# ARK Server – How to Install Mods

ARK Server – How to Install Mods – Step-by-step guide for your Ark on NexoraHost.

**Quick answer:** Set up your server step by step – check requirements, install files, configure ports and start the service.

This guide shows you step by step how to install mods on your ARK: Survival Evolved server. ARK has a huge modding community – from new creatures to building parts to complete map overhauls. Installation is done entirely through the Steam Workshop.

## How Do ARK Mods Work?

Unlike Minecraft or FiveM, ARK mods are not downloaded as files and placed in a folder. Instead, you subscribe to them in the Steam Workshop and specify their IDs in the server configuration. The server then downloads them automatically and keeps them up to date.

## Step 1: Find Mods in the Steam Workshop

    - Open the Steam Workshop for ARK: [steamcommunity.com/app/346110/workshop](https://steamcommunity.com/app/346110/workshop/)
- Browse the categories or enter a search term
- Each mod has a unique **Mod ID** – you can find it in the URL:
        `https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=731604991
                                                         ^^^^^^^^^
                                                         Mod ID`
    
- Note down the Mod IDs of all mods you want to install

## Step 2: Enter Mod IDs in Startup Parameters

Open your server startup script and add the `GameModIds` parameter:

`start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=MyServer?GameModIds=731604991,123456789?MaxPlayers=20?Port=7777?QueryPort=27015 -log`
Multiple Mod IDs are separated by commas – **without spaces**.

## Step 3: Set Mod Load Order

The order of Mod IDs is important. Mods listed first are loaded first and have priority. Basic rules:

    - **Foundation mods first:** Structures, framework mods
- **Creatures and items next:** New dinos, weapons, armor
- **Overhauls last:** Mods that change many other things

## Step 4: Start Server and Let Mods Load

    - Start the server with the adjusted startup script
- The server downloads the mods automatically on first start
- This can take 5-30 minutes depending on mod size
- You can see the progress in the console

## Step 5: Inform Players

Players joining your server **don't need to manually install mods**. The server transmits the mod list automatically and players download the mods when connecting.

## The Most Important Mods for Every Server

    
        Mod
        Mod ID
        Function
    

    
        **Structures Plus (S+)**
        731604991
        Improved building system – more flexible placement, more building parts
    

    
        **Super Structures**
        1999447172
        Evolution of S+ – actively maintained
    

    
        **Awesome Spyglass**
        1404697612
        Advanced spyglass – shows dino stats directly
    

    
        **Dino Storage v2**
        1609138312
        Pokeball-like dino storage – saves server resources
    

    
        **Stacking Mod**
        Multiple
        Larger item stacks – less lag from individual items
    

## Updating Mods

    - ARK mods are updated automatically when the server restarts
- The server checks for new versions on startup and downloads them
- Players download the updated mods the next time they connect

## Common Problems

**Server won't start after mod installation:**

    - Wrong Mod ID? Check if the ID is correct
- Mod not compatible with current ARK version? Check the last update date
- Two mods incompatible? Try removing all mods except one for testing

**Players cannot join ("Mod mismatch"):**

    - Player hasn't downloaded the mods yet – wait
- Player has old mod version – restart ARK
- Server mod list has changed – player needs to restart ARK

**Mods load extremely slowly:**

    - Large mods (over 1 GB) take a long time the first time
- Players with slow internet connections need patience
- Install mods on SSD – HDD is the bottleneck here