Granting administrative privileges in ARK: Survival Evolved is the first critical step for anyone looking to build a stable, customized, and secure server. Whether you are setting up a private world for friends or launching a community-focused public server, understanding how to give admin rights correctly ensures smooth operations and better control over the game environment. This guide walks you through the entire process, from initial configuration to advanced permission management.
Understanding Admin Levels and Access Control
ARK uses a tiered admin system that defines what each authorized player can modify. Before assigning rights, it is essential to understand the hierarchy of control. The game distinguishes between basic players, admins, and owners, with the owner holding ultimate authority. Knowing these levels helps you structure your server team logically and avoid accidental overrides of critical settings.
Basic Player Access
These individuals can join the world and interact normally but cannot alter core mechanics or structures. They operate under the default permission level and are subject to all server rules enforced by higher-level staff.
Admin-Level Access
Authorized admins can bypass structures, tame creatures, and modify their inventory without restrictions. They are typically moderators or trusted helpers who manage daily operations and enforce rules without altering server-wide parameters.
Owner-Level Access
The owner account, usually linked to the Steam user who created the server, has absolute control. This level can change configuration files, manage backups, and even modify admin lists. Only trusted individuals should hold this status.
Method 1: Granting Admin Rights via In-Game Console
The most direct way to give admin privileges is through the in-game console, which requires you to be logged in as the server administrator. This method is ideal for small groups or local testing environments where you manage the user list manually.
Connect to your server using an admin-enabled account.
Open the console by pressing the designated key (usually Tab or ~).
Type the command admincheat addplayername STEAM_0:0:123456 , replacing the ID with that of the target player.
Verify the action by checking the player list for the updated permission status.
Method 2: Configuring the Players.ini File
For persistent admin assignments that survive server restarts, modifying the Players.ini file is the standard approach. This text file stores user permissions and must be edited carefully to prevent syntax errors that could block server launch.
Locate the file in your server directory under ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer . Open it with a plain text editor and locate the section for each user. You will assign a AdminRoles string that defines their access level. Below is a simplified representation of how these entries appear:
Steam ID | Admin Role | Permission Level
STEAM_0:0:123456 | Admin | 1
STEAM_0:1:789012 | Admin | 1
Ensure each line is correctly formatted, using commas to separate values and maintaining proper capitalization. Save the file and restart the server to apply the changes.
