How to install a custom map on an ARK server?

Ready to run a Workshop map on your ARK server? New biomes, fresh routes, zero boredom. Follow this step-by-step guide and get players in fast.

Prerequisites

• Access to your Oxygenserv panel (username and password)
• An ARK: Survival Evolved server on Oxygenserv, currently stopped
• Steam installed and logged in to access the Workshop
• Workshop page link OR the map’s Workshop ID and exact Map Name
• SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla) and SFTP access if you choose manual install
• Enough free disk space (plan 5–15 GB depending on the map)

Detailed steps

1. Grab the Workshop ID and exact Map Name
   In Steam, go Library → ARK: Survival Evolved → Workshop, then open the map’s page. Copy the Workshop ID from the URL, e.g., …?id=123456789 → the ID is 123456789. On the mod page, find the « Map Name » and copy it exactly as written (case matters), e.g., ExampleMap. Note: the public title often differs from the internal Map Name; the server needs the internal Map Name.
2. Method 1 — Install automatically from the panel
   Log into the Oxygenserv panel and open the « Mods » or « Workshop » tab. Paste the Workshop ID into the field and click the green « Install » button. Wait for the download to finish; large maps can take several minutes, you’ll see progress and a completion message. If you get « Failed to download », ensure the ID has no spaces and the mod is public.
3. Set the map on startup
   Open the « Startup » tab. In the « Server Map » (or « Map ») field, paste the exact Map Name, e.g., ExampleMap. For Workshop maps, also add the map’s ID to « GameModIds », e.g., 123456789 (multiple mods: 123456789,987654321). Click « Save », then restart; the console should show something like « Setting up map ‘ExampleMap’ » when it’s correct.
4. Start and test your connection
   Click « Restart ». From Steam, add your server to Favorites via IP:port (Query Port usually 27015; game port often 7777). Join and confirm the correct map is loaded. If you hang on loading or see « Map not found », double-check the Map Name spelling and that the Workshop installation completed.
5. Method 2 — Manual install via SFTP
   In Steam, right-click ARK → Manage → « Browse local files », then open the Workshop folder: steamapps/workshop/content/346110/. Open the folder matching the map ID; you should see a folder 123456789 and a file 123456789.mod (example). Connect to your server via SFTP and go to ShooterGame/Content/Mods/. Upload both the ID folder and the .mod file there; back in the panel, put the ID in « GameModIds » and the Map Name in « Server Map », save, and restart.
6. Fix common first-launch issues
   If the map won’t update, stop the server and delete ShooterGame/Content/Mods/123456789 and ShooterGame/Content/Mods/123456789.mod, then reinstall via Workshop. If you see « The map ‘X’ could not be found », it’s almost always a wrong Map Name: copy it from the mod page exactly. If mods redownload every boot, remove duplicate mod folders and keep a single version per ID. Also verify free disk space; full disks cause silent download failures.

Tips & optimization

Keep mods lean: each mod can add 30–90 seconds to startup, and maps are heavy. Put IDs in « GameModIds » comma-separated, no spaces: 111,222,333. Prefer auto install to benefit from Workshop auto-updates on restart. Keep a quick checklist: Workshop ID, Map Name, ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ present, « Server Map » and « GameModIds » set, ports 7777 and 27015 reachable. For major map patches, clear the map’s folder and .mod, then reinstall to avoid conflicts.

FAQ

Where do I find the exact Map Name?

On the map’s Workshop page, look for « Map Name » (often in the description). That internal name goes into « Server Map », e.g., Ragnarok or Valguero_P. Don’t use the marketing title. If unsure, check the mod’s documentation or comments.

Do I also need the map ID in GameModIds?

Yes, for most Workshop maps, add the ID to « GameModIds » in addition to setting the Map Name in « Server Map ». Example: GameModIds: 123456789 and Server Map: ExampleMap. Save and restart. Official DLC maps (e.g., CrystalIsles) don’t need a Workshop ID.

The server redownloads the map every start, is that normal?

No. Remove duplicates in ShooterGame/Content/Mods/ (both the folder and the .mod for that ID), check free disk space, then reinstall cleanly. Ensure each ID is listed only once in « GameModIds ». Restart and watch for « Workshop download complete » in logs.

Can I run multiple maps at once?

One ARK server loads only one map at a time. To offer multiple maps, create additional instances or a cluster and assign one map per instance. Just set the « Server Map » accordingly per instance.

How do I switch back to an official map?

Set « Server Map » to an official map, e.g., TheIsland or ScorchedEarth_P, and remove the Workshop map ID from « GameModIds ». Save and restart. The server will boot on the selected vanilla map.

You’re set to deploy custom ARK maps like a pro. Spin it up, test, tweak, and wow your players. Keep this guide handy for each key step.

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