMD for custom folder locations.
  • Increased application window height by 50px for better metrics display in the Maintenance Tab.
  • Updated culture selection to show actual language names.
  • Enhanced input field contrast in Dark Mode for better visibility.
  • Made Install SteamCMD, Install Server, Start Server, Update Server, and About buttons more prominent.
  • Expanded About popup with more information and links to the website, Facebook, and Discord server.

Version 0.2.2.9.5 - 9th June 2024

Bug Fixes:

  • Allowed duplicates of HarvestResourceItemAmountClassMultipliers in Game.ini.
  • Fixed issue where start buttons wouldn't appear after server install.

Version 0.2.2.9.4 - 5th June 2024

RCON Improvements:

  • Fixed RCON to wait for server start before attempting connection.
  • Ensured RCON shuts down properly and reopens with server start.
  • RCON will make 20 connection attempts before stopping, allowing sufficient time for server start.

New Features:

  • Added version number to the application title bar for debugging and support.
  • Introduced TheCenter_WP map and settings for pre-release server preparation.

Bug Fixes and Enhancements:

  • Server Crash Monitor now checks if the server is running at startup and monitors every 2 minutes.
  • Fixed issue with scheduling and sending server shutdown messages.
  • Ensured "serverchat" command is used if server messages are blank.
  • Fixed auto-updater downloading files twice.
  • Cleared temp folder when a new update is available to reduce disk usage.
  • Fully tested on Windows 11 and Windows 10 with no issues found.

Version 0.2.2.9.3 - 1st June 2024

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed issues with ConfigOverrideItemCraftingCosts not being deleted.
  • Resolved issue with tabs not saving correct data to server INI files.
  • Fixed issue with side-by-side sliders and selecting input boxes.
  • Fixed slider input boxes to allow any value without limitations.
  • Corrected cluster directory saving to incorrect location.

Enhancements:

  • Added refresh tabs button to the toolbar to reload INI files manually.
  • Enabled changing RCON command for sending server shutdown messages.
  • Server restart on crash now only restarts the active server tab.

Version 0.2.2.9.1 - 25th May 2024

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed ASA API crashing during installation or uninstallation.
  • Fixed issue with auto-restart.
  • Fixed issue with multiple servers shutting down when using ASA API.

Enhancements:

  • Tidied up command line by removing unnecessary arguments.
  • Adjusted directory setting for cluster folder using os.path.exists for accuracy.
  • Added spaces to console arguments for cleaner command execution.
  • Increased RCON connection attempts when loading with ASA API.

Version 0.2.2.9 - 25th May 2024

New Features and Enhancements:

  • Introduced support for ConfigOverrideItemCraftingCosts duplicates in Game.ini, allowing for more flexible server configurations.
  • Resolved an issue with extra "{}" symbols in console arguments, ensuring cleaner command execution.
  • Updated SteamCMD to automatically close the command window upon completion, streamlining server management tasks.
  • Added an option to enable -servergamelog within the Server Manager for enhanced logging capabilities.
  • Fixed an issue where duplicating a server would incorrectly create an additional "servers" folder within the existing "servers" folder, preventing management issues.
  • Stabilized and refactored the code to prevent crashes and ensure smooth program operation, addressing previous stability concerns.
  • Modified the Automatic Restarter to check and restart the program every 30 seconds, ensuring it only restarts if the server's .exe file is not found in the task list.
  • Fixed the checkmark box functionality for enabling Dark Mode, improving user interface customization.
  • Enhanced the performance of changing server tabs for a smoother and faster user experience.
  • Optimized the codebase to ensure reliable program operation and prevent application crashes.
  • Resolved the error with NoTributeDownloads, which has been relocated to the Cluster Settings tab for better organization.
  • Fixed RCON connect/disconnect issues that occurred when manually closing the server window, preventing stale RCON requests from causing the application to hang.
  • Addressed UTF8 decode errors encountered by some users, enhancing compatibility and stability.
  • Updated the server start command line to remove the server password argument if it is not set, simplifying server configuration.
  • Corrected an issue with setting the correct port for servers during the launch process, ensuring proper network configuration.

Version 0.2.2.7 - 14th May 2024

New Features and Enhancements:

  • Introduced a new "Overrides" tab to manage Item Stack Overrides, Engram Point Overrides, and Creature Overrides. Additional settings such as Crafting Overrides and Beacon adjustments are planned for future updates.
  • Implemented functionality for users to add Passive Mods directly through the Server Manager, enhancing server customization.
  • Enabled custom input fields in the Overrides Tab, allowing users to configure Custom Items and Settings for more personalized server management.
  • Updated the Overrides Tab to automatically save changes made to tables directly, improving data integrity and user experience.
  • Added the ability to start servers automatically when the application loads, with each server initializing every 15 seconds if this feature is enabled.
  • Introduced a Maintenance checkbox to enable automatic server updates immediately after a new server release, with checks performed every 30 minutes.
  • Added a Custom Command Line Input Area for users to input custom arguments, offering enhanced control over server launch options.
  • Expanded server settings options to include OneThread, DisablePerformanceThreads, DisableSound, ForcePerformanceThreads, DisableUnderMeshPlayerKills, DisableUnderMeshChecking, and DisableCustomCosmetics, providing advanced configuration possibilities for server administrators.

User Interface Improvements:

  • Modernized the visual style of both Light and Dark Modes, giving the application a more contemporary aesthetic.
  • Adjusted the color gradients of Performance Stats to transition more smoothly from green to red, enhancing visual clarity and feedback.

Version 0.2.2.0 - 30th April 2024

Enhancements and Improvements:

  • Significantly optimized application code, resulting in noticeable performance enhancements across various operations.
  • Configured the application for automatic startup with Windows, offering users seamless access to server management.
  • Implemented an automatic restart mechanism upon application crash, ensuring continuous server operation.
  • Updated file handling mechanisms to reliably save all configurations to the Config.ini file, safeguarding user settings.
  • Enhanced integration of server messaging for smoother communication and interaction.
  • Resolved post-crash server startup issues, streamlining server recovery processes.
  • Added robust support for multiple entries of OverridePlayerLevelEngramPoints in INI files, providing enhanced customization options.
  • Revamped the backup directory logic to dynamically search for .ark files based on server names, simplifying file management tasks.
  • Introduced the ability to add ConfigOverrideItemMaxQuantity to the game.ini without risking deletion of duplicate entries.
  • Included a convenient checkbox under Server Settings -> Other Settings for enabling the Old Console, catering to user preferences.
  • Rectified backup directory issues to create and utilize the correct folder, even in the presence of similarly named directories.
  • Further optimized tab switching functionality for smoother navigation and user experience.
  • Resolved an issue allowing server start with spaces in the server directory, ensuring compatibility with diverse directory naming conventions.
  • Fixed a bug related to the saving of custom map names in the Manager, preventing data loss and ensuring accurate configurations.
  • Enhanced user awareness by displaying remaining days left on the current license in the toolbar, promoting license management.
  • Introduced a prompt to guide users to install the server before accessing settings, preventing application crashes and ensuring smoother user onboarding.
  • Empowered users with the ability to add the application to Windows Startup, facilitating seamless access and integration into their workflow.
  • Enabled servers to send shutdown messages at configurable intervals before restart or update, enhancing user control and communication.
  • Added a feature to open Task Manager directly from the application, providing quick access to system resource management.
  • Introduced functionality to free up/clean PC memory and open the server folder directly from within the application, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency.

Maintenance and Monitoring Enhancements:

  • Augmented the Maintenance Tab to display real-time CPU, Memory, Disk Usage, and Online Players, providing comprehensive server status monitoring.
  • Expanded the Maintenance tab to include server uptime, RCON connection status, and License Status/Days remaining, offering users a centralized hub for server maintenance and monitoring.

Stability and Reliability Enhancements:

  • Addressed various bugs and underlying issues to significantly enhance program stability and reliability.
  • Resolved an issue where default GUS.ini and GAME.ini settings were not correctly applied, ensuring consistent and accurate configurations.
  • Fixed a crash occurring during application shutdown, ensuring a smooth and reliable closure process.
  • Corrected a bug causing the "Please Wait... Saving" message to hang when not fully connected, ensuring a seamless user experience.
  • Implemented numerous stability fixes and optimizations to enhance overall application performance and reliability.

Version 0.2.1.2 - 20th April 2024

Server Management Enhancements:

  • Implemented Exclusive Server Joining / Admin Whitelisting & No Play Join Checks.
  • All lists now managed through a table with checkboxes to add player IDs to the correct listing.
  • Added refresh button to the list for proper updates.
  • Ability to delete the player ID from the Table, removing it from all respective lists.
  • New features to export and import player ID list information directly to/from a zip file.
  • Added Help button in some screens to assist with setup.
  • Server statistics now include Total IDs, Number of Persons in Exclusive Join List and the No Check List, plus the Number of Admins.
  • Added comments to the table so that Admin can define who owns Player ID within the Manager.
  • Further fixes and optimizations to Server Shutdown, especially regarding RCON issues.
  • Help Button added to assist further with cluster settings setup within the Clusters Tab.
  • Fixed issue with sliders not saving their settings.

Version 0.2.1.1 - 18th April 2024

Server Stability Enhancements:

  • Improved Load_INI to refrain from adjusting existing INI headings, reducing potential errors.
  • Added the ability to rename the server folder reflecting updates in configurations, enhancing identity consistency.
  • Resolved an issue preventing application crash when new server sliders expected configurations.
  • Fixed server shutdown failure when RCON is disabled, ensuring smoother operation and maintenance.
  • Implemented automatic restart on server crash, supporting Clusters, Standalone, and ASA API configurations.

Performance Updates:

  • Server Auto Restart now checks for instance of PID every 60 seconds, possibly taking 1-2 minutes for restart on crash.

Version 0.2.1.0 - 17th April 2024

Slider Updates:

  • Slider has now been changed to accept custom values in the entry section of up to 999.999999 and a Minimum of 0.00001
  • Slider in GUI reflects the changes
  • Slider no longer changes with 1 point and now by the 0.001
  • Slider Input Entry allows user to enter any number they wish for that option
  • Slider does not crash when entering custom value

Miscellaneous Updates:

  • Added Facebook Icon to Toolbar for Persons to follow Facebook for Updates and News
  • Corrected INI file headers to automatically convert if incorrect e.g "/script/shootergame.shootergamemode" to "/Script/ShooterGame.ShooterGameMode".
  • Removed Server Save Directory for Clusters as this Option is not required for Ascended
  • Updated Information in Cluster Settings Setup to inform those how to Setup a Cluster
  • Changed Player Count to Update Every 15 seconds instead of 60 seconds.
  • Implemented a security/RCON feature to set a ServerAdminPassword if not already done. This is necessary for RCON connection and server protection.
  • Improvements made to Server Tab Switching to improve loading times for those not using a Solid State Disk

Version 0.2.0.8 - 11th April 2024

Multi-Server Control Enhancements:

  • Implement Multi-Server Control Features: Facilitates management of multiple servers through a unified control panel, improving administrative efficiency.
  • Multi-Server Control for ASA API: Extends ASA API capabilities to support multi-server environments, ensuring seamless integration and management.

RCON and Server Management Enhancements:

  • Create RCON Scheduler for Each Server: Introduces a dedicated RCON scheduler for each server, allowing for automated command execution tailored to individual server needs.
  • Each Server has Own RCON Connection: Ensures a stable and independent RCON connection for each server, enhancing command execution reliability.
  • Each Server has Own RCON Scheduled Commands: Allows for the scheduling of server-specific RCON commands, providing customized automation per server.
  • Each Server Can Send Commands to Server from Respective Server Tab/RCON Tab: Facilitates direct server management through individual server tabs, streamlining operations.

Backup Management Enhancements:

  • Each Server Has Own Backup System: Introduces a dedicated backup system for each server, ensuring data integrity and redundancy.
  • Custom Configured Backup Times: Enables customization of backup schedules for each server, allowing for tailored data protection strategies.
  • Independently Running Backups: Ensures that backups for each server run independently, minimizing impact on server performance.

Server Operation Enhancements:

  • Manager Continuity Features: If the manager application closes, it can now find the server .exe in the task list, obtain the PID, and continue normal operations for shutdown, etc.
  • Server Tabs Functionality: Server tabs now operate off their Active Directory for Starting, Shutting Down, Updating, Configs, RCON, ASA API, and Backups, enhancing organizational efficiency.

Version 0.2.0.3 - 2nd April 2024

Map Selection and Customization Enhancements:

  • Select Map to Use: Users now have the option to select from available maps or use custom maps for their server.
  • Compatibility with All Maps: Backup settings have been updated to work seamlessly with any selected map, enhancing flexibility and user experience.

Server Management and Settings Import:

  • Fixed Uptime Timer: The uptime timer now stops accurately if the server is not running or is closed manually, ensuring correct server status display.
  • Settings Importation: Users can import GameServerSettings.ini and Game.ini during server installation for a streamlined setup process.
  • Manual Settings Import: An "Import Settings" button has been added to the toolbar, allowing for manual importation of server settings.

Backup Management Improvements:

  • Enhanced Backup Deletion: By holding CTRL, users can now select multiple backups for deletion, simplifying server maintenance and storage management.

Version 2.0.1 - 2nd April 2024

Backup Enhancements and Automation:

  • New Backup System: Now automatically saves the world state before initiating a backup to preserve recent changes.
  • Instant Backup: Users can trigger immediate backups, with automatic world saving for data integrity.
  • Automated Backup Scheduling: Schedule backups via Backup Tab for automated execution and enhanced data protection.

Shutdown and Server Management Improvements:

  • Graceful Shutdown: Saves the world state before shutdown to meticulously preserve game data.
  • Shutdown with Warning: Introduces a warning message prior to server shutdowns for improved user communication.
  • PID-based Shutdown: Utilizes Process ID for a more precise and controlled server shutdown method.

User Experience and Interface Enhancements:

  • Config.ini Integration: Streamlines settings management by centralizing in config.ini.
  • Dark Mode Persistence: Remembers user's Dark Mode preference across sessions.
  • Enhanced Security: Removes placeholder texts for password fields to bolster security.
  • Discord Integration: Adds "Join Discord" button for community engagement and support.

RCON and Server Communication:

  • Local RCON Stability: Automates RCON connection processes to improve reliability.
  • RCON Command Enhancements: Expands control with direct server command capabilities.
  • RCON Scheduler: Allows scheduling of RCON commands for automated server management.

ASA API and Update Management:

  • ASA API Restriction: Blocks updates when the server is running to prevent operation disruptions.
  • Server Update Check: Adds update check functionality, disabled during server operations for stability.

Miscellaneous Improvements:

  • Player Count Visibility: Adds player count to toolbar for real-time server population insights.
  • UI Adjustments: Adjusts sliders to prevent unintended changes from scrolling.