Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about ASA Manager. Can't find what you're looking for? Join the AASM Discord for live support!

Topics Covered

Getting Started
Server Management
Technical Help
Security & Players

Remote Management & Fleet Features (v0.9.2)

Can AASM manage ARK servers running on another computer?
Yes. From v0.9.2, AASM can add other machines running AASM as Remote Instances and manage their ARK: Survival Ascended servers from a single window. The connection uses HTTPS and keeps the same role-based access control as the local web interface, so an account restricted to certain servers stays restricted when reached remotely.
Can AASM back up and restore an individual player's character?
Yes. AASM takes a per-player profile snapshot automatically when a player joins or leaves, keeps up to 10 snapshots per player, and can restore a single player without stopping the server. The restore is refused only when that specific player is online, verified against a live RCON player list at the moment of restore. The current profile is preserved before it is replaced.
Can several ARK servers share one installation to save disk space?
Yes. AASM's Omniserver mode runs multiple server instances from a single shared ARK install root while keeping a separate save tree for each instance. A single ARK: Survival Ascended install is roughly 12 GB, so sharing it reduces both disk use and the time spent updating each server individually.
How many ARK servers will AASM update at once?
Two by default, configurable from 1 to 5. Updates beyond the limit queue and start automatically in order. When a queued update reaches the front of the queue, AASM re-checks that the server is still stopped before touching any files, so a server that was started while its update waited is skipped rather than updated underneath a running game.
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Topics Covered

From installation to advanced features

Here are answers to common Ark Ascended Server Manager questions. Can't find your answer? Join the Discord for support.

Getting Started

What are the system requirements for running ASA Manager?
AASM runs on Windows 10 or 11, Windows Server 2019 or newer, and 64-bit Linux with a graphical session. Ubuntu 22.04 or newer and Debian 12 or newer are recommended for Linux. Allow at least 16 GB RAM for one ARK server; 32 GB is recommended for larger servers, multiple instances, or playing on the same machine. A quad-core CPU and SSD are recommended.
Can I manage multiple ARK: Survival Ascended servers with this tool?
Yes, ASA Manager supports multi-server control. You can manage multiple servers, each with its own settings, RCON connection, backup system, and more. The manager allows you to switch between server tabs easily and manage each server independently.
Does ASA Manager support custom maps?
Yes, ASA Manager supports both official and custom maps. You can select from a list of official maps or input custom map details. The manager includes support for various custom maps like Forglar_WP, Amissa_WP, Insaluna_WP, Temptress_WP, Reverence_WP, Svartalfheim_WP, and more.

Server Management

How does the backup system work?
ASA Manager offers a robust backup system. You can schedule automatic backups or create them manually. Before creating a backup, the system saves the world to ensure data integrity. You can set custom backup times and frequencies, and each server has its own independent backup settings. The manager also allows you to easily restore from backups or delete old ones.
Can ASA Manager handle server crashes and automatic restarts?
Yes, ASA Manager includes features for handling server crashes and automatic restarts. The manager can detect if a server has crashed and automatically restart it. This feature works for both standalone servers and clusters. The crash detection system checks the server status every 60 seconds, ensuring quick response to any issues.
Does ASA Manager support server clustering?
Yes, ASA Manager fully supports server clustering. You can easily set up and manage multiple servers as part of a cluster, allowing players to transfer between different maps. The manager provides options to configure cluster settings, including shared directories and cluster IDs.
How does ASA Manager handle server updates?
ASA Manager includes an automatic update feature for servers. You can configure the manager to check for updates periodically and apply them automatically. The manager ensures that servers are safely shut down before updating to prevent data loss or corruption. You also have the option to manually initiate updates when needed.
Can I schedule server restarts or maintenance?
Yes, ASA Manager allows you to schedule server restarts and maintenance. You can set up regular restart schedules or plan maintenance windows. The manager also provides options to send in-game messages to players before scheduled restarts or maintenance to minimize disruption.
How does ASA Manager handle server wipes?
ASA Manager includes a server wipe functionality. This feature allows administrators to reset the server to a fresh state, clearing all player data and structures. The manager provides options to perform full or partial wipes, and includes safeguards to prevent accidental data loss. It's recommended to create a backup before performing a wipe.

RCON & Commands

How does the RCON functionality work in ASA Manager?
ASA Manager provides comprehensive RCON functionality. Each server has its own RCON connection, allowing you to send commands directly to the server. There's also an RCON scheduler where you can set up automated commands to be sent at specific times. The RCON system is designed to maintain stable connections and automatically reconnect if necessary.
Can I customize server settings through ASA Manager?
Absolutely. ASA Manager provides a user-friendly interface to customize a wide range of server settings. This includes game rules, player and dino stats, resource gathering rates, and much more. You can easily modify these settings through the manager without needing to edit configuration files manually.
Can I customize in-game events using ASA Manager?
Yes, ASA Manager provides tools to customize in-game events. You can modify settings related to resource gathering, XP rates, breeding speeds, and more. The manager also allows you to schedule RCON commands, which can be used to trigger custom events or make temporary changes to server settings.

Mods & Performance

How does ASA Manager handle mod management?
ASA Manager includes a Mod Manager feature that allows you to easily add, remove, and manage mods for your servers. You can search for mods on CurseForge and add them with ease. It retrieves mod information and stores it in a local database for quick loading. You can also copy mod configurations between servers and manage mod updates efficiently.
Can I monitor server performance through ASA Manager?
Yes, ASA Manager provides real-time monitoring of server performance. You can view metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, and player count. The manager also tracks server uptime and provides alerts for any performance issues or crashes.
How does ASA Manager handle server performance optimization?
ASA Manager includes several features for server performance optimization. It allows you to set process priority, manage memory usage, and configure advanced settings like DisablePerformanceThreads or ForcePerformanceThreads. The manager also provides real-time performance monitoring to help you identify and address any issues.
Can ASA Manager help with server resource allocation?
Yes, ASA Manager provides tools to help with server resource allocation. It allows you to set process priorities, manage memory usage, and configure thread settings. The manager also provides real-time monitoring of resource usage, helping you identify when adjustments might be needed. For multi-server setups, it can help balance resources between different server instances.

Security & Players

How does ASA Manager handle player management?
ASA Manager offers comprehensive player management features. You can view connected players, kick or ban players, and manage admin rights. The manager also supports whitelisting and exclusive join lists, allowing you to control who can access your server.
How does ASA Manager handle server security?
ASA Manager includes several security features. It ensures that a ServerAdminPassword is set for RCON connections, supports player whitelisting and exclusive join lists, and allows for easy management of banned players. The manager also helps in configuring server passwords and admin rights.
Can I use ASA Manager to manage cross-platform servers?
Yes, ASA Manager supports cross-platform server management. It includes options to configure crossplay settings, allowing you to set up servers that can be accessed by players on different platforms like PC and Xbox. The manager helps you set the appropriate command line arguments for cross-platform compatibility.

General

How often is ASA Manager updated?
AASM is updated as fixes, compatibility changes, and new features are ready. The desktop updater checks for new releases, verifies each package, and notifies you before installation.
Does ASA Manager support multiple languages?
AASM includes 24 interface languages. Language selection is available in the application settings and is saved for future launches.
Can I customize the appearance of ASA Manager?
Yes, ASA Manager offers customization options for its appearance. You can switch between light and dark modes to suit your preference. The manager remembers your choice and applies it automatically when you restart the application.
Can ASA Manager help with server migration?
While ASA Manager doesn't have a specific server migration feature, it does provide tools that can assist in the process. You can easily export and import server configurations, backup and restore world data, and duplicate server settings. These features can be used to recreate a server setup on a new machine or location.
How does ASA Manager handle server logs?
ASA Manager provides tools for managing server logs. It includes an option to enable or disable the -servergamelog feature. The manager also offers a maintenance feature to clean old log files, helping to manage disk space. You can easily access and view logs through the manager's interface.
Can I manage ARK servers running on multiple machines from one window?
Yes. AASM v0.9.2 adds Remote Control: register a remote AASM instance and its servers appear on your local dashboard, each in its own tab, with every settings tab working against the other machine. You choose exactly what each connection is allowed to do and can change it at any time, and connections are secured with certificate pinning. A few actions - installing plugins, wiping data and build rollback - stay local by design.
Can I roll back an ARK: Survival Ascended server to a previous build?
Yes. AASM v0.9.2 adds Server Build Rollback: you can roll a server back to a previously installed ARK build and pin it, so the nightly auto-update cannot silently move it forward. Every update path respects the pin, a pre-rollback backup runs first, your saves are never touched, and the pin clears when you deliberately move off it or press Return to Latest.
Can I share the same configuration across multiple ARK servers?
Yes. Config Sets v2 lets you share one configuration set across many servers with per-server membership and global defaults. Preview-before-apply is enforced by the server, not just the interface, so every server shows exactly what will change before it is committed and a stale preview can never be applied. Each setting shows a badge for whether it comes from the set, a global default, or a per-server override.